Six tugboats guided the future John F. Kennedy about a mile down Virginia’s James River from Newport News Shipbuilding’s Dry Dock 12 to the installation’s Pier 3.

“This move is significant in that it represents a shift in focus from erecting the ship in dock to final completion and outfitting at the pier. It is also a testament to the amazing teamwork I see every day between Newport News Shipbuilding and the Navy as we work together to build Kennedy with valuable first-of-class lessons from the Ford,” said Mike Butler, program director for Kennedy.

Newport News Shipbuilding is the sole manufacturer of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.

Since first steel was cut in February 2011, more than 5,000 shipbuilders have helped to construct Kennedy, and suppliers from 46 states across the country have contributed specialized parts, skilled services and support to aircraft carrier production.

Maritime Business World