Navy Cuts Orders for Frigate Trump Once Touted as ‘Beautiful’

The US Navy is cutting back its orders for a new class of guided-missile frigate that’s been beset by delays, shifting away from a vessel that President Donald Trump once touted as “the most beautiful.”

The Navy is reducing its orders for the Constellation-class frigate to two from six, and even those two will remain under review, Navy Secretary John Phelan said in a statement. He said the decision was part of a new emphasis on speedy fleet expansion, and that funds designated for the shops will be “put toward future Navy needs.”