The U.S. Navy seeks to streamline shipbuilding processes by addressing rising costs, workforce shortages, and supply chain issues while aiming to improve vessel delivery timelines and efficiency.
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| As the U.S. Navy faces challenges in shipbuilding, officials discuss efforts to improve ship delivery, modernize infrastructure, and overcome workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions. Image: US Navy |
Washington, USA — March 26, 2025:
The U.S. Navy is tackling a series of challenges in shipbuilding, including rising costs, workforce shortages, and delays, as officials aim to streamline production and meet national defense goals. Brett A. Seidle, the acting assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development, and acquisition, testified today before the Senate Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on seapower about the state of conventional surface shipbuilding, according to the US Defense Dept.
Seidle underscored the importance of the Navy's shipbuilding enterprise, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining U.S. national security and projecting global influence. While acknowledging the Navy's strength, he pointed out significant obstacles, including delays of one to three years and costs that are growing faster than inflation. He called for modernizing infrastructure, investing in workforce retention, and improving supply chain efficiency. Seidle stressed that the assistance of Congress and the Navy’s industrial partners would be essential to overcoming these challenges.
Vice Admiral James P. Downey, commander of Naval Sea Systems Command (Navsea), also addressed the committee, emphasizing the command’s dedication to delivering the right capabilities to warfighters. Downey discussed Navsea’s ongoing efforts to simplify and streamline shipbuilding processes, including the digitization of design plans to reduce the burden on shipbuilders. He acknowledged the pressure caused by workforce shortages, shifting demographics, and ongoing supply chain disruptions, highlighting the need for strategic solutions to improve waterfront productivity. Downey also emphasized the importance of attracting and retaining skilled workers to maintain the Navy's fleet.
The Navy currently has 92 ships under contract, with 56 actively under construction. In addition to prime contracts, several shipyards outsource work, creating a more distributed shipbuilding model that requires increased oversight. Downey concluded by stressing the importance of creating productive, safe work environments to ensure the skilled workforce is equipped to build capable warships that protect U.S. national interests.