The Navy has unveiled exciting plans to honor two former Presidents, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, by naming upcoming Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers after them.
This announcement, made by the White House, highlights the significance of these vessels, which are set to enhance American airpower in the years to come.
Carrier Details
The carriers, designated as the future USS William J. Clinton (CVN 82) and the future USS George W. Bush (CVN 83), are expected to begin construction in the next few years.
Once completed, they will contribute to a state-of-the-art naval fleet, crewed by sailors from various backgrounds across the nation.
Their primary mission will be to safeguard both international interests and domestic security.
Construction for the USS William J. Clinton will take place between 2028 and 2030, with recent reports from the Congressional Research Service estimating its cost at around $14 billion.
This move aligns with a longstanding tradition of naming Ford-class carriers after former presidents, as out of the six such vessels currently being built or planned, four will bear the names of individuals who have served in the highest office.
Existing Naval Fleet
The Navy’s existing fleet boasts 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, including 10 from the Nimitz class, which were commissioned between 1975 and 2009, alongside the Gerald R. Ford, operational since July 2017.
It’s worth noting that seven Nimitz-class carriers also honor former presidents, showcasing a persistent tradition within the ranks of the Navy.
While the Ford-class carriers are somewhat larger, they share similar features with their Nimitz-class counterparts, capable of accommodating air wings of up to 90 aircraft.
The U.S. Navy prides itself on having the largest carrier fleet in the world, consistently surpassing the capabilities of foreign carriers.
However, it’s important to mention that China launched the Fujian in 2022, a ship that rivals the size of the Ford-class carriers.
Presidential Legacy
With the naming of Clinton and Bush, the Navy now includes all presidents from Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama, with the exception of Richard Nixon, who remains unrepresented.
Additionally, the USS Jimmy Carter honors the former president’s legacy as a submariner in the form of a Seawolf-class submarine commissioned in 2005, while the USS Lyndon B. Johnson is a Zumwalt-class destroyer.
The White House reiterated its commitment to the safety of all personnel aboard the USS William J. Clinton, the USS George W. Bush, and the broader fleet, while sending blessings to U.S. troops.
Bill Clinton, a Democrat, served as President from 1993 until 2001, followed by George W. Bush, a Republican, who held the office until 2009.
At this time, the White House has not disclosed any plans for vessels named after Barack Obama or Donald Trump.
It’s noteworthy to clarify that earlier reports mistakenly indicated the construction order for the two carriers.
In reality, the USS William J. Clinton is slated to be built and delivered first, with construction set to commence in the early 2030s, followed by the USS George W. Bush.
Source: Taskandpurpose