CVN Refueling Overhauls

The CVN Refueling Overhauls program is a major line item in the Navy's Shipbuilding and Conversion budget, focused on the mid-life refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) of Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The primary objective of this program is to refuel the nuclear reactors and perform extensive repairs, upgrades, and modernization to ensure each carrier can operate reliably for an additional 23+ years. The RCOH process is essential for maintaining the Navy's ability to project power globally, support sustained air operations at sea, and ensure the continued viability of the carrier fleet.

The FY 2026 budget request for CVN Refueling Overhauls primarily supports the RCOH of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), with construction scheduled to start at Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) in June 2026. The program is structured with five years of advance procurement and three years of full funding, in accordance with Section 123 of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which limits incremental funding for nuclear refueling efforts. The FY 2026 request includes funding to complete enhancements for multi-use facilities and parking garages, supporting sailor quality of service initiatives.

A core goal of the RCOH is to modernize and upgrade key ship systems across several domains. In the Electronics category, upgrades include new C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) infrastructure, Integrated Communication Networks, advanced air traffic control radars, and enhanced self-defense systems such as the Ship Self Defense System. The RCOH also introduces the Unmanned Aviation Warfare Center to support unmanned aerial vehicle operations, reflecting the Navy's shift toward integrating unmanned systems.

Within Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) systems, the overhaul includes upgrades to the Low Pressure Air Plant, oxygen generators, food service equipment, modular refrigeration units, and ballistic protection for crew-served weapons stations. These improvements are designed to increase operational efficiency, crew safety, and habitability. The RCOH also addresses critical propulsion equipment repairs and upgrades, ensuring the carrier's main propulsion systems remain reliable for the remainder of its service life.

The Ordnance modernization effort is another key component, with upgrades to the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar, aviation launch and recovery equipment, and multiple defensive weapon systems. Enhancements include the installation of the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program, Close-In Weapon System, NATO Seasparrow Surface Missile System, and RAM Guided Missile Launching System. These upgrades are intended to improve the carrier's ability to detect, track, and defend against evolving air and surface threats.

The program also incorporates Quality of Service (QoS) initiatives for sailors, such as off-ship housing during the RCOH period and improvements to onboard living and working spaces. These investments are aimed at maintaining morale and retention during the extended maintenance period, which can last up to 52 months for CVN 75. The budget also includes funding for engineering, testing, certification, and logistics support to ensure all systems are fully operational and certified upon completion of the overhaul.