Trump orders US aircraft carriers to go back to steam catapults
President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy to return to using steam catapults to launch planes off of aircraft carriers, acting on a long-time complaint despite opposition from many naval officers. In a presidential memorandum, Trump ordered US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to come up with a plan within 60 days on what would be needed to use hydraulic catapults in the next Gerald Ford-class…
President Donald Trump has directed the US Navy to revert to utilizing steam catapults for launching aircraft from aircraft carriers, despite opposition from many naval officers. In a presidential memorandum, Trump instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to develop a plan within 60 days outlining the necessary adjustments for incorporating hydraulic catapults in the USS Doris Miller, the fourth vessel in the six-ship Gerald R. Ford class.
The Navy has faced challenges with its electromagnetic system for launching jets from the USS Gerald R. Ford, a problem Trump has frequently criticized. Following a complaint from a servicemember, Trump stated that steam catapults are preferable, as they can be fixed with basic tools. This decision is expected to incur significant costs, as the future carriers will require extensive modifications to accommodate steam catapults.
The memorandum also outlines Trump's plans to revive US shipbuilding, including the construction of a fifth Navy shipyard and the development of a new acquisition approach for subs and convoy escort ships.
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