Caroline Kennedysmashed a bottle of sparkling wine across a $11.4 billion ship on Saturday in Virginia, officially christening the new U.S. aircraft carrier named in her father’s honor.
“I’m so proud to be the sponsor of this ship and bring her to life,” Caroline said, the UPI reported. “The CVN 79 crew is fortunate to have such distinguished leaders. This is your day, and our chance to say thank you.”
This is the second time Caroline, now 62, has christened a ship named for her dad, who was in the Navy before becoming a politician,according to theDaily Press.
Steve Helber/AP/Shutterstock
The gigantic ship is about 1,100 feet long and is able to carry up to 90 aircraft, according to UPI.
“Today is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a day that forever changed the lives of brave American warriors like John F. Kennedy and transformed the way we fought as a Navy,” Thomas B. Modly, the acting secretary of the Navy, reportedly said Saturday.
“Much has changed over the past 78 years, but our nation, and our world, still needs brave American sailors like the ones who will operate and serve on this ship,” he continued. “Kennedy knew what it meant to serve, to lead, and to sacrifice and his legacy will continue with you.”
According to the UPI, the ship’s construction began with a “first cut of steel” ceremony in 2011 and has had more than 3,000 shipbuilders working on it throughout the last eight years.
Caroline Kennedy smashes a bottle of sparkling wine on the new John F. Kennedy ship during a ceremony Saturday.
Caroline Kennedy smashes a bottle of sparkling wine on the new John F. Kennedy Navy ship.Steve Helber/AP/Shutterstock
The John F. Kennedy is expected to have a working lifespan of about 50 years, according to UPI. Its seal “displays future naval aviation capabilities that the aircraft carrier will likely support throughout its estimated 50-year service life,”accordingto Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg of Naval Air Force Atlantic.
The ship is currently three months ahead of schedule and is expected to see use from the Navy as soon as next year, according to UPI.
UPI reported that the John F. Kennedy is the second in the Navy’s new Gerald Ford class of aircraft carriers, which are replacing the current class of ships and will reduce spending with modern technologies onboard.
source: people.com
