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Will Overbudget Ford-Class Carrier Ever Match Nimitz’s Performance?

Why did the Navy and the Pentagon choose to take the riskiest, most costly, most irresponsible path by cramming 23 new technologies into the Ford?
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Will Overbudget Ford-Class Carrier Ever Match Nimitz’s Performance?
The U.S. Navy's future USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is seen underway on its own power for the first time in Newport News, Va., on April 8, 2017. Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ridge Leoni/U.S. Navy via Getty Images
Mike Fredenburg
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The upfront cost of a  Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier was supposed to be modestly more than its predecessor, the Nimitz class. It was supposed to be able to generate a significantly higher number of sorties over any given time period. Its lifecycle cost was supposed to be less than that of the Nimitz, and it was supposed to be able to operate with 1,200 fewer crew members.

Mike Fredenburg
Mike Fredenburg
Author
Mike Fredenburg writes on military technology and defense matters with an emphasis on defense reform. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and master's degree in production operations management.
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