The U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding programs are experiencing significant delays, ranging from one to three years behind schedule. The delays are due to challenges with workforce shortages and management issues, particularly at shipyards like Fincantieri’s Marinette Marine in Wisconsin. A review led by Navy acquisition chief Nickolas Guertin and Vice Adm. James Downey highlighted delays in programs like the Columbia-class SSBN, Block IV Virginia submarines, and the future Enterprise, CVN-80 aircraft carrier. Workforce challenges, supply chain issues, and a shortage of skilled tradesmen were identified as contributing factors to the delays.
The first Columbia-class SSBN is projected to deliver 12 to 16 months later than its scheduled date of October 2027, potentially impacting the Navy’s ability to have the required number of submarines ready for deployment. The Block IV Virginia submarines bought from fiscal 2014 to 2018 are running 36 months behind schedule, while the Block V submarines bought from FY19 to FY23 are projected to be about 24 months behind schedule. The future Enterprise, CVN-80 aircraft carrier is expected to deliver 18 to 26 months late.
Delays in the Constellation frigate program were also noted, with the first frigate expected to deliver 36 months later than its contractual delivery date. Workforce challenges, including managing multiple programs simultaneously and hiring and retention issues, have contributed to delays at shipyards like Marinette Marine. Recommendations from the review include investing in the entire shipbuilding workforce as a strategic national asset, reevaluating risk-sharing between the government and shipbuilders, and addressing challenges in ship design and oversight processes to mitigate delays in future contracts.
