New Ford-Class Carriers to Honor Former Presidents Clinton and Bush
The U.S. Navy is continuing its tradition of naming aircraft carriers after past presidents, with the latest Ford-class carriers set to bear the names of former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. This announcement, made by the White House on Monday, further extends the legacy of presidential namesakes in the Navy’s fleet.
These two future vessels, the USS William J. Clinton and USS George W. Bush, will join the ranks as the fifth and sixth ships in the Ford class, designed to replace the longstanding Nimitz-class carriers. President Biden shared in a statement, “When I personally delivered the news to Bill and George, they were deeply humbled.”
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed the Pentagon’s pride in the selection, stating that the names honor “historically significant commanders in chief who served our country with determination and dedication.” Although the White House disclosed the news, the Navy secretary holds the official authority to name ships.
Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro has recently been active in naming various naval vessels, including a destroyer in honor of Bob Kerrey and an amphibious transport dock ship for Lt. Travis Manion. On the same day as the carrier announcement, Del Toro also named three Virginia-class submarines and a Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine after notable U.S. locations.
Currently, only the USS Gerald R. Ford, the lead ship of its class, is operational. The next two carriers, the USS John F. Kennedy and the USS Enterprise, are under construction, while the USS Doris Miller, named in tribute to a heroic World War II enlisted sailor, is expected to begin construction next year.
The tradition of naming carriers after presidents has been a Navy hallmark, albeit with exceptions like the USS Enterprise and USS Nimitz. The forthcoming USS Enterprise is named in homage to its nuclear predecessor and will be the third carrier to carry the name.
In memory of his contributions, the USS Doris Miller will honor Doris Miller, the first Black recipient of the Navy Cross, who showed valor during the Pearl Harbor attack. Miller’s legacy continues despite his death in 1943.
Del Toro’s announcement highlighted President Bush’s leadership post-9/11 and President Clinton’s efforts in the Oslo Accords and Good Friday Agreement. During a private White House ceremony, it was revealed that Chelsea Clinton would be the sponsor for the USS William J. Clinton, establishing a “lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.” Former President Bush commented on his carrier’s naming, saying he is “honored that my name will be associated with the United States Navy and a symbol of our nation’s might.”
Notably, the USS George H. W. Bush, a Nimitz-class carrier, carries the name of Bush’s father. As of now, no sponsor has been announced for the USS George W. Bush.
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