U.S. Navy’s Next Nuclear Powered Carriers To Be Named After Former Presidents, Clinton & Bush

President Joe Biden has announced that the U.S. Navy’s next two Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers will be named after former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

These ships, the USS William J. Clinton (CVN-82) and USS George W. Bush (CVN-83) will honour their contributions to the nation as Commanders in Chief.

Biden said he personally informed Clinton and Bush about the decision, and both former presidents were deeply humbled. He praised their understanding of the responsibilities of leading the nation and their dedication to supporting military families.

The two carriers will join the Navy’s Ford-class fleet, representing its most advanced generation of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

These ships are designed for power projection and global defense operations. The USS William J. Clinton is set for procurement in 2030, with preparations starting in 2027.

The USS George W. Bush has not yet been officially launched in the Navy’s budget.

When completed, these carriers will join other Ford-class vessels, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, USS John F. Kennedy, USS Enterprise, and USS Doris Miller.

The Ford class is designed to replace older Nimitz-class carriers, with advanced capabilities to ensure U.S. naval dominance.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed the importance of this announcement, saying that the carriers carry the legacy of Clinton and Bush. Austin says these ships will protect national security, remind Americans of their history, and inspire future generations to serve.

Former President George W. Bush expressed his gratitude for the honour, saying that he admired the dedication of the Navy’s sailors. Bush, who served as a fighter pilot in the Texas Air National Guard, also acknowledged the importance of having two carriers named after his family.

His father, former President George H.W. Bush, already has a Nimitz-class carrier named in his honour, the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77).

Building an aircraft carrier is a long process. The first Ford-class carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, was procured in 2008 but only made its first deployment in 2022 due to technical difficulties.

Other carriers in this class, like the USS John F. Kennedy, USS Enterprise, and USS Doris Miller, have also faced delays.

For instance, the USS Enterprise procured in 2018, is now expected to be delivered in 2029, 18 months later than originally planned. The USS Doris Miller, procured in 2019, is set for delivery in 2032.

The Navy’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget has already proposed delaying the procurement of the USS William J. Clinton by two years from 2028 to 2030. The USS George W. Bush is yet to be formally included in any procurement plans.

The U.S. Navy currently operates 11 aircraft carriers, with 10 of them being Nimitz-class ships.

The Ford-class carriers, once fully operational, will enhance the Navy’s ability to respond to global threats and protect the U.S. interests at home and abroad.

Naming ships after living individuals, while rare, is not unprecedented.

Biden concluded his announcement by expressing gratitude to the sailors who will serve on these ships, their families, and the shipyard workers who will build them.

Reference: White House

Source: Maritime Shipping News