Media: US Navy to name new aircraft carrier "USS Musk" in honor of tech mogul

In a groundbreaking move, the US Navy has decided to name its newest Ford-class aircraft carrier, CVN 80, the "USS Musk", honoring the tech mogul Elon Musk, who has become one of the most provocative and influential figures in the world today.

As reported by "Türkiye" newspaper, the aircraft carrier, which was originally slated to be named "USS Enterprise", will now carry Musk’s name, cementing his place as a symbol of American power and innovation, per Caliber.Az.

The ship is expected to be launched in 2025, with full service anticipated by 2029.

The Navy’s formal announcement, which will be made public today, April 1, is part of a larger strategic push following the introduction of the "Make Shipbuilding Great Again" bill in February. This controversial legislation emphasizes competition in shipbuilding, particularly with China, and reflects President Donald Trump's bold vision of returning America to its naval might: "We used to build a lot of ships, and we will do it again!"

The "USS Musk" will be the third aircraft carrier in the Gerald R. Ford-class, the US Navy’s latest and most advanced fleet. Weighing in at 100,000 tons, the ship ranks among the largest military vessels in the world. With a crew capacity of 2,600 and the ability to carry up to 75 fighter jets, the "USS Musk" will play a central role in defending US interests on the high seas. Among its many cutting-edge features is the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), a revolutionary new technology designed to replace traditional steam catapults. It’s a fitting tribute to Musk’s penchant for pushing the boundaries of electrical technology.

Though the EMALS system is hailed as a technological breakthrough, not everyone shares the enthusiasm. In 2017, President Trump publicly criticized such systems, calling them "an unnecessary luxury" and suggesting that the Navy return to steam-powered technology. The extent to which Trump’s objections influenced the Navy’s engineering decisions remains unclear, but it’s likely that the debate over the future of military technology will reignite alongside the announcement of the ship's new name.

While the "USS Musk" dominates the news cycle, rumors have also surfaced about the naming of a new SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) ship. Sources claim the vessel will be named after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, though the White House has firmly dismissed these reports as "speculation based on unreliable sources." Behind the scenes, however, whispers suggest that a final decision has already been made on the name of the new intelligence ship.

By Tamilla Hasanova