Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), the sole designer and builder of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers for the United States Navy, has initiated advanced construction work for the new USS Enterprise (CVN 80), marking a significant milestone in modern naval shipbuilding.

The company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division began the process by cutting a 35-ton steel plate, which will form part of the aircraft carrier’s foundation.

The ceremonial event, which heralds the first construction milestone of the ship, was attended by ship’s sponsors and U.S. Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky, along with various dignitaries including Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., and Rear Adm. Brian K. Antonio, program executive officer for aircraft carriers.

Simone Biles, aligning her own values of patriotism and pride with the attributes of the U.S. Navy’s ships, drew a connection to her father’s 21-year service in the U.S. Air Force, emphasizing discipline, determination, and dedication.

Katie Ledecky echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for the freedom that allows athletes like her to compete, which is safeguarded by the U.S. military might that ships like the USS Enterprise represent.

This new vessel, which carries the legendary name Enterprise, is the ninth ship to bear the title and is part of the Gerald R. Ford-class of aircraft carriers.

HII received a $152,005,409 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the initial advance procurement that includes integrated design, research and development, engineering, and procurement of long lead time materials.

The contract award for the detailed design and construction of CVN 80 is expected in 2018, with the work to be carried out in Newport News, Virginia, slated for completion by March of the same year.

This third Ford-class aircraft carrier promises increased efficiencies and innovative construction techniques.

HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin stated that the ship will be constructed using digital technology, moving away from traditional paper work packages and drawings.

This shift is aimed at revolutionizing shipbuilding, reminiscent of how the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the predecessor CVN 65, transformed the industry.

The Ford-class carriers are set to replace the older Nimitz-class and boast a series of advancements, including a new nuclear power plant, a redesigned island, electromagnetic catapults, improved weapons movement, and an enhanced flight deck capable of increased aircraft sortie rates.

Importantly, these carriers will operate with a smaller crew, providing the Navy with $4 billion in total ownership cost savings over the ship’s lifetime.

Aircraft carriers like the USS Enterprise play a crucial role in the U.S. Navy’s defense strategy, symbolizing American power and providing sovereign, mobile territory. These vessels are instrumental in ensuring the protection of global sea lanes and supporting the global economy.

The announcement of this contract is a testament to HII’s unmatched expertise in carrier design and construction and underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting the U.S. Navy’s mission and enhancing the nation’s maritime capabilities.

Relevant articles:
– Huntington Ingalls Wins $152M Contract for USS Enterprise, Yahoo News UK
– HHI Wins Initial $152M for Third Ford, Defense aerospace
– USS Enterprise – GovCon Wire, GovCon Wire
– HII Cuts First Steel for Third Ford, Defense aerospace