Key Takeaways :
– The U.S. Navy faces a crisis, with China’s swelling fleet on track to exceed the U.S by over 100 ships by 2027.
– Despite being in a tough situation, the U.S. Navy is not giving up and plans to ramp up production.
– The success of Navy shipbuilding relies heavily on the supplier base across America.
– Current supplier metrics underscore the need for outreach across the supply chain.
– The U.S. Navy heavily relies on the labor force, with Federal and state funding allocated for housing and facility improvement.
The Magnitude of the Issue
The incoming defense team for President-elect Trump has a severe challenge awaiting them. China’s Navy is expanding remarkably, with its fleet predicted to be larger than the U.S. Navy by 2027. Senator Dan Sullivan has voiced concern over the shrinking U.S. Navy, a result of a crisis in naval shipbuilding. However, the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, ADM Samuel Paparo Jr., reassures, the U.S. Navy is not overmatched, but subtle discomfort exists over the rapid growth rate of China’s naval force.
Productive Measures Called For
To fix the naval discrepancy, an acceleration in ship production is essential. Although financial injections into shipbuilding operations are crucial, a full-scale revival also necessitates careful attention to the vast supplier base located across the country. Rear Admiral Todd Weeks points out that the success of these ventures heavily depends on an actively engaged and participating supplier base.
Advanced Procurement’s Role
A solution to the current crisis may lie within advanced procurement and an efficient supply chain system. This approach addresses all levels, from those procuring advanced parts to suppliers of everyday essentials required by a spectrum of naval vessels.
There also exist supplier issues that begin with advanced procurement and specialized long-lead items. According to Todd Weeks, a previously robust market for casting and forgings has dwindled down primarily to defense work in the U.S., after a significant portion of work was sent overseas.
The Admiral suggests that improving the cadence rate for building out this supply chain infrastructure is crucial for the U.S. Navy’s future success.
Stability For Smaller Firms
Smaller firms supplying essential parts, like engines, need stability to plan their work, personnel, and investments. A contract awarded for constructing three Flight II ships, slated for completion in 2035, provides long-term job security and stability for firms located across the U.S.
The Human Aspect: U.S. Naval Workers
The people behind the naval ships are equally significant. Naval shipyard workers, who battle extreme weather conditions and wage inflation, are key to U.S. Navy’s prosperous future. Investments have been poured into refurbishing facilities and housing for these hardworking individuals.
Since 2018, investments totaling $2.3 billion were directed into the Submarine Industrial Base program. This funding, distributed across 260 suppliers in 33 states, yielded a 20% boost in production.
A Helping Hand from Innovation
Companies such as American Fan and parent company Fairbanks Morse are also stepping up. By running a Defense Accelerator program, Fairbanks Morse aims to foster innovation among small businesses via mentorship avenues. Turning novel ideas and disruptive innovations into applicable defense technologies could provide a much-needed strengthening to the industrial base.
Final Thoughts
The need for a stronger maritime industrial base is not only essential from a production perspective but also a strategic one. Current predictions show that a strengthened maritime base capable of performing significant battle damage repair in the U.S could function as a deterrent to potential adversaries. Thus, the future of the U.S. Navy and, ultimately, the country’s security and pride lies heavily on both the supplier base and the diligent workforce building these ships.