As the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Maritime Administration push the shipbuilding industry to increase production, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti stated the Navy has 88 ships on contract, 66 in construction, and 57 planned for acquisition over a five-year budget planning period. The Coast Guard is amid its largest acquisition since World War II.
Franchetti emphasized the need to invest in the industrial base, workforce, and infrastructure to speed up production. The Navy requested $3.9 billion for the submarine industrial base in its fiscal 2025 budget. Common challenges include recruiting workers, finding suppliers, and long lead times for materials.
The need to boost output arises as the Coast Guard focuses on recapitalizing its ship classes, with the Polar Security Cutter being a top priority. The Coast Guard is preparing to purchase a commercially available icebreaker to meet immediate needs until the Polar Security Cutter program progresses.
The Maritime Administration is emphasizing the benefits of a new vessel construction manager concept to keep projects on budget and on time. Administrator Ann Phillips highlighted the success of the National Security Multi-Mission Vessels program, suggesting the concept could be applied to future sealift ships.
