The US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro revealed that two future Gerald R. Ford class aircraft carriers will be named USS William J. Clinton (CVN 82) and USS George W. Bush (CVN 83), marking the first time either former president has been honoured with a naval vessel namesake.
Secretary Del Toro stated that both presidents ‘led the United States through some of the most challenging moments in US history’.
President Clinton’s military legacy includes several successful combat operations without casualties, including Operations Uphold Democracy, Deliberate Force, and Allied Force.
His tenure also saw the largest US naval deployment since Vietnam during the Third Taiwan Straits Crisis. Chelsea Clinton, the former president’s daughter, will serve as the sponsor for CVN 82.
President George W. Bush’s military contributions include leading the nation after 9/11, forming a 42-nation coalition for Operation Enduring Freedom, and establishing the Department of Homeland Security. Under his administration, defence spending increased by more than a third to modernise military capabilities.
‘I am honored that my name will be associated with the United States Navy and a symbol of our Nation’s might,” said former President Bush. “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.’
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stated the carriers will serve as centrepieces of America’s naval forces, capable of projecting power and delivering combat capability worldwide.
“The future USS William J. Clinton (CVN 82) and the future USS George W. Bush (CVN 83) will begin construction in the coming years. When complete, they will join the most capable, flexible, and professional Navy that has ever put to sea.
CVN 82 and CVN 83 will complete the U.S. Navy’s six-ship Ford class aircraft carrier program.
The first ship in the class, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), joined the fleet in 2017. USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is scheduled for delivery later this year, with Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81) to follow.
