SAEDNEWS: The U.S. Navy is examining a major redesign of Ford-class aircraft carriers after Donald Trump raised concerns about their appearance, including a possible relocation of the ships’ command towers. Officials warn that the change could cost billions and disrupt construction.
According to SaedNews: The U.S. Navy is considering a major redesign of its new Ford-class aircraft carriers to make their appearance more consistent with Donald Trump’s preferences, the Washington Post reported. The changes could cost billions of dollars, according to current and former U.S. officials familiar with the matter.
Seven officials told the newspaper that the Navy is examining whether the carrier’s “island,” the multilevel command tower, could be moved from the rear toward the center of the ship. The review followed Trump’s concerns about the appearance of the new carriers, whose command towers are positioned near the stern.
The proposal would mark the second major carrier-design change requested by Trump. On Thursday, he also directed the Navy to prepare a plan for bringing back older steam-powered catapults on future carriers instead of the current electromagnetic system.
Officials said Trump prefers new carriers to resemble vessels from the World War II era. A former senior official said relocating the island had also been considered during Trump’s first presidency but was rejected because it would require “an extraordinary amount of cost and time.”
Brian Clark, a former Navy officer and Hudson Institute analyst, described the proposal as a “major redesign” that could affect the ship’s weight and stability and prove “very disruptive.”
Three Ford-class carriers are currently at different stages. The USS Gerald R. Ford is in service after recently completing a lengthy combat deployment in the Middle East. The USS John F. Kennedy is undergoing sea trials, while the USS Enterprise and USS Doris Miller are under construction. Up to 10 ships of the class are planned over the next four decades, with each estimated to cost about $22 billion.
Navy officials say the rear placement of the island was chosen for operational and safety reasons. It creates more aircraft parking space near the catapults, shortens fighter-launch times and reduces air turbulence to improve landing safety.
The Pentagon and Navy referred requests for comment to the White House.
The report comes as the U.S. Navy faces pressure from the ongoing war with Iran, lengthy carrier deployments and challenges involving operational readiness. Trump’s growing demands are adding to problems including financial and logistical difficulties, lengthy shipbuilding delays, rising costs and a shrinking fleet.
Families of Abraham Lincoln crew members have recently warned of severe exhaustion after nearly nine months at sea. Government reports also indicate that Trump’s proposed “Golden Fleet” plan for new warships will cost billions more than initially estimated. His order to restore older steam-catapult technology has also raised concerns about disruption to carrier production.
