Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Newport News has received a $336-million US Navy contract to procure long-lead-time materials for construction of the future USS William J. Clinton (CVN 82) aircraft carrier.
The undefinitized contract enables HII to begin procuring long-lead-time components and materials years ahead of the ship’s construction. The $336 million represents the contract’s maximum ceiling, while the US Navy and HII negotiate the final price.
The navy will obligate $336 million in Fiscal Year 2026 shipbuilding and conversion funds at the time of award. The funding will remain available beyond the end of the fiscal year. Contract work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, and is expected to continue through March 2039.
USS William J. Clinton
The future USS William J. Clinton (CVN 82) will be the fifth Ford-class aircraft carrier, following the commissioned USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), USS Enterprise (CVN 80), and USS Doris Miller (CVN 81). CVN 78 was laid in 2009, CVN 79 in 2015, and CVN 80 in 2022, reflecting the program’s multiyear production cadence.
CVN 82 is currently estimated to enter service between 2036 and 2040, although the timeline remains subject to change. Like its sister ships, it is expected to displace about 100,000 tons, measure roughly 1,100 feet (335 meters), and use two A1B nuclear reactors.
Compared with the preceding Nimitz class, the Gerald R. Ford class features an improved flight-deck layout, electromagnetic rather than steam catapults, advanced weapons elevators, improved radar and electrical systems, and greater automation. These changes are designed to increase sortie generation while reducing crew requirements and lifecycle operating costs.