GONZALES – In-Mar Systems and In-Mar Solutions, Louisiana-based designers and suppliers of critical marine equipment, announced today that the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), the U.S. Navy’s second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has successfully completed acceptance sea trials with In-Mar-supplied materials aboard the ship.
The John F. Kennedy completed acceptance sea trials on August 15, 2026, following additional testing and evaluation of important ship systems and components at sea. The milestone brings the carrier another step closer to joining the U.S. Navy fleet.
For In-Mar, the successful trials represent another milestone in the company’s long history of supporting U.S. Navy shipbuilding with dependable marine equipment and components designed for demanding operational environments.
“We’re proud to see equipment supplied by In-Mar aboard the John F. Kennedy as she moves through these important milestones,” said Glynn Grantham, President of In-Mar Systems. “Sea trials are where the equipment, systems and workmanship that go into a ship are ultimately put to the test. Supporting a carrier of this significance is a testament to the quality of the products we represent and the commitment of the people behind them.”
Supporting the Next Generation of U.S. Navy Ships
The John F. Kennedy, named for the former President who served as a Navy lieutenant during World War II, is the second Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier and represents the next generation of U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Built by HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, the carrier incorporates advanced technologies and capabilities intended to increase operational effectiveness while improving efficiency across the ship’s lifecycle.
The carrier successfully completed builder’s sea trials earlier in 2026, during which ship systems and components were tested at sea for the first time. Acceptance sea trials provided another opportunity for shipbuilders, sailors, and Navy personnel to test and evaluate ship systems and overall ship operations. With acceptance trials complete, the next major step is preliminary acceptance, which will enable the Navy to begin testing and evaluation of Kennedy’s unique systems. Current Navy planning calls for the carrier to be delivered to the Navy in 2027.
“Reliability at sea is non-negotiable,” Grantham said. “That principle is at the center of everything we do. Our customers depend on marine equipment to perform in environments where there is no room for failure, and we take that responsibility seriously.”
A Louisiana Supplier Supporting the Maritime Industrial Base
With more than 45 years of experience serving U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and commercial maritime customers, In-Mar has developed a portfolio of marine equipment focused on ship safety, damage control, visibility, and operational reliability.
Core offerings include marine off-board firefighting systems by Fire Fighting Systems (FFS), as well as heavy-duty window wiper and wash systems by Wynn Marine and B. Hepworth. In-Mar has also expanded its product portfolio to include helm chairs and marine seating by Alu Design and marine window shades by Solar Solve. These products support a broad range of shipboard requirements, from firefighting and damage control to bridge visibility, ergonomics, and crew effectiveness.
The company’s participation in major U.S. shipbuilding programs – including equipment for previous Naval vessels through the CVN-67 – reflects the important role played by suppliers throughout the American maritime industrial base. While the shipbuilder and major systems manufacturers receive much of the attention surrounding a new carrier, thousands of companies and workers contribute the equipment, components, materials and specialized expertise required to construct and outfit these complex vessels.
“Modern naval ships are the result of an enormous industrial team,” Grantham said. “We’re proud that a Louisiana company like In-Mar can contribute to that effort and support the people building and operating the Navy’s newest ships.”
Looking Ahead
The completion of acceptance sea trials for the John F. Kennedy comes as the U.S. maritime industry continues to focus on expanding shipbuilding capacity and strengthening the domestic industrial base. For In-Mar, the milestone reinforces the company’s commitment to serving customers throughout the U.S. Navy and broader maritime industry with proven products and responsive support.
“As shipbuilding evolves, our goal is to continue evolving with it,” Grantham said. “We will keep expanding our capabilities and product lines while staying focused on what has always defined In-Mar: dependable solutions for demanding marine environments.”
About In-Mar Systems and In-Mar Solutions
In-Mar Systems and In-Mar Solutions are Louisiana-based manufacturers, agents, and distributors of marine equipment serving U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and commercial maritime customers for over 45 years. The company supplies a range of shipboard systems focused on safety, visibility, and operational reliability. Learn more at inmarsystems.com.