John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) returned to Newport News Shipbuilding yesterday following successful builder’s sea trials. A team of shipbuilders and the CVN 79 crew spent a week at sea testing important ship systems and components for the first time.

This milestone is a testament to the grit and dedication of NNS shipbuilders like you.

It’s important for us all to celebrate this moment and acknowledge the tremendous amount of work that made it possible. But we also must recognize that there is so much more to do – on Kennedy and the other vessels under construction at NNS.

Our Navy and our nation are depending on us, and we must commit to answering the call every time with urgency, safety and quality in mind.

Congratulations, shipbuilders, for successful sea trials! Please take a moment to watch this video celebrating this milestone.