Regina Garcia
HII laid the keel for Enterprise (CVN 80), an Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier that is set to be the ninth U.S. Navy vessel to take on the USS Enterprise moniker.
The Newport News Shipbuilding division of HII is responsible for CVN 80 construction and led the lowering of the 688-ton keel unit into the dry dock, HII said Saturday.
The upcoming USS Enterprise is the third Ford-class aircraft carrier featuring new nuclear power plant, electromagnetic catapults, modernized weapons movement and flight deck as well as redesigned island. It is planned to take over the missions of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which is set for inactivation in 2029.
The initials of Olympic gold medalists and ship sponsors Simon Biles and Katie Ledecky were welded onto a steel plate, which will be placed on the aircraft carrier when it is fully assembled.
Speaking at the ceremony, Navy Under Secretary Erik Raven recognized the efforts of Newport News designers, builders and other team members to construct the aircraft carrier. “[The activities] were steps toward strengthening our naval and national greatness — especially when this ship sails the open seas to protect our nation’s interests.”
