US Aircraft Carriers: Current Status and Future Plans
As of August 2023, the United States Navy continues to expand its fleet, with two aircraft carriers currently under construction. These carriers are part of the prestigious Gerald R. Ford-class, known for their advanced technology and capabilities. Both vessels, USS John Basilone and USS Enterprise , are set to join the fleet in the mid- and late 2020s, marking significant milestones in naval engineering and defense.
Current Status of Construction
The USS Enterprise, designated CVN-80, is currently under active construction and is scheduled for delivery in 2028. This carrier will replace the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. The construction of USS Enterprise is expected to continue smoothly, with the ship being launched in 2025 and entering service in 2027.
Rendering of the USS Enterprise CVN-80
USS John Basilone (cvn-81), another Gerald R. Ford-class carrier, is in an advanced stage of construction. The construction of CVN-81 is expected to begin in the drydock at the end of 2025 or early 2026. It will be floated out in 2028 and enter service in 2030. Currently, steel work has commenced on the modules that will form CVN-81, Doris Miller.
Future Plans and Designations
The remaining carriers in the construction pipeline are designated under the CVN-82 series. One such carrier, also unnamed but under active design and planning, is scheduled to be constructed and delivered by 2036. This carrier will serve as a replacement for the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Based on current build resources, the U.S. Navy has three carriers actively under construction, with a fourth carrier designated and in the planning stages. Each carrier undergoes a series of modules being brought together in a drydock or build dock before being floated out for final fitting and construction.
Upcoming Projects and Rumors
CVN-79, the first of the Gerald R. Ford-class carriers, has been floated out and is nearing completion. It is slated for delivery to the Navy in early 2025, ready for initial sea trials. CVN-80, which has its keel laid and is progressing well, is expected to be launched in 2025 and enter service in 2027.
Rumors abound regarding the naming of the next carrier, with the most common speculation pointing towards a new USS Yorktown. Originally, CVN-81 was slated to be named USS Yorktown, and the same naming convention is widely expected to continue for future carriers. As these carriers progress, they will likely form the backbone of the U.S. Navy's fleet for the next several decades.
However, it remains unclear if the next batch of carriers will adhere strictly to the Ford-class model. The U.S. Navy might consider a modified version of the Ford-class or even something entirely new. The total number of ships in the planned fleet is expected to reach 11, ensuring a robust and capable fleet to replace the aging Nimitz class carriers, which are planned to reach their 50-year-end of life.
Conclusion
The United States Navy is undertaking significant efforts to maintain and expand its carrier fleet with the most advanced technology. As these vessels progress through their construction phases, they represent not just a statement of military might but also a testament to the technical prowess of modern naval engineering. Ensuring the continuity and readiness of the U.S. fleet remains a top priority for the Department of Defense.