In 2026, the carrier faces a shift as the Navy reverses EMALS in favor of steam catapults, a move tied to a policy preference voiced by Trump.
The government has directed the Pentagon and Navy to present plans to remove EMALS from Ford-class carriers within two months, replacing it with a traditional system. Trump has long criticized EMALS, and the memo targets the Doris Miller as the first carrier to receive the changes. The move comes amid budget pressures and fights over military funding.