Carrier Replacement Program

The Carrier Replacement Program is a strategic initiative led by the Navy to ensure credible and sustainable independent forward presence during peacetime without access to land bases. The program aims to operate as the cornerstone of a joint and/or allied maritime expeditionary force in response to crises and carry out joint multi-mission offensive operations. The specific objectives include designing and constructing the FORD Class aircraft carrier with advanced warfighting capabilities essential for the 21st century. This includes incorporating technology such as a new reactor plant, propulsion system, electric plant, Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), machinery control, and integrated warfare systems that increase lethality while reducing life cycle costs through maintenance and manning requirement reductions.

Furthermore, the program aims to increase Service Life Allowances (SLA) for weight and stability to enable future modernization and adaptability to new missions over the ship's 50-year life cycle. The Navy has awarded CVN 80 and CVN 81 under a two-ship buy contract, which allows discrete hull costs to be captured. The program also involves budgeting for CVN 82 as a single ship procurement with Advanced Procurement funding in FY 2026 and FY 2027. Additionally, CVN 81 was moved to BLI 2004 in accordance with the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2020.

The Carrier Replacement Program is designed to ensure that the Navy has the necessary capabilities to respond effectively to emerging threats while maintaining flexibility and resilience. It involves detailed planning and execution of construction contracts with shipbuilders such as Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News Shipbuilding. The program also includes ongoing adjustments in funding allocations based on realignment needs for execution purposes and single phase adjudication. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that the Navy's carrier fleet remains at the forefront of maritime defense capabilities.