While not usually discussed in the public domain, the idea of putting lasers on aircraft carriers is still being pursued to help protect the ships against drones and even missiles. That’s especially true for the next-generation Gerald R. …

With all the sticker-shock reporting for Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers build by Newport News Shipbuilding in recent years, it’s a bit odd that this month’s news about dropping per-carrier costs barely registered a blip in the media. Essentially, it cost about $12.5 billion as of September 2020 to buy…

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) released some of the most worrisome news yet on June 15 about the Chinese efforts to build its own aircraft carrier force. “Satellite imagery from June 14 reveals that the launch of China’s third aircraft carrier, the Type 003, is imminent,” CSIS…

While I met so many on the Newport News waterfront worthy of respect and admiration, two who rate special consideration are Mike Butler, who led the overall construction of aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy, and the ship’s first commanding officer, Captain Todd Marzano, known by is aviator call sign “Cherry.” — As I detail in my book “Heavy Metal,” which was officially released today, both are the respective “mayors” of their realms, Mike Butler making sure no ship had a stronger steel spine than the Kennedy, and Captain Marzano ensuring no ship had a more enduring naval spirit.