The Kitty Hawk was old. She needed billions in upgrades and refurbishment. Replacement is a much better option.
Rode hard and put up wet.
Problem is the Ford Class keeps getting design changes that pushes their commission dates back.
You could very well refurb Kitty Hawk and get it back in service while they're still getting the bugs out of the Fords.
Wouldn't be surprised if they're still trying to get the kinks out of the Ford's in the 2030s.
It depends. The latest Ford will cost as much as Canada’s entire military budget
They didn’t call her “The Shitty Kitty” for nothing. She was downed repeatedly for engineering deficiencies late in her career. That’s what constant deployments without adequate yard time will get you.