Trump Orders Navy to Replace EMALS With Steam Catapults on All Carriers

A White House presidential action published August 13, 2026 directs the Navy to replace the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) with older steam catapult technology across the entire carrier fleet. Ford-class carriers already in service would require retrofits; those under construction would need redesigns. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said the reversal moves the Navy backward.