Harlan Ullman
ON THE RECORD · 6 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“So we’ve lost two aircraft carriers for a long period of time to fight this war,”
Harlan Ullman · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Ullman emphasized the long-term loss of two aircraft carriers due to the conflict.
“One of the things that we don’t realise is that Iran has now put two US naval aircraft carriers out of commission for what could be a year, the Ford and Lincoln,”
Harlan Ullman · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Ullman noted that Iran effectively sidelined two US aircraft carriers for extended periods.
“this is a national issue, not a local one; and the administration should not be so defensive. It should say, ‘OK, we’ll see what’s going on, and then if there are some issues, we’ll take care of them.’”
Harlan Ullman · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-17
Ullman said the Trump administration must prioritise naval readiness over politics.
“Ships need maintenance, particularly ships that are extremely complicated with very advanced weapon systems such as nuclear-powered carriers with very advanced systems, and there are things that you cannot do in terms of maintenance under way,”
Harlan Ullman · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-17
Ullman told Al Jazeera that ships require onshore care to keep advanced technology operational over long periods.
“erode the readiness and capability of that ship the longer it’s at sea, and it lacks the ability to repair and extend maintenance”
Harlan Ullman · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-17
Ullman noted the effect of extended deployments on a ship's readiness.
“There are lots of things that you can do at sea, but there are far more things that can only be done in port,”
Harlan Ullman · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-17
Ullman explained to Al Jazeera why port stops are essential for carrier maintenance.