President Trump Orders Return of Steam Catapults to Ford-Class Carriers and Establishment of Fifth Public Shipyard
President Trump has issued a National Security Presidential Memorandum ordering the return of traditional steam-powered catapult systems to Ford-class aircraft carriers, replacing the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) currently used on the USS Ford. This directive specifically applies to carriers like the Doris Miller, which is under construction. The President has historically criticized EMALS. Additionally, the memorandum mandates the establishment of a new, fifth public shipyard dedicated to submarine repair and a new component repair center to address submarine repair delays. A White House official confirmed these provisions. The Navy referred inquiries to the White House. General Atomics, the builder of EMALS, stated that changing course on the Doris Miller would introduce significant cost, schedule, and integration risks, and could have broader implications for national security and U.S. technological superiority. 
