Aircraft carriers are the crown jewels of naval power—floating airbases that project military strength anywhere in the world. For the United States, these massive warships are a symbol of global reach, deterrence, and defense.
But how many aircraft carriers does the United States really have? What types exist, and how do they compare with other nations?
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the U.S. aircraft carrier fleet in 2025—including the different classes, current numbers, capabilities, and why they matter to national security and global stability.
Quick Answer: How Many Aircraft Carriers Does the U.S. Have in 2025?
As of 2025, the United States Navy operates 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and several amphibious assault ships that can serve similar roles in air support and deployment. Here’s the current breakdown:
| Type of Carrier | Number in Service (2025) |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Aircraft Carriers | 11 |
| Amphibious Assault Ships | 9 |
| Total Carrier-Capable Ships | 20 |
Now let’s break this down for clarity.
What Is an Aircraft Carrier?
An aircraft carrier is a warship that serves as a mobile airbase at sea. Its primary role is to launch, recover, and support military aircraft, especially in regions where land-based airfields are unavailable or too far away.
Carriers provide:
- Air superiority
- Power projection
- Sea control
- Humanitarian aid in crises
- Rapid response capability in combat zones
Types of U.S. Carriers
1. Supercarriers (Nuclear-Powered)
These are the largest and most powerful carriers in the world. The U.S. operates 11 of them, each powered by two nuclear reactors, allowing them to operate for over 20 years without refueling.
Key Classes:
- Nimitz-class (10 active)
- Gerald R. Ford-class (1 active, more under construction)
Each carries:
- Over 75 aircraft
- A crew of more than 5,000 personnel
- A full strike group of escort ships and submarines
2. Amphibious Assault Ships
Although not technically called “aircraft carriers,” these ships are designed to support Marine Corps operations and can launch fighter jets like the F-35B, helicopters, and tiltrotors.
Key Classes:
- Wasp-class
- America-class
Each carries:
- Up to 25 aircraft
- Amphibious landing vehicles
- Around 1,600 Marines
The 11 U.S. Supercarriers (2025)
| Ship Name | Class | Commissioned | Homeport |
|---|---|---|---|
| USS Nimitz (CVN-68) | Nimitz | 1975 | Bremerton, WA |
| USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) | Nimitz | 1977 | Norfolk, VA |
| USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) | Nimitz | 1982 | San Diego, CA |
| USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) | Nimitz | 1986 | San Diego, CA |
| USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) | Nimitz | 1989 | San Diego, CA |
| USS George Washington (CVN-73) | Nimitz | 1992 | Yokosuka, Japan |
| USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) | Nimitz | 1995 | Bremerton, WA |
| USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) | Nimitz | 1998 | Norfolk, VA |
| USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) | Nimitz | 2003 | Yokosuka, Japan |
| USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) | Nimitz | 2009 | Norfolk, VA |
| USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) | Ford | 2017 | Norfolk, VA |
Gerald R. Ford-Class: The Future of U.S. Naval Aviation
The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is the newest generation of American aircraft carriers, designed to replace the aging Nimitz class.
Key Improvements:
- Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)
- Advanced arresting gear
- Higher sortie rate (25% more than Nimitz)
- Smaller crew size for cost savings
- Improved radar and defense systems
More Ford-class carriers are under construction or in planning:
- CVN-79 USS John F. Kennedy (expected 2026)
- CVN-80 USS Enterprise (expected 2028)
- CVN-81 USS Doris Miller (early 2030s)
Why Aircraft Carriers Are So Important
Aircraft carriers are more than just warships—they are strategic platforms used for:
- Power Projection
Carriers can deploy a full air wing to any ocean, ensuring the U.S. can influence global events. - Deterrence
Just the presence of a carrier strike group can deter adversaries from escalating tensions. - Humanitarian Missions
Carriers often assist during natural disasters by providing aid, medical care, and evacuation. - Forward Presence
Stationed globally, they maintain peace and react rapidly to emerging conflicts.
U.S. vs The Rest of the World: Who Has the Most Carriers?
| Country | Total Aircraft Carriers (2025) | Notable Ships |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 11 (supercarriers) + 9 LHAs | USS Gerald R. Ford |
| China | 3 | Liaoning, Shandong, Fujian |
| United Kingdom | 2 | HMS Queen Elizabeth |
| France | 1 | Charles de Gaulle |
| India | 2 | INS Vikramaditya, Vikrant |
| Russia | 1 | Admiral Kuznetsov (often inactive) |
The U.S. leads by a wide margin, both in quantity and technological superiority.
Costs and Budget
- A Nimitz-class carrier costs approximately $4.5 billion to build.
- The Ford-class costs around $13 billion per unit due to new tech and systems.
- Annual operational costs: over $1.5 billion per ship (including crew, maintenance, and fuel for support vessels).
Despite the high cost, aircraft carriers are seen as a necessary investment in national security and global peacekeeping.
Aircraft Carriers in Action
Recent Deployments:
- USS Ronald Reagan patrols the Indo-Pacific region, deterring North Korean aggression.
- USS Gerald R. Ford began her first global deployment in 2023, testing new tech in real-world scenarios.
- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower supported operations in the Middle East and the Red Sea in 2024.
Are More Carriers Being Built?
Yes. The U.S. Navy is actively replacing older Nimitz-class ships with Ford-class carriers.
- Goal: Maintain a fleet of 11 supercarriers at all times.
- Construction plans stretch into the 2030s.
- Discussions are underway about light aircraft carriers and unmanned carrier-based drones.
FAQs
Why does the U.S. need so many aircraft carriers?
Because of its global military commitments and security alliances (e.g., NATO, Indo-Pacific), the U.S. Navy must be able to respond to crises on multiple continents simultaneously.
What happens to retired aircraft carriers?
Some are scrapped, others turned into museums (like the USS Midway), and a few are used for testing or sunk in live-fire exercises.
Could drones replace aircraft carriers?
Not anytime soon. While carrier-based drones (like the MQ-25 Stingray) are entering service, carriers remain essential for command, control, and sustained operations.
