The world's most modern and expensive (worth about $13 billion) aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) , is currently grappling with a very strange but serious problem.
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is the US Navy's newest, largest, and most advanced nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. She is the first of the Ford class, built to replace the aging Nimitz class ships.
Even though it is ready to face enemy missiles and drones, its "sewage system" has been a thorn in the side of the Navy.
The ship is equipped with a vacuum toilet system similar to those found on commercial airliners. According to experts and a 2020 report by the GAO (Government Accountability Office) , this system is too small and fragile for such a large ship carrying over 4,600 troops.
Expensive cleanings (Acid Flushes): Calcium deposits and debris frequently build up in this system. To clean it, the Navy must perform an "acid flush" of the entire system. Surprisingly, a single acid flush costs approximately $400,000 (approximately ₹3.3 crore) . Several such flushes have been performed to date.
It is ironic that a ship equipped with futuristic technology like laser weapons and electromagnetic catapults (EMALS) is troubled by a basic human need, i.e., 'waste management'.
A major embarrassment to the US Navy.
Since Donald Trump is known for his business acumen and "cost-cutting," this issue must be on his radar. 😁🤣
As president, focusing on military facilities should be a priority. The problem of onboard restrooms directly impacts the lives of soldiers.