I would have thought that this would have had a ton of responses/debate.  I tried googleing it myself but I didn't come up with too much, other than what has been stated here.  If this is in fact the case talk about a catastrophic decision.

Does this man the USN will stop building CVNs to follow after the new Ford-class supercarrier? It would be hard justifying building new ships if you have a spare CVN in mothballs with 30 more years of sailing  in her.

This doesn't fit with any of the Navy's announced plans.  The Navy is planning to retire CVN-65 Enterprise early, dropping the number of battlegroups to 10 from 11.  CVN-72 Lincoln is scheduled to go into RCOH and therefore be unavailable from 2012-2015, which would further reduce the available fleet to 9 for that period.  Some people have tossed around the idea of skipping CVN-72's RCOH to save money -- effectively ending the ship's useful life -- but I haven't seen any serious proposals to do that. 

A probably money saver move but it also allows a newer carrier to receive a major upgrade, possibly as a test platform for Ford class gear such as rail guns, magnetic catapults, etc.

If what you suggest is true that would reduce the number of available carriers during the early part of the next decade to 8. I realize Obama views the military budget as a source of additional funds for his social changes so perhaps it's true. For the past ten years CAW's have been shrinking in size because of the lack of sufficient naval aircraft construction. By eliminating CVN's, CAW's themselves can be reduced in numbers. More money for ACORN.

Why don't we have the brits refuel CVN 72 and then lease it to them....that way they have a real aircraft carrier. Or even...cringe...THE FRENCH....again then one of our allies would have a real carrier. It's hardly worn out and in the event of a real war it would be better to have an ally have it operational rather than us spending weeks or months bringing it back into service.

Hi. i just came accross this, and I realize Im a bit late. But considerring I was assigned on the Abe it makes sense to say something. As for the Abe being brought out thats not likely to happen any time soon. Shes just been through the yards and is out right now. I can tell you she is still in her prime. Thats about all I can say due to security issues. But she is not ready to be mothballed. As for the Navy pulling E7's and up out early, that sadly is an "option". Theyre offering contract buyouts and making advancement more difficult. Its all about downsizing, and expanding the idea of more with less to include sailors as well.As for me, Ill be in the dust soon. See ya there.