Trump dislikes new aircraft carrier design; changes could be costly
Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the design of the U.S. Navy's new aircraft carriers.
- Trump desires the carriers' towers to be more centrally located, similar to those used during World War II.
- Implementing these changes could cost billions of dollars, according to sources cited by The Washington Post.
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly unhappy with the design of the U.S. Navy's latest aircraft carriers, advocating for a return to a more traditional aesthetic reminiscent of World War II vessels. Trump's specific concern centers on the placement of the carrier's tower, which he believes should be more towards the center of the ship.
Sources cited by The Washington Post indicate that the U.S. Navy is considering significant modifications to its new fleet of carriers to align with the former president's preferences. This potential overhaul aims to make the warships visually similar to those from the mid-20th century.
The proposed design changes, however, come with a hefty price tag. The modifications could potentially cost billions of dollars, highlighting the financial implications of accommodating such a request. The report, which relies on information from seven unnamed sources, suggests a substantial investment would be required to alter the carriers' current design.
Trump's critique focuses on the island structure, the raised platform housing the bridge and flight control facilities. His preference for a more centralized tower echoes designs from an earlier era of naval warfare, potentially impacting the carriers' functionality and operational efficiency in modern combat scenarios.
Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.