Feb. 9, 2015 – Pipefitter Trevin Wilson works outdoors on USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). Photo by John Whalen Post date September 2, 2020 ← Nov. 25, 2013 – A unit for the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) rests on the final assembly platen at Newport News Shipbuilding. Photo by Chris Oxley → Nov 14, 2009 – Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President Gerald R. Ford, served as the ship’s sponsor and keel authenticator for the ceremony. Bales authenticated the keel by chalking her initials onto a metal plate. (Left to right) Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus; U.S. Senator Carl Levin, (D-Mich); Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion, Adm. Kirkland Donald; Ship Sponsor Susan Ford Bales; and Corporate Vice President and President of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Mike Petters.