TIL Desk/World/Washington-President Donald Trump announced from the deck of America’s newest aircraft carrier that he had spoken with maritime leaders to discuss plans for a “major expansion” of the Navy. Trump spoke against the military backdrop as he pushes for a hike in defence spending that is likely to meet with stiff opposition in Congress.
“In these troubled times, our Navy is the smallest it’s been since World War I,” Trump told sailors aboard the Gerald R Ford. Reiterating a goal of Navy officials, he said the force should maintain a fleet of 12 aircraft carriers. Currently, the Navy comprises 10 aircraft carriers, the oldest of which dates back to 1975.
The soon-to-be-commissioned, USD 12.9-billion Ford will become America’s 11th carrier and another ship, the John F. Kennedy, is under construction. But with the Navy’s oldest carrier due to be retired in about 2025, the Navy wants to ensure a replacement is in the pipes ahead of that date.
“I just spoke with Navy and industry leaders and discussed my plans to undertake a major expansion of our entire Navy fleet, including having the 12-carrier Navy we need,” said Trump, who was wearing a blue baseball cap and a green military jacket.
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