Trump seeks to revert to steam-powered aircraft carrier launch systems

President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for the United States Navy to reconsider the use of steam-powered systems for launching fighter jets from aircraft carriers, favoring them over the newer electric systems currently in use. This push for a potential shift in technology reportedly stems from a conversation the president had with a sailor named Bill Jones. According to the president, Jones served in the Navy for 25 years and possessed extensive knowledge regarding steam catapults, ultimately convincing him that the older technology was superior to modern electric alternatives.

The origin of this interaction dates back to 2017, when the president visited the USS Gerald R. Ford in Virginia during his first term. The USS Gerald R. Ford is the world’s largest aircraft carrier, a project that cost approximately $19 billion and faced several development challenges as the first ship of its class. The electric launch systems installed on the vessel have been a point of discussion regarding the ship's operational capabilities.

In response to the president's interest in reverting to steam and hydraulic systems, Navy officials have attempted to locate the sailor identified as Bill Jones to better understand the technical arguments presented to the president. However, the service has been unable to identify an individual matching that description in its records. A Navy spokesperson indicated that without additional identifying information, such as a date of birth, it is not possible to confirm the sailor's service history or the nature of his expertise.

The potential transition back to older technology has prompted concern among military leadership regarding the logistical and financial implications of such a change. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle noted at a conference in Reno that any move to return to steam and hydraulics for carrier elevators would require a comprehensive assessment of total costs. He emphasized that such a move would represent a significant design change for the fleet.

Navy officials continue to seek clarity on the specific technical recommendations that prompted the president's interest in altering the course of one of the military's most expensive programs. As of now, the identity of the sailor remains unverified, leaving the Navy to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed design changes while attempting to reconcile the president's directives with existing engineering and budgetary constraints.