What Happened
Ford-Class Uncertainty Continues Amid Long-Lead Contract Award
The US Navy has awarded a $336 million contract to HII for the procurement of long-lead time propulsion plant materials for the construction of the planned aircraft carrier William J Clinton (CVN 82). The contract is a critical first step in planning for the ship’s construction, but the future of the Ford-class ships remains uncertain due to an executive order from President Trump to submit a plan for significant changes to the carriers. The order directs the replacement of electromagnetic elevators, catapult, and arrestor systems with traditional steam and hydraulic systems. This development was first reported by an unknown source.