Trump's Aircraft Carrier Changes Draw Warnings of Higher Costs, Delays
Trump's plans for aircraft carriers face criticism from analysts and contractors concerned about costs and construction delays.
President Donald Trump's directive to alter the design of the USS Doris Miller, an upcoming Ford-class aircraft carrier, has sparked concerns among defense analysts. The changes, which include replacing the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) with steam catapults and hydraulic systems, could lead to increased costs, construction delays, and even reverse previously implemented Navy design decisions.
The Washington Post reports that Navy officials are also considering relocating the island, or command tower, on Ford-class carriers to better align with Trump's aesthetic preferences. This move could be highly disruptive and costly, according to Bryan Clark, a former Navy officer and defense analyst at the Hudson Institute. The debate has intensified as the Navy faces shipbuilding delays and maintenance backlogs across multiple programs.
Critics, including Senator Mark Kelly, argue that redesigning ships already under construction would be highly unusual and disruptive, questioning whether the proposed changes are worth the potential disruptions.
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