The U.S. Navy is currently assessing the design and cost structures of its Ford-class aircraft carrier, a sophisticated and costly addition to its fleet. Navy Secretary John Phelan indicated during a press briefing on Tuesday that this evaluation, expected to conclude next month, is a “prudent and practical” step toward ensuring that the carrier’s systems align with future operational requirements.
### Review Initiated Amid Ongoing Criticism
The extensive review of the Ford-class design stems partly from years of criticism by various officials, including former President Donald Trump. Trump has notably pointed to issues with the carrier’s cutting-edge magnetic catapults, which he claimed “didn’t work” during a discussion at the Oval Office last year.
When questioned about the potential cancellation of future Ford-class carriers as a result of this review, Phelan stated, “it’s too early to say, but we will have carriers,” emphasizing uncertainty regarding the future of subsequent vessels in the class.
### Performance of the USS Gerald R. Ford
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the lead ship of the Ford class, has recently completed a record-setting deployment of over 300 days, which began in June 2025. Throughout this extended mission, the vessel has played a significant role in key military operations commissioned under the Trump administration, including actions related to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and conflict with Iran.
Despite this operational success, Navy budget documents made publicly available on Tuesday did not list Ford-class carriers among the Navy’s planned acquisitions. Instead, the documentation only referred to “aircraft carriers” generically, while other classes like Colombia-class submarines and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers were specified by name.
### Acknowledgment of Ford-Class Strengths
The Navy issued a statement on Tuesday that praised the Ford-class design for its proven capabilities, noting its efficiency in launching aircraft at a faster rate compared to the older Nimitz-class carriers. It also highlighted the new class’s enhanced combat power and ability to conduct high-tempo global strike operations across multiple regions.
However, Secretary Phelan expressed a desire to verify these claims. He stated: “I go to the Ronald Reagan school of ‘trust and verify,’” highlighting the importance of reviewing the carrier’s aircraft launch and recovery capabilities.
### Key Features Under Examination
One of the most notable features of the Ford-class carriers is the integration of magnetic catapults, which have been designed to improve aircraft launching efficiency. This technology reduces wear on the aircraft, lessens maintenance requirements, and minimizes the need for fresh water compared to traditional steam-powered catapults.
Currently, there are three additional Ford-class carriers under construction: the USS John F. Kennedy, the USS Enterprise, and the USS Dorie Miller. Phelan also mentioned that the review will take into account the next two carriers, named USS William Jefferson Clinton and USS George W. Bush, which, while planned, have not yet been contracted.
### Future Plans and Budget Implications
The defense landscape is rapidly evolving, and the Navy is adapting its strategies and priorities accordingly. While the review of the Ford-class carriers continues, Trump has introduced plans for a new class of warship, dubbed the Trump-class battleship, projected to cost over $17 billion—approximately $4 billion more than the Ford-class carriers. The Navy plans to delay funding for the first ship in this new class, the USS Defiant, until the budgetary year of 2028.
Phelan acknowledged that the initial estimated cost of the Trump-class ships is subject to change. He noted that as the design progresses and further vessels are constructed, there is an expectation that costs may decrease. Additionally, the potential for nuclear-powered variants of the Trump-class ships was not ruled out, a factor that could significantly affect expenses.
### Conclusion
As the Navy navigates the complexities of modern maritime warfare and technological advancements, the ongoing review of the Ford-class carriers is a significant undertaking. With pressing questions about the viability and cost-effectiveness of future carriers, the outcome of this evaluation will likely bear considerable weight on the service’s fleet strategy and operational readiness in the years to come.
Source: Original Reporting
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