In a surprising directive, former President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to overhaul the design of the USS Doris Miller, a Ford-class aircraft carrier, replacing its modern electromagnetic launch systems with traditional steam catapults. This decision comes amid ongoing military tensions with Iran and reflects Trump’s long-standing scepticism towards digital technology in naval warfare. The ramifications of this choice could be significant, not only for military operations but for the U.S. defence industry’s future.
A Return to Tradition
On August 13, 2026, Trump signed a national security memorandum mandating the change, a vision he has championed since 2017. The memorandum tasks Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao with devising a plan within 60 days to implement steam and hydraulic systems for the new carrier. This carrier, already two years behind schedule, is poised to become a focal point of debate over military technology.
Trump’s advocacy for steam catapults stems from a belief that modern digital systems are overly complex. In a 2017 interview with Time magazine, he recounted a conversation with a Navy officer who extolled the virtues of the new digital launch system. Trump, unimpressed, remarked, “What is digital? And it’s very complicated… The digital costs hundreds of millions of dollars more money and it’s no good.” His retelling of this story has become a familiar refrain in his public addresses, showing a consistent fixation on this issue.
Resistance from the Navy and Industry
Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, senior Navy officials and industry leaders have expressed serious reservations about the feasibility and cost of this retrograde step. The Wall Street Journal reported that the implementation of steam catapults would involve dismantling a complex and integral part of the current design, a process that could incur substantial financial and logistical challenges.
General Atomics, the company responsible for the electromagnetic aircraft launch system, cautioned that reversing course at this stage—when nearly half of the new system is complete—would introduce significant risks to cost, schedule, and integration. The prospect of a major redesign is daunting, raising questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of the American naval fleet in an increasingly volatile global landscape.
Political Fallout and Expert Opinions
Reactions to Trump’s directive have been mixed, revealing a rift between political factions. Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona and a former astronaut, was particularly scathing in his critique. “I’ve launched off the front of aircraft carriers hundreds of times, have a Master’s degree in aeronautical engineering, and am a test pilot, and even I wouldn’t suggest to the Navy how to engineer specific systems on its ships,” he stated. “Donald Trump should stick to what he knows best – ballrooms, bankruptcy, and bullshit.”
This sentiment reflects a broader concern among defence experts and political analysts regarding the implications of Trump’s intervention in military engineering decisions. Critics argue that such moves could undermine the Navy’s operational capabilities at a time when strategic military readiness is paramount.
Current Challenges and Operational Readiness
The timing of Trump’s announcement is particularly notable, coinciding with reports of a mental health crisis among the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln. The carrier’s 5,000 personnel are currently facing an extended deployment linked to escalating tensions with Iran. The stress of prolonged service can significantly impact morale and operational effectiveness, raising additional questions about the Navy’s readiness to adapt to new challenges.
As the situation unfolds, the Navy must balance the need for modernisation against the backdrop of political interference and the practical realities of maintaining a technologically advanced fleet.
Why it Matters
Trump’s push to revert to steam catapults highlights the ongoing debate over military innovation versus tradition within the U.S. defence strategy. As tensions rise globally, this decision could have far-reaching consequences for naval operations, potentially delaying critical advancements and affecting the morale of service members. It underscores the intersection of politics and military readiness, reminding us that decisions made in the halls of power can have profound implications on the front lines. The outcome of this initiative will not only shape the future of the USS Doris Miller but may also redefine the trajectory of U.S. naval capabilities in an era marked by rapid technological change and geopolitical uncertainty.