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Trump Demands Return to Steam Power for Carriers

10/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the Ford-class aircraft carriers' electromagnetic systems as vulnerable to water damage during a speech aboard the U.S.S. George Washington on October 28, 2025.
He said he would sign an executive order mandating a return to steam-powered catapults and hydraulic elevators.
Construction of ten Ford-class carriers continues at a Norfolk, Virginia shipyard, including the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy and U.S.S. Enterprise.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the Ford-class aircraft carriers' electromagnetic systems as vulnerable to water damage during a speech aboard the U.S.S. George Washington on October 28, 2025.
He said he would sign an executive order mandating a return to steam-powered catapults and hydraulic elevators.
Construction of ten Ford-class carriers continues at a Norfolk, Virginia shipyard, including the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy and U.S.S. Enterprise.