US Navy Reconsiders Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier Design As Trump Seeks World War II-Era Look
Our take
The reported reconsideration of the Ford-class aircraft carrier design, spurred by a directive seeking a return to World War II-era aesthetics, represents a significant, and potentially destabilizing, shift in naval strategy and technological investment. The Ford-class, while facing its own set of challenges—as evidenced by the [US Navy’s 100,000-Ton Aircraft Carrier John F. Kennedy Completes Acceptance Sea Trials]—represents a substantial technological leap forward from previous Nimitz-class carriers. A reversion to older designs, particularly one driven by aesthetic preference rather than demonstrable operational advantage, introduces considerable risk. Furthermore, the timing of this potential overhaul coincides with ongoing debates regarding propulsion systems, as highlighted by the recent order to reinstate steam catapults on future carriers, as reported in [USS John F Kennedy Begins Sea Trials as Trump Orders Steam Catapults for Next Aircraft Carrier]. These shifts underscore a broader pattern of policy adjustments that appear to prioritize historical precedent over contemporary naval requirements, potentially impacting long-term fleet readiness and strategic capabilities.
The core issue isn't simply about the appearance of a warship; it’s about the substantial engineering and operational consequences of such a dramatic design change. The Ford-class incorporates advanced technologies like the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), designed to improve aircraft launch rates, reduce maintenance demands, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Abandoning these innovations in favor of a retrofitted design would likely negate many of the benefits that justified the Ford-class’s development in the first place. The cost implications are staggering; estimates suggest billions of dollars would be required to redesign and retrofit new carriers, funds that could be better allocated to addressing existing issues with the Ford-class or investing in other crucial naval assets. The protracted construction times already plaguing the program, as detailed in [250 Days At Sea Forces US Navy To Replace Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln], would undoubtedly be exacerbated by such a fundamental change in design, potentially delaying the delivery of critical assets and weakening national security.
Beyond the immediate financial and logistical burdens, this decision raises broader questions about the Navy's long-term modernization strategy. The modern naval landscape demands adaptability and technological superiority to counter evolving threats, including sophisticated anti-ship missiles and advanced aerial platforms. Prioritizing historical aesthetics over cutting-edge technology risks creating a fleet that is less effective in confronting these challenges. The emphasis on a World War II-era aesthetic also neglects the evolving nature of naval warfare, where unmanned systems, cyber warfare, and information dominance are increasingly critical components. A focus on traditional carrier designs may inadvertently hinder the integration of these emerging technologies, leaving the Navy vulnerable to adversaries who are actively investing in these areas. The concept of "ocean intelligence," a cornerstone of future naval operations, relies on sophisticated sensor networks and data processing capabilities—capabilities that are intrinsically linked to the advanced designs of modern warships.
Ultimately, the Navy's decision to potentially overhaul the Ford-class design highlights the complex interplay between political directives, technological innovation, and strategic imperatives. While acknowledging the historical significance of past naval designs is important, it should not come at the expense of operational effectiveness and future-proofing the fleet. The implications of this decision extend far beyond the design of a single class of aircraft carrier; it signals a potential shift in the Navy's overall approach to modernization and its ability to adapt to the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. A crucial question remains: will this pivot towards historical aesthetics prove to be a strategic misstep, hindering the Navy’s ability to maintain its global maritime dominance, or will it be re-evaluated as a short-term adjustment with unforeseen benefits?
The U.S. Navy is looking at whether to redesign its Ford-class aircraft carriers so they look more like the warships used during World War II.
The change could cost billions of dollars and add further delays to a carrier programme that has already faced long construction times.
The review includes a possible change to the position of the carrier’s large command tower, known as the “island”.
According to a Washington Post report published Saturday, the Navy is considering moving the island farther forward, toward the middle of the ship.
The Ford-class carriers currently have the island closer to the rear. The review follows concerns from President Donald Trump about the appearance of the newer carriers.
Navy considers moving carrier command tower
The Navy looked at moving the island during Trump’s first term. A former senior U.S. official told the Washington Post that the earlier study found the change could cost billions of dollars and cause major delays.
“It came back that the cost and time to do so would just be extraordinary,” the former official said.
The current review is still at an early stage, and it is not clear how or when the Navy could make any changes.
Bryan Clark, a senior fellow and director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute, said moving the island would be a major redesign. He said it would also affect the carrier’s weight and buoyancy.
“You could change it,” Clark said, “but it’s very disruptive.”
Three officials told the Washington Post that the island was placed toward the rear of the Ford-class carriers for operational reasons.
The current design gives aircraft more space to park near the catapults. It can also reduce launch times and lower turbulence during aircraft landings.
White House also wants changes to carrier catapults
The island review comes shortly after the White House directed the Navy to reconsider some of the technology used on future aircraft carriers.
A national security presidential memorandum issued Thursday calls for a plan to remove the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, known as EMALS, from the future USS Doris Miller, or CVN-81.
The plan would also remove advanced bomb elevators and return the carrier to older steam-powered and hydraulic systems.
The memorandum, titled “Rebuilding the United States Navy and America’s Shipbuilding Industrial Base,” says the Navy has faced cost increases, delays and cancellations because of complex designs and repeated design changes.
The administration said it wants the Navy to rely more on “proven, reliable, and affordable technologies and ship designs.”
Defense officials have 60 days to prepare a plan covering the proposed changes, including their costs and timelines.
General Atomics, the California company that won a $1.2 billion contract to build EMALS for the carrier, said the decision should be reconsidered.
“With nearly 50 percent of production complete, changing course now would introduce significant cost, schedule and integration risks,” the company said Thursday.
Clark said steam catapults are no longer being produced and that the Navy bought its last set about 20 years ago.
Ford-class carriers already have long construction times
The Ford-class programme has already faced lengthy construction schedules.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the first ship in the class, took 17 years to build. The construction was delayed in part by the introduction of new technologies.
The carrier also introduced EMALS, which the Navy has said has been highly effective.
Four Ford-class carriers are currently planned: the USS Gerald R. Ford, which is active; the USS John F. Kennedy, which had completed acceptance sea trials; and the USS Enterprise and USS Doris Miller, which are under construction.
The Navy plans to eventually build up to 10 Ford-class carriers to replace the Nimitz-class fleet.
The Congressional Budget Office has projected that future carriers could cost about $22 billion each.
Carrier faces extended Middle East deployment
The proposed design changes come as U.S. carriers are also facing extended deployments in the Middle East amid the ongoing war in Iran.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has spent an extended period in the region. The source material says the carrier has been there for more than 200 days without a port call, while another account puts its deployment at more than 260 days.
Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about conditions aboard the carrier.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, wrote to Defense Secretary Hegseth and acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao on Wednesday. He cited reports of supply shortages, water contamination and worsening mental health among personnel aboard the Lincoln.
The Navy’s review of the Ford-class island is still ongoing, and no final decision to move the command tower has been reported.
Separately, the administration has given defense officials 60 days to provide a plan for changing the launch and weapons-handling systems on the future USS Doris Miller, including the expected costs and timeline.
References: The Hill, Independent
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