Story perspectives

Trump Orders Ford Carriers to Reinstate Steam Catapults

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump ordered the Navy to reinstate steam catapults on Ford-class carriers and to review moving the island.
Hudson Institute senior fellow Bryan Clark warned moving the island could cost billions and delay carriers, noting Ford-class ships cost $13 billion, $15 billion and $18 billion.
Admiral Gary Roughead said EMALS are superior because they launch varied aircraft weights, yet shipyards would need new trades to rebuild steam catapults.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump ordered the Navy to reinstate steam catapults on Ford-class carriers and to review moving the island.
Hudson Institute senior fellow Bryan Clark warned moving the island could cost billions and delay carriers, noting Ford-class ships cost $13 billion, $15 billion and $18 billion.
Admiral Gary Roughead said EMALS are superior because they launch varied aircraft weights, yet shipyards would need new trades to rebuild steam catapults.