Trump sends the US Navy back to the steam age

President Trump has directed the US Navy to revisit the use of steam and hydraulic systems in place of advanced electromagnetic technologies on future aircraft carriers. The order, issued through a presidential memorandum, task the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Navy with devising plans to replace the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Weapons Elevators on the USS Doris Miller (CVN-81) with traditional steam and hydraulic mechanisms.

These changes are part of a wider effort to modernize shipbuilding within the US Navy, an institution often criticized for its perceived sluggish pace and outdated methods. EMALS, which uses a linear induction motor to launch aircraft, has been plagued by technical difficulties since its introduction on the USS Gerald R Ford (CVN-78), leading to instances where the carrier was unable to launch planes.

Similarly, the Advanced Weapons Elevators, also utilizing linear motors, have encountered issues. The White House was asked if the directive would apply to all future US carriers, but only provided a reference to the specific CVN-81. In addition to this, the memorandum includes directives to establish a fifth naval shipyard to boost repair capacity, look into foreign involvement in shipbuilding, and outline a new competitive acquisition strategy for US Navy vessels.