The USS John F. Kennedy returns to Naval Station Norfolk, in Virginia, on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, after its first sea trials. (Huntington Ingalls Industries)
A shooting aboard the future USS John F. Kennedy left one sailor dead and another in custody, the U.S. Navy confirmed Monday.
“At approximately 5:16 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, emergency personnel responded to an incident involving a firearm on board PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) that resulted in the death of Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Jesse Braswell,” a Navy spokesperson said.
The ship is currently docked at Newport News Shipyard, in Virginia.
The other sailor was placed in pretrial confinement, but charges have not yet been filed as the investigation remains active. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is leading the investigation.
“Our deepest condolences are with the Seaman Braswell’s family, friends and shipmates. Chaplain and counseling services are available on board and throughout the region for those affected,” the spokesperson said.
The John F. Kennedy is the second of 10 planned nuclear-powered Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers to be built by Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries.
The carrier is scheduled to be delivered and officially commissioned into the Navy in March 2027.
