US carrier Kennedy completes first F-35C recovery and EMALS launch
The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) completed its first F-35C landing and EMALS launch on October 13, 2026, the first such recovery on a Gerald R. Ford-class carrier. The Navy's preliminary acceptance came September 29, 2026, with delivery scheduled for spring 2027.
- First F-35C landing on a Ford-class carrier took place October 13, 2026
- Navy granted preliminary acceptance of the ship on September 29, 2026
- Delivery to the Navy is scheduled for spring 2027
- Kennedy was designed from the start to operate the F-35C
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