CVN-77, the tenth and last Nimitz class carrier is by design a transition ship. Some of the new technologies, including different ways of manning that carrier, can then be applied to future CVX designs. The range of new technologies under consideration is impressive. Future Navy ships can benefit from highly integrated information systems. High capacity fiber optic cables can speed information and improve combat survivability.
Composite materials used in hull components and antennas can reduce ship maintenance and upkeep.
CVX might have catapults powered by electromagnets that take up half as much space and require fewer people to operate and maintain. We will continue to look at good ideas and study useable technologies, for our future generation of ships. The venerable A-6 Intruder medium attack bomber will retire from the Navy's inventory of combat aircraft at a ceremony aboard the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Friday Feb. 28. There are currently two A-6 squadrons in active service. VA-196 at NAS Whidbey Island.