Could the U.S. Super Carrier Turn into a "Power Station"?

Reports by American media about the USS Ford have led many to question whether this U.S. aircraft carrier might actually be facing serious problems.

On the 24th, the U.S. website "The War Zone" reported that the U.S. Navy plans to test a new capability of the Ford this summer—using the aircraft carrier as a "floating nuclear power station" to simulate providing electricity to regions during attacks or disaster scenarios.

According to Acting Secretary of the Navy Kevin B. Kline, Norfolk Naval Base will be powered by the USS Ford this summer.

From a technical standpoint, the U.S. Navy's idea isn't entirely far-fetched. As a 100,000-ton nuclear-powered carrier, the Ford indeed has the potential to serve as a mobile power source in emergencies—even conventional-powered vessels can generate electricity without relying on their nuclear reactors.

For example, between December 1929 and January 1930, the U.S. Navy’s USS Lexington successfully supplied power to Tacoma, Washington, which was suffering from a power shortage due to drought, helping ease the local crisis.

Although historical precedents exist, the fact that Bloomberg previously reported that the Pentagon is preparing to review the Ford’s design makes the sudden announcement of this “floating nuclear power station” test raise suspicions among many American internet users.

In the comment section of The War Zone website, several retired U.S. Navy personnel questioned whether the Navy is concealing the true condition of the Ford. Others pointed out that after natural disasters, affected areas often lack intact port facilities—raising doubts about whether such a large carrier as the Ford could even dock safely or deliver power effectively.

To put it simply, using a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier for power generation is technically feasible. However, given that the Ford recently returned home for major repairs following a laundry room fire, and just before that, reports surfaced that the Pentagon was planning a design review, it’s hard not to suspect that the Ford may be dealing with more than just a burned-out laundry room.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866249254591491/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.