National Interest: The $13-Billion ‘Barge’? The U.S. Navy’s Newest Aircraft Carrier Can’t Deploy
The U.S. Navy’s new aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford might not be able to deploy until 2024. That’s years later than the Navy originally expected. The delay could further inhibit the ability of the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet to deploy carriers.
The nuclear-powered Ford, which cost no less than $13 billion to build, has been undergoing trials off the U.S. east coast since commissioning in 2017.
The Ford class, in theory, represents a major improvement over the previous Nimitz-class supercarriers. The Navy so has ordered four Fords. Lead vessel Ford was supposed to deploy for the first time in 2022.
The Fords are bigger than the Nimitzs are, boast superior sensors and a more efficient deck layout and feature precise electromagnetic catapults rather than the maintenance-intensive steam catapults that the Nimitzs have.
Sea trials have underlined a host of problems with the thousand-feet-long Ford that have compelled the Navy repeatedly to delay the ship’s first operational deployment. The Navy’s decision to conduct explosive shock trials of the new flattop before deploying her also has contributed to the delays.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: What is even more troubling is that US Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer is quoted as saying that the ship builder Huntington Ingalls Industries has "no idea" what they're doing .... The Story Behind the Navy Secretary's 'Fire Me' Deal with Trump (Military Times).
3 comments:
Let's buy three more.
Who's in charge here? Greenspan? Bernanke? Krugman? The French High Command of 1940? Custer?
Trump Administration Responsible For More Than 5,400 Child Separations, ACLU Says
William Barr’s review is now a criminal probe, revealing Trump’s desperation over impeachment - The Washington Post
I've actually had some dealings with the ship builder from an outsider. They are big and like any government contractor confusing to understand. They did not design the ship, but I can guarantee you they know how to build them. More idiotic reporting to confuse and repel blame.
Post a Comment