"Steam is cheap": Donald Trump orders the conversion of aircraft carriers with ancient technology

Donald Trump has ordered the retrofitting of U.S. aircraft carriers with outdated steam-powered catapult systems, despite their obsolescence and the widespread industry consensus against their continued use. The decision, described internally as “Dampf ist billig” (“steam is cheap”), marks a new chapter in the president’s pattern of micromanaging military operations, particularly within the U.S. Navy. The order was issued after Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the electromagnetic catapult technology currently used on newer carriers such as the USS Gerald R. Ford. During a visit to the carrier earlier this year, he reportedly stated that steam-based systems were more reliable and cost-effective, even though they are decades old. This directive comes amid growing concerns over the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy, which is already stretched thin due to prolonged deployments and insufficient maintenance resources. The U.S. Navy currently operates under severe strain. Recent reports indicate that the USS Abraham Lincoln, one of the fleet’s oldest carriers, spent nearly 260 days at sea before returning to its home port. Conditions aboard have been described as dire, with multiple sailors allegedly attempting to jump overboard in despair. One sailor managed to escape but was rescued. These incidents highlight the deteriorating morale and working conditions among crew members, who face extended tours of duty without adequate rest or repair time. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing construction of the USS Doris Miller, a new carrier set to replace older models. According to analysis published in the Wall Street Journal, the ship is scheduled to feature a steam-powered catapult system instead of the modern electromagnetic launch technology. This change poses significant logistical challenges, as the infrastructure required to support steam catapults, including boilers, has largely disappeared from naval engineering. Moreover, there are no known manufacturers still producing these systems, as they have not been installed on ships since the early 1990s. The decision to revert to steam-based technology could delay the commissioning of the USS Doris Miller well into the 2030s. This timeline shift would compound existing delays in maintaining and upgrading the current fleet, potentially leaving the navy with fewer operational assets than needed during critical periods. Military analysts warn that the reliance on obsolete systems may compromise both safety and efficiency, especially given the increasing complexity of modern aerial combat. Steam catapults, originally introduced in 1950 by the British Royal Navy, were once standard equipment on World War II-era carriers like the Essex-class vessels. They functioned by using high-pressure steam to accelerate aircraft along a runway, enabling them to take off from the relatively short decks of aircraft carriers. However, modern electromagnetic catapults, such as those found on the USS Gerald R. Ford and China's Type 003 carrier, offer superior performance. These systems rely on magnetic acceleration rather than steam, reducing mechanical wear and lowering long-term maintenance costs. French sailors aboard the Charles de Gaulle also utilize steam-powered catapults, demonstrating that while the technology is outdated, it remains in limited use. Yet, even in France, the trend toward modernization is evident, with plans to eventually replace these systems with more advanced alternatives. As the U.S. Navy grapples with the implications of Trump’s directive, officials remain focused on ensuring the fleet can meet its strategic objectives. The challenge lies not only in reversing course on technological advancements but also in addressing the broader systemic issues affecting naval readiness and personnel welfare. The coming months will reveal whether this controversial decision can be implemented without further disrupting the already strained capabilities of the world’s largest maritime force.