A heated debate is unfolding in Washington regarding the future of the American fleet. According to recent statements from the White House, the Trump administration, having returned to power, has prioritized the restoration of a powerful maritime industrial base. This decision has become a catalyst for a series of radical executive orders aimed at changing the strategy for building and repairing the US Navy.
Abandoning Innovation: Returning to Steam Catapults on CVN-81
One of the most resonant decisions was the requirement voiced in a new Department of Defense memorandum. The document mandates presenting a plan within 60 days to replace the advanced Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and modern weapon elevators with traditional steam and hydraulic analogues. This decision will affect the aircraft carrier USS Doris Miller (CVN-81), the fourth ship of the Gerald R. Ford class.
The decision appears paradoxical against the backdrop of current technologies; however, as sources in the administration explain, it is dictated by the need to simplify logistics and reduce maintenance costs. The keel laying for CVN-81 is scheduled for late 2026, with commissioning expected in 2034. The transition to time-tested technologies is intended to eliminate the risk of construction delays, which often plague projects with the newest systems.
Infrastructure Expansion: The Fifth Public Shipyard
The second pillar of the new strategy is the creation of a fifth public naval shipyard. Currently, the US Navy has four key bases: in Norfolk (Virginia), Portland (Maine), Bremerton (Washington), and Honolulu (Hawaii). The new shipyard is intended to relieve pressure on existing capacities and increase the pace of submarine and aircraft carrier repairs.
The Secretary of Defense has been tasked with presenting a detailed plan for the placement of new infrastructure within 120 days. Priority is given to regions of the Pacific Fleet, including the US mainland, Alaska, and Hawaii. This decision is directly linked to strengthening the US presence in the Indo-Pacific region and the need for a rapid response to threats in this sector.
Strategic Context: Fleet Growth and Allies
American defense analysts agree that these measures are part of a large-scale program to increase the size of the Navy. The administration has set an ambitious goal: to shorten the construction and repair times for ships, which have suffered from delays in recent years. The revival of the domestic shipbuilding industry is viewed as a matter of national security.
Furthermore, the documents mention utilizing the capabilities of allies during the transition period. This could mean expanding joint production or repair programs at shipyards of NATO and Asia-Pacific countries, which would relieve American docks and accelerate fleet replenishment.
Contradictory Data
Despite the official position of the White House, the decision to abandon electromagnetic catapults (EMALS) in favor of steam systems has sparked sharp disputes in the expert community. Proponents of innovation argue that abandoning EMALS on a Gerald R. Ford class ship is a step backward that will reduce the effectiveness of the air wing and increase deck wear in the long term. They point out that steam catapults require more maintenance and personnel.
On the other hand, supporters of the Trump administration's course justify their opinion with economic factors. They claim that EMALS is a "black hole" for the budget, requiring constant funding for modernization, while steam systems, though outdated, are reliable and cheap to operate. For now, the final decision on CVN-81 remains a subject of internal struggle between the technological wing of the Pentagon and proponents of "pragmatic" savings.
