Photo By Seaman Kaitlyn Bailey | An MH-60R Seahawk escorts Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) as it departs for Acceptance Trials on August 12, 2026. Acceptance Trials is a series of crew-led test events designed to demonstrate to the U.S. Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey that the ship is constructed in accordance with contract specifications, and that the crew is adequately trained to conduct operations at sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kaitlyn Bailey) see less
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PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) Completes Acceptance Trials
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Aug. 15, 2026) – PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) successfully completed Acceptance Trails following a four-day underway.
Acceptance Trials is a significant milestone in the path to delivering the Nation’s next aircraft carrier and ensure John F. Kennedy is constructed in accordance with contract specifications, and that the crew is adequately trained to conduct operations at sea.
Upon completion of Acceptance Trials, John F. Kennedy returned to HII-Newport News Shipbuilding.
Testing included a variety of ship’s abilities from high-speed maneuvers, precision anchoring, and small boat operations.
Commanding Officer Captain Doug Langenberg expressed his pride in every Sailor who contributed to Acceptance Trails.
“I’m so proud of the hard-working patriots who are contributing to every evolution that pushes this ship closer to life,” said Capt. Doug Langenberg, commanding officer of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). “As we finish another major milestone, we must keep charging forward to achieve to get this warship delivered to the Fleet.”
With the successful completion of Acceptance Trials, the next step is Preliminary Acceptance which will enable the Navy to begin underway tests and evaluation of unique systems, allowing the crew to gain operational proficiency.
