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In a surprise move, US President Donald Trump has directed the US Navy to reconsider its plan for the future Ford-class carriers and instead opt for traditional steam catapults. The decision has significant implications for the construction of the USS Doris Miller (CVN-81), with the Electric Magnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) already nearly 50% complete on the vessel.
The shift in policy has raised eyebrows within naval circles, given the substantial investments made in the development and integration of EMALS. The system was designed to improve safety and efficiency by eliminating the need for steam and reducing wear and tear on aircraft carriers. Its implementation was also aimed at reducing the high operating costs associated with traditional steam catapults.
According to sources familiar with the matter, revising the USS Doris Miller to accommodate the new steam catapult system could cost billions of dollars and cause significant delays in the ship’s construction. This would not only impact the vessel itself but also the entire Class of carriers, potentially derailing the entire program.
The decision has sparked controversy among defense officials and analysts, who question the reasoning behind abandoning the EMALS system at this late stage. The EMALS has been in operation on the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) since its commissioning in 2017, with generally favorable reviews from the Navy and its personnel.
Critics argue that switching back to steam catapults would be a step backward and potentially compromise the safety and effectiveness of the aircraft carriers. They also point out that the shift would likely lead to unforeseen costs and logistical challenges, given the extensive infrastructure and personnel already built around the EMALS.
The Pentagon has not yet provided a comprehensive explanation for the decision, but it is understood that concerns about the EMALS’s reliability and maintenance requirements may have played a role. In response to the order, the Navy has issued a statement affirming its commitment to implementing the President’s directive, while also emphasizing its commitment to finding cost-saving and time-efficient solutions.
As the USS Doris Miller enters the critical phase of its construction, the implications of this decision are far-reaching. Observers will be closely watching the Navy’s response to this policy shift, which may have significant long-term implications for the future of the US Navy’s aircraft carriers.