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Posted by Dan Kaplan on August 14, 2026, 16:42:06, in reply to "Re: Issues With USS John F Kennedy"
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Objectively, Ford, Kennedy and Enterprise will continue to use the systems, requiring the logistics and funding remain in place.
Objectively, steam requires plumbing. Redesign of Miller will need to find room for the laying of lots of piping, displacing existing systems, thus requiring their relocation. It won't be cheap.
Objectively, steam is no longer in production. Production lines will need to be reestablished. That costs money. They will then run concurrent with the existing EMALS logistics system feeding the other three systems. More money.
Objectively, this is not cost effective, and creates massive construction delays. Hard to then objectively conclude this is at all better in any way.
Objectively, France has concluded it wants to buy our system. Subjectively, is France "nuts too, then?" One would think they've also done some studies, and concluded the system is worth buying? Objectively, this could be considered evidence the system really is sound, when an outside party steps forward to purchase it. Objectively, it will look pretty silly when they're using it while we've abandoned it. Previous Message
For those who choose to take an objective view, read on. The US Navy has further delayed the sea trials for the USS John F Kennedy due to issues with the bomb hoists and arrestor gear system. These are electro-mechanical systems utilizing the same technology concepts as the electro-mechanical catapult system. These systems are leaving the US Navy in a bad spot as the early build Nimitz class carriers are reaching end of life. It is becoming clear that the three magnetic systems in question are not living up to their promise.
For a bit of an objective view on this, please read two recent articles on the situation published by the USNI:
https://news.usni.org/2026/08/12/carrier-john-f-kennedy-leaves-newport-news-for-acceptance-trials-7-weapons-elevators-delivered
https://news.usni.org/2026/08/13/new-white-house-memo-calls-for-foreign-built-warships-return-to-steam-catapults-on-ford-carriers
The inability to replace the Nimitz class ships is a serious issue, specifically in the western Pacific. It also points to a serious crisis in ship building brought on by six decades of abject neglect of this critical manufacturing sector. LCS, FFG, Columbia SSBN are examples of the inability of the country to design and construct warships. Now you can add the presumed failure of electro-mechanical systems aboard the recent build carriers.
Bill
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