In the News

Aircraft Carriers

 

Quick Facts About Aircraft Carriers:

  • Are the lead ship in Naval Battle Groups
  • Are the largest warships in the world, weighing over 90,000 tons
  • Tower 20 stories above the water line
  • Take 5 years to build - keel to delivery
  • Have been described as a "Floating City" of 6,000 personnel and about 80 aircraft
  • Have a 4-1/2 acre area flight deck
  • Are nearly as long as the Empire State Building is tall

Aircraft Carriers Built by NGSB

Aircraft Carrier Fleet Services / Refueling and Complex Overhaul

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News is the only shipyard to perform overhaul and refueling work on Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, a three-year project that includes the refueling of both the ship's reactors, as well as significant modernization work.

George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News is currently completing the 10th and final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). USS George H.W. Bush was commissioned on January 10, 2009 at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, which is where the final work before delivery will be done.

Gerald R. Ford-Class Aircraft Carriers

This next-generation aircraft carrier features an enhanced flight deck with increased sortie rates, improved weapons movement, a redesigned island, a new nuclear power plant, and growth margin for future technologies and reduced manning.