Trump allows Navy to build ships abroad, orders return to steam catapults on carriers

On August 13, President Donald Trump issued a national security memorandum allowing the U.S. Navy to construct ships abroad and reinstating the use of steam catapults on aircraft carriers. This decision, which will affect the fourth ship in the Gerald R Ford class, is expected to incur significant costs in the billions of dollars.

The switch from the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) to steam catapults is anticipated to provide cheaper and more effective functionality. The Doris Miller, the fourth ship in the Ford-class, is scheduled to have its keel laid by the end of 2026 with delivery by the Navy in early 2034. While EMALS was initially touted as a cost-effective and maintenance-friendly system, it has faced issues in its initial stages.

Despite this, General Atomics, the maker of EMALS, has expressed concerns about the decision to revert to steam catapults, citing significant costs, schedule, and integration risks. The policy change also allows foreign shipbuilders with substantial investments in U.S. shipyards to temporarily build up to two ships in their home yards, temporarily bridging gaps in the domestic shipbuilding process.