Going to rehearsals is entering another crucial phase of the program, which, according to the tradition of the US Navy, is not covered with roses. USS John F. Kennedy was ordered in 2013 and his keel was laid at the Newport News Shipbuilding shipyard in 2015. Launching of the hull took place before the COVID-19 pandemic – in 2019. The goal was to deliver the unit in 2022. During this time, the US Navy was to receive a ship with incomplete capabilities, including no capability to operate aircraft [F-35C](https://defence24.pl/geopolitics/canada-resigns-from-f-35-i-closes-sie-to-chin-expert-responsible) which it was called to accomplish later. However, legislature demanded Kennedy enter the service with a full set of capabilities. That pushed the transportation deadline to 2024. It was then removed for 2025, 2026, until it yet stood in March or June 2026.
