President Biden has revealed the names of the next generation of aircraft carriers set to join the U.S. Navy: the USS William J. Clinton and the USS George W. Bush. Construction on these vessels, honoring former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, will commence in the coming years as part of the latest class of aircraft carriers.

In a statement released Monday, President Biden shared that both former presidents were "deeply humbled" upon receiving the news. He emphasized their understanding of the weighty responsibilities of Commander-in-Chief and their shared commitment to supporting military families.

Currently, the Navy operates eleven aircraft carriers, some nearing fifty years of service and slated for retirement. Eight of the existing carriers are named after former presidents: USS George Washington, USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Theodore Roosevelt, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Harry S. Truman, USS Ronald Reagan, USS George W. Bush, and USS Gerald R. Ford.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin described the future USS Clinton and USS Bush as enduring tributes to the leaders' service to the nation. He underscored the importance of aircraft carriers as the cornerstone of American naval power, enabling the projection of force and the delivery of combat capabilities globally in defense of democracy.

Austin further emphasized that these new carriers, like their namesakes, will contribute to national security, serve as reminders of American history, and inspire future generations to serve the country.

The USS Clinton and USS Bush will belong to the Ford-class of carriers, incorporating over twenty new technologies compared to the older Nimitz-class carriers that have been in service since 1975. Among the upgrades is the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), which uses electronic power instead of steam to launch aircraft.

Former President Donald Trump has previously advocated for a twelve-carrier Navy and recently hinted at the possibility of further expanding the naval fleet during a potential second term. He suggested exploring options like outsourcing shipbuilding to other countries if necessary to meet the Navy's needs.