Biden announces new aircraft carriers will be named for Clinton, Bush
FILE - The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier is pictured in Newport News, Va., on April 8, 2017. (Photo by: MC2 Ridge Leoni/US Navy)
WASHINGTON - America's next two Ford-class, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers will be named after former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, President Joe Biden announced this week.
The White House made the announcement on Monday.
Next aircraft carriers will be named for Clinton, Bush
What we know:
The future USS William J. Clinton (CVN 82) and the future USS George W. Bush (CVN 83) follow the Navy tradition of naming aircraft carriers after U.S. presidents. A statement from Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro noted how both presidents "led the United States through some of the most challenging moments in U.S. history."
This includes multiple military operations that achieved success with no combat casualties under Clinton, including Operation Uphold Democracy in 1994, Operation Deliberate Force in 1995, and Operation Allied Force in 1999. Toro also noted Bush's ability to rally the nation in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001 and his efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in Afghanistan.
FILE - President Bill Clinton with President-elect George W Bush on Dec. 19, 2000, in his first visit to the White House after winning the election. (Photo by David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images)
"When I personally delivered the news to Bill and George, they were deeply humbled," Biden said in a statement. "Each knows firsthand the weight of the responsibilities that come with being Commander-in-Chief. "
"When complete, (the aircraft carriers) will join the most capable, flexible, and professional Navy that has ever put to sea," Biden’s statement continued. "They will be crewed by Sailors who hail from every corner of the United States, and who will sail these ships into harm’s way, defending our interests overseas and our safety here at home."
What we don't know:
The White House said construction on the new aircraft carriers will begin "in the years ahead," so it remained unclear when the ships will ultimately join the fleet.
What they're saying:
"It’s never far from my mind that the precious freedoms Americans enjoy are safeguarded by our armed forces, anchored by a strong, modern, and agile Navy," former President Bill Clinton said in a statement. "I’m honored that future servicemembers carrying on that proud tradition will serve on a carrier bearing my name."
"I am honored that my name will be associated with the United States Navy and a symbol of our Nation's might," former President George W. Bush said. "I have a special admiration for the men and women of our Navy - including my dad - and ask God to watch over this ship and those who sail aboard her."
Dig deeper:
The Navy has 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, including one named after Bush's late father, the USS George H. W. Bush. Generally, the carriers are getting ready to deploy, are currently deployed, or have come off deployment and have gone in for maintenance and repairs.
The carriers have a lifespan of about 50 years, and halfway through they undergo a major overhaul of their nuclear and other systems, which can take several years.
The Source: This story was written based on information provided by the White House and the U.S. Navy on Jan. 13, 2025. It was reported from Cincinnati, and the Associated Press contributed.