If the testing process were to slip further, "there's not a lot of leeway" to reach a decision on full-rate production by the end of fiscal 2023, Lt. Gen. Eric Fick said.
Testing for unvaccinated active duty sailors started Nov. 28. For sailors in the Navy Reserve, testing will commence Dec. 28, once the command has the appropriate testing supplies.
Next up for the aircraft carrier are full ship shock trials that are slated for this summer, followed by a planned incremental availability scheduled for September through February 2022.