Photo Type: Building the Ford Class

Feb. 9, 2015 – Pipefitter Trevin Wilson works outdoors on USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). Photo by John Whalen

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

Dec. 2, 2013 – Apprentice shipfitter Daniel Polson works on a unit for the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) under construction at Newport News Shipbuilding. Photo by Chris Oxley,

Aug. 15, 2013 – Machinist Stuart Roes on the main engine foundation for the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) in the Newport News Shipbuilding machine shop. Photo by Chris Oxley

Mar 16, 2011 – Foundry workers begin a steel pour to cast anchor bolsters for the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) at Newport News Shipbuilding. Photo by John Whalen

Feb. 25, 2011 – The Commemorative First Cut of Steel Ceremony for the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is held at Newport News Shipbuilding. Photo by Chris Oxley

June 16, 2015 – Ship’s Sponsor Susan Ford Bales participated in a demonstration of the new electromagnetic catapults on the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), giving the signal to launch weighted sleds off the ship into the James River. Photo by Chris Oxley

June 16, 2015 – Ship’s Sponsor Susan Ford Bales participated in a demonstration of the new electromagnetic catapults on the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), giving the signal to launch weighted sleds off the ship into the James River. Photo by Chris Oxley

Feb. 6, 2015 – The sun rises over the south end of the shipyard, featuring Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and the VASCIC building. Photo by Ricky Thompson

Nov. 17, 2013 – The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) floats in the James River after being launched from dry dock at Newport News Shipbuilding. Photo by Chris Oxley