President Donald Trump is ordering the U.S. Navy to remove the advanced Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) from its newest type of aircraft carrier and return to using older steam catapults. The move is expected to cost billions of dollars and revert the Navy’s most advanced ships to a system that takes more sailors to operate and is more difficult to maintain.

Background

The new mandate would affect the fourth Ford-class carrier, the USS Doris Miller, which is currently under construction. The USS Gerald R. Ford, as well as the forthcoming USS John F. Kennedy and USS Enterprise, would not be affected by the change. Trump has long expressed his preference for the older steam catapult system, which he believes is more reliable and effective.

The decision has been met with criticism from some in the Navy, who argue that the EMALS system is more efficient and requires fewer sailors to operate. The system has been in use on the USS Gerald R. Ford, where it has been shown to launch aircraft at faster speeds and with greater reliability. However, Trump has maintained that the older system is superior, despite the Navy’s investment in the new technology.

Implications

The move is likely to have significant implications for the Navy’s operations and budget. The cost of removing the EMALS system and replacing it with the older steam catapults is expected to be substantial, and may divert resources away from other important Navy programs. Additionally, the change may affect the Navy’s ability to recruit and retain sailors, as the older system requires more personnel to operate.

The decision also raises questions about the role of the Navy in the Trump administration’s defense strategy. The Navy has been a key player in the administration’s efforts to expand the U.S. military presence in the Pacific and to counter the growing threat from China. The decision to revert to the older catapult system may be seen as a step backward in this effort, and may undermine the Navy’s ability to project power in the region.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.