Biden announces names of future aircraft carriers: USS William J Clinton, George W Bush

President Biden recently unveiled the names of the latest additions to the U.S. Navy’s fleet of aircraft carriers: USS William J. Clinton and USS George W. Bush. These carriers, named after former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, are set to begin construction in the coming years as part of the newest class of aircraft carriers.

In a statement released by the White House, President Biden expressed that both former Presidents Clinton and Bush were deeply humbled upon hearing the news. He highlighted the weight of responsibilities that come with being Commander-in-Chief and emphasized the duty to support the families and loved ones of servicemembers.

Currently, the Navy operates 11 operational aircraft carriers, some of which are nearly 50 years old and will soon be retired. Eight of these carriers are named after former presidents, including USS George Washington, USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Theodore Roosevelt, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Harry S. Truman, USS Ronald Reagan, USS George W. Bush, and USS Gerald R. Ford.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin praised the future carriers Clinton and Bush, stating that they will serve as lasting tributes to each leader’s legacy in service of the United States. He emphasized the importance of aircraft carriers as the centerpiece of America’s naval forces, enabling the country to project power and deliver combat capability in defense of democracy.

The future carriers Clinton and Bush will be part of the Ford-class carriers, featuring more than 20 new technologies compared to the previous Nimitz-class carriers. These technological upgrades include the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), which electronically launches aircraft from the ship.

President-elect Donald Trump had previously called for a 12-carrier Navy during his first term and has shown interest in expanding the sea service’s force in his upcoming term. He mentioned plans to announce initiatives to strengthen the Navy and emphasized the need for more ships to bolster the country’s naval capabilities.

Overall, the introduction of USS William J. Clinton and USS George W. Bush represents a significant advancement in the U.S. Navy’s fleet of aircraft carriers. These carriers will play a crucial role in safeguarding national security, honoring the legacies of former presidents, and inspiring future generations to serve the country.