Trump Orders Steam Catapults; Allows Foreign Ship Builds

President Trump directed the Navy to revert Ford-class carriers from EMALS to steam catapults and to replace related elevator systems on the USS Doris Miller, a plan expected to cost billions and potentially push deployment into the late 2030s. Separately, he issued a national security memorandum enabling foreign shipbuilders to construct up to two ships abroad before delivering them to the United States, a move analysts say could benefit Hanwha Group and its expanding U.S. production base at Philly Shipyard. The Doris Miller redesign would require major modifications and infrastructure changes, with plans due within 60 days. Supporters say the changes address persistent design problems and improve reliability, while critics warn they would be expensive, complex, and could undermine efficiency and readiness. The overall package signals a broader push to reshape naval modernization and industrial capacity, drawing mixed reactions from lawmakers and defense observers.