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White House Orders 60-Day Plan to Replace CVN-81 Catapults

8/16/2026

40 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The White House memorandum requires the U.S. Navy to file a 60-day plan to replace CVN-81 catapults with steam.
The memo cites shipbuilding setbacks from overly complex designs and orders proven, affordable technologies.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates each carrier at $22 billion.
The Ford-class program includes four ships and plans up to ten carriers to replace the Nimitz-class.

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Story summary

The White House memorandum requires the U.S. Navy to file a 60-day plan to replace CVN-81 catapults with steam.
The memo cites shipbuilding setbacks from overly complex designs and orders proven, affordable technologies.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates each carrier at $22 billion.
The Ford-class program includes four ships and plans up to ten carriers to replace the Nimitz-class.