US President Donald Trump has mandated the Navy to eliminate the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) from the USS Doris Miller, opting for the older steam catapults. This directive was issued through a memo on Thursday and is anticipated to incur significant financial repercussions, potentially amounting to billions of dollars. This decision marks a shift back to a system that requires more personnel while being described as less efficient in maintenance than the newer technology.

The memo requests the Pentagon and Navy to formulate plans within two months for the removal of EMALS and to modify the electromagnetic weapons elevators on the Ford-class carrier. The USS Doris Miller is designated as the first vessel to undergo these changes, while the USS Gerald R. Ford, USS John F. Kennedy, and USS Enterprise are expected to retain their existing systems.

Background and Previous Criticism

This latest decision comes after years of vocal criticism from Trump regarding the EMALS, a system intended to facilitate the launching of fighter jets from aircraft carriers. His discontent stems from statements made as early as 2017, where he suggested that the system was “not good” and lacked the necessary power associated with traditional steam catapults.

At that time, Trump expressed a clear preference for the steam method, saying, “You’re going to goddamned steam.” His stance has since been reiterated at various public gatherings and rallies, cementing his long-standing opposition to the electromagnetic system.

The announcement occurs at a time when the US military is actively seeking financial support from Congress, with the Navy facing challenges in crew staffing for its ships. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted the escalating costs associated with military operations in Iran, which reportedly stand at $37.5 billion, while Congress is evaluating a $95 billion military funding package.

Technical and Financial Implications

Trump’s memo points out that one of the principal challenges in shipbuilding arises from persistent design changes within the Navy, a situation that has led to increased costs, project delays, and cancellations. Adjusting plans for the USS Doris Miller, which are already in development, raises concerns about the execution of such changes, especially in terms of integration and scheduling.

General Atomics, the company responsible for EMALS, expressed serious reservations over the decision to abandon the system on the USS Doris Miller, labelling it as requiring “careful reconsideration.” The company noted that production on the vessel’s catapults is significantly advanced, warning that reversing course could lead to considerable financial and operational risks.

Proponents of EMALS argue that the system offers various operational advantages, such as launching aircraft at higher velocities and necessitating fewer personnel for operation. The use of EMALS on the USS Ford has reportedly decreased crew requirements from around twelve sailors to just two. Recently, the Navy indicated that the USS Ford’s capabilities in launching and recovering aircraft surpass those of the older Nimitz-class carriers.

Strategic Considerations Amid Global Competition

Despite these considerations, the Navy continues to face staffing challenges, with an estimated 20,000 vacant positions across its fleet, a situation that makes a return to steam catapults, which demand more manpower, a considerable change. This rollback in technological advancement occurs concurrently with other nations enhancing their military capabilities; for instance, China’s latest aircraft carriers are equipped with electromagnetic catapults, and France has plans to adopt a similar system for its forthcoming carrier.

In conclusion, Trump has mandated a significant shift away from the EMALS on the USS Doris Miller in favour of steam catapults, despite concerns from its manufacturer and the evident advantages of the newer system. As preparations for this transition unfold, Congress is also deliberating on defence appropriations while the Navy grapples with ongoing staffing and procurement challenges.

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