How Long Does It Take An Aircraft Carrier to Stop?

The time it takes for an aircraft carrier to stop can vary based on several factors including its speed, weight, and the environmental conditions. Generally, an aircraft carrier traveling at full speed—about 30 knots or approximately 35 mph—can take around 3 to 5 miles to come to a complete stop. Historically, this process can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the initial speed and the effectiveness of the ship's braking systems, such as reverse thrust from its engines and the drag from its hull.

Steps Involved in Stopping

Aircraft carriers typically use a combination of reverse thrust from their engines and drag from their hulls to slow down. The process is complex and requires precise coordination. While this is the general process, there are unique situations that can affect the stopping time and distance. For example, an incident on the USS Constellation CV-64 in 1962 illustrates a critical situation involving an emergency stop.

Emergency Stopping Onboard the USS Constellation

After an arresting cable snapped off the California coast, the USS Constellation experienced 11 casualties on the flight deck, including 4 major amputees. These accidents emphasize the importance of safety measures and the fragility of this environment. Following the evacuation of the injured, the ship turned its bow towards San Diego harbor. In just 15 minutes, the aircraft carrier outran its escort ships, and later, it was reported that if the ship hadn't started slowing down about 7 miles from the mouth of the harbor, it could have flooded downtown San Diego! This incident highlights the significant distance and time required to perform an emergency stop.

Emergency Stop During Watch in USS JOHN F. KENNEDY

I had to make an emergency stop while on watch as Officer of the Deck (OOD) in the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67. From a speed of 15 knots, it took about a mile to stop in a straight line. This incident underscores the critical and time-sensitive nature of these operations, particularly during high-speed maneuvers.

Port Procedures and Real-World Examples

There are many sea stories involving the stopping and maneuvering of aircraft carriers. One exception is the practice of coming into port, where the ship approaches an anchoring point but does not actually stop. Instead, the ship releases its anchors when it has moved to a position where the anchor can hold. If the anchoring fails due to mechanical issues, as in the case of the USS Kennedy, tugs are brought in to assist with the maneuvering.

Another example is the time the USS Kennedy lost a major generator and drifted for hours with no power, until the team in the Engineering snipes managed to repair it. This shows that even with such advanced technology, the aircraft carrier often relies on alternative methods to maintain control and safety on the water.

In conclusion, while the general procedure for stopping an aircraft carrier involves reverse thrust and hull drag, the process is profound and influenced by many variables. These stories offer insights into the complex and sometimes alarming nature of operating these massive naval vessels.