NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Gibsonville, North Carolina, native assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) will participate in the christening of the U.S. Navy’s second Ford-class aircraft carrier during a ceremony in Newport News, Dec. 7.
The Navy will christen its newest aircraft carrier on Saturday, Dec 7, 2019, during a ceremony at the Huntington-Ingalls Industries, Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) shipyard in Newport News.
Engineman Fire Apprentice Lee Daniels, who is assigned to PCU John F. Kennedy joined the U.S. Navy in May 2019 marks his future duty station on the second Ford-class aircraft carrier. Daniels, who hails from a long lineage of military service discussed what pride of service means to him.
“Being a part of PCU John F. Kennedy is the most humbling experience I can ask for as a fireman,” said Daniels. “Being chosen to serve on board gives me the most sense of pride any man or woman could ask for.”
Daniels’ great grandfather served in World War II in Pearl Harbor, and his grandfather served in the U.S. Army during the Korea war.
On Nov. 6, nearly a month earlier, the crew of PCU John F. Kennedy officially revealed the carrier’s seal. The seal is crafted to integrate elements that honor President John. F. Kennedy, his service to the Navy, and his vision for space exploration.
It features 35 stars located around the outer ring that represent John F. Kennedy as our nation’s 35th president. The 35th star is positioned after his middle initial and the two gold stars placed between CVN and the number 79 symbolize the fact that this is the second aircraft carrier bearing his name and legacy.
The Roman numeral “CIX” or 109, is a tribute to President Kennedy’s heroic naval service as commander of Patrol Boat 109 in the South Pacific. Additionally, the moon backdrop represents President Kennedy’s instrumental role in the nation’s space program.
“John F. Kennedy displayed extraordinary courage, both in combat as a naval officer, and as president of the United States,” said Capt. Todd Marzano, the ship’s first Commanding Officer. “The seal design and ship’s motto are a very powerful and fitting way to honor President Kennedy’s legacy.”
Anchoring these and other elements on the seal is the ship’s motto – Serve with Courage. Daniels discussed what Serving with Courage means to him.
“Very early on my mother taught me how to be courageous, she worked during the day and took classes at night while fighting cancer at the same time,” said Daniels. “I’m here for myself and to make my mother proud. She always said to do something great in my life, so I joined the U.S. Navy.”
Other recent milestones PCU John F. Kennedy have completed include the ship’s dry dock was flooded on Oct. 29, officially launching the aircraft carrier approximately three months early to the original schedule. The ship's keel was laid on Aug. 22, 2015, and placement of the 588-metric ton island superstructure was completed on May 29, 2019.
PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is the second aircraft carrier in the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)-class. With its embarked air wing and other carrier strike group assets, CVN 79 will serve as the centerpiece of national defense, providing the core capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance.
Engineman Fire Apprentice Lee Daniels, who is assigned to PCU John F. Kennedy joined the U.S. Navy in May 2019 marks his future duty station on the second Ford-class aircraft carrier. Daniels, who hails from a long lineage of military service discussed what pride of service means to him.
“Being a part of PCU John F. Kennedy is the most humbling experience I can ask for as a fireman,” said Daniels. “Being chosen to serve on board gives me the most sense of pride any man or woman could ask for.”
Daniels’ great grandfather served in World War II in Pearl Harbor, and his grandfather served in the U.S. Army during the Korea war.
On Nov. 6, nearly a month earlier, the crew of PCU John F. Kennedy officially revealed the carrier’s seal. The seal is crafted to integrate elements that honor President John. F. Kennedy, his service to the Navy, and his vision for space exploration.
It features 35 stars located around the outer ring that represent John F. Kennedy as our nation’s 35th president. The 35th star is positioned after his middle initial and the two gold stars placed between CVN and the number 79 symbolize the fact that this is the second aircraft carrier bearing his name and legacy.
The Roman numeral “CIX” or 109, is a tribute to President Kennedy’s heroic naval service as commander of Patrol Boat 109 in the South Pacific. Additionally, the moon backdrop represents President Kennedy’s instrumental role in the nation’s space program.
“John F. Kennedy displayed extraordinary courage, both in combat as a naval officer, and as president of the United States,” said Capt. Todd Marzano, the ship’s first Commanding Officer. “The seal design and ship’s motto are a very powerful and fitting way to honor President Kennedy’s legacy.”
Anchoring these and other elements on the seal is the ship’s motto – Serve with Courage. Daniels discussed what Serving with Courage means to him.
“Very early on my mother taught me how to be courageous, she worked during the day and took classes at night while fighting cancer at the same time,” said Daniels. “I’m here for myself and to make my mother proud. She always said to do something great in my life, so I joined the U.S. Navy.”
Other recent milestones PCU John F. Kennedy have completed include the ship’s dry dock was flooded on Oct. 29, officially launching the aircraft carrier approximately three months early to the original schedule. The ship's keel was laid on Aug. 22, 2015, and placement of the 588-metric ton island superstructure was completed on May 29, 2019.
PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is the second aircraft carrier in the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)-class. With its embarked air wing and other carrier strike group assets, CVN 79 will serve as the centerpiece of national defense, providing the core capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance.