Full Breakdown
Trump-Ordered Redesign of Ford-Class Aircraft Carriers
8/16/2026, 9:20:29 PM
Core Event: Redesign Mandate and Island Relocation Review
A White House national-security memorandum directs the U.S. Navy to redesign future Ford-class carriers to relocate the multistory command-center “island” toward the ship’s mid-section, echoing World War II-era layouts, and replace the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) with legacy steam catapults on the forthcoming USS Doris Miller (CVN-81). The memo gives Navy officials 60 days to submit a plan outlining costs, schedule impacts, and technical steps for the changes.
Background & Context
The Ford-class program introduced EMALS and advanced catapult-launch technology to improve sortie rates and reduce air-deck turbulence. The lead ship, USS Gerald R. Ford, required 17 years to complete, partly because of integrating EMALS. The Navy has already fielded EMALS on the first three vessels (USS Gerald R. Ford, USS John F. Kennedy, USS Enterprise). President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a preference for carrier silhouettes that resemble those of the 1940s, prompting the current review of island placement and launch-system technology.
Data & Statistics
- The Congressional Budget Office projects future Ford-class carriers to cost roughly $22 billion each.
- The USS Gerald R. Ford’s construction spanned 17 years.
- The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed in the Middle East for over 260 days without a port call.
- The memorandum requires a 60-day submission window for the redesign plan.
- Moving the island would eliminate three operational benefits identified by Navy officials: additional aircraft parking spaces, reduced launch time, and lower turbulence during landings.
Official Statements & Responses
- It orders the replacement of EMALS with “proven, reliable, and affordable” steam and hydraulic systems for CVN-81.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You could change it, but it’s very disruptive,” — Thursday. Bryan Clark
What’s Next
The Navy must deliver a redesign plan within the 60-day window stipulated by the memorandum. The plan will detail engineering modifications, supply-chain adjustments for steam catapults, and projected cost overruns. The redesign applies only to CVN-81; the first three Ford-class ships will retain EMALS. Future administrations may revisit the directive, with some analysts suggesting a possible reversal after the 2028 election cycle.
