Key takeaways

• Building a Trump battleship fleet meets space and money limits before it even starts
• Shipyards lack the size and automation to build huge modern battleships
• Experts warn a cultural shift in the navy is as vital as extra cash
• NAVSEA’s past stumbles raise doubts about managing a new ship program
• The project echoes JFK’s space challenge and may need partner support

A plan to build a new line of Trump battleship warships already has experts worried. They say the idea hits big roadblocks in yards, budgets, and culture. First, the United States may have the gear to build these ships. However, it does not have enough room or money to finish them. Next, bringing the ships up to navy standards will need far more than just cash. Finally, leaders must change the old way the navy runs its yards and trains crews.

Why the Trump Battleship Plan Struggles with Shipyards

Professor Alessio Patalano of King’s College London points out a key issue. He asks if there is enough yard space and workers to turn a “visual gold fleet” into a real one. The United States has large dry docks, but they host only a handful of supercarriers and submarines. Moreover, most yards focus on smaller ships. Therefore, fitting battleships in will squeeze space further.

Even more, Patalano says the US Navy does not lead in automation or compact crew design. A modern battleship would need tech to save room and staff. Yet the navy still uses older systems that require large crews and wide work areas. Without big upgrades or new designs, building and running a Trump battleship could cost way more than planned.

Need for New Workforce and Training

Retired US Navy captain Carl Schuster backs the call for a fresh build culture. He argues a national recruitment drive must bring in workers skilled in shipyard trades. Workers need training in welding, electrical systems, and advanced sensors. In addition, tech experts must learn to install new information links. Therefore, the program must fund schools, apprenticeships, and labs.

Schuster warns that the Naval Sea Systems Command has struggled with surface ship programs. He says Trump must clear out poor managers and hire bold leaders. This step would reset the program and boost chances of success. Otherwise, past errors could repeat in the new Trump battleship program.

Cultural Shift in Naval Strategy

Beyond yards and skills, the navy needs a wide mindset change. Patalano notes that new ship classes require a fresh way of managing crews and space. He says a “cultural shift of no trifling proportions” must happen. That means leaders must embrace innovation in design, automation, and remote operations. For example, they could revisit crew size and even test autonomous features.

Furthermore, shipbuilders and navy officers must talk closely from day one. In past builds, delays happened because shipyards and the navy argued over specs. By blending their teams early, they can spot issues fast. As a result, the Trump battleship plan could stay on track. However, this cooperation will take time and trust.

Lessons from the Space Race

Schuster draws a parallel to JFK’s call for a moon landing. Back then, the nation rallied around a bold challenge. He believes Trump aims for a similar “maritime moonshot.” The US felt behind when the Soviets led in space. Today, China’s navy edges closer to challenging US access to the Western Pacific. For the first time, a foreign fleet could limit our sea lanes.

Thus, the battleship plan aims to restore US power at sea. Schuster points out that Japan and South Korea also feel the pressure. Therefore, the US could invite these nations to join the build or share tech. Such alliances would spread costs and risks. Moreover, allied shipbuilders could learn best practices in yard automation and crew management.

Cost and Time Considerations

Building a single modern battleship can run into tens of billions of dollars. Then, designers must add radar, missile launchers, and stealth features. As a result, a fleet of these ships could cost well over a hundred billion. More importantly, initial estimates often rise once work starts. This is because complex systems need extra trials, and delays add fees.

In terms of schedule, it can take a decade to design and build a new warship class. Even with fast-track programs, the industry moves slowly. Shipyards need to order steel, test engines, and train crews in phases. Meanwhile, shipyards may already be booked for other Navy or allied projects. Therefore, rushing the Trump battleship program could force other builds to wait longer.

The Path Ahead

Despite the hurdles, proponents still see value in hardy surface ships. They point out that big, well-armed vessels can carry more firepower than smaller ships. They also say battleships project strength and deter rivals. Yet turning the Trump battleship idea into a working fleet demands years of planning. It will need new yards, trained teams, and top leaders. In addition, Congress must back the plan with real funding.

Above all, leaders must learn from past mistakes. They need to blend navy officers, shipbuilders, and tech experts in one team. By doing so, they can solve problems before they become delays. Otherwise, the Trump battleship plan could end up as a flashy photo op, never leaving the dock.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest hurdles for building Trump battleships?

Experts point to limited shipyard space, high costs, and outdated crew systems. Also, a cultural shift in the navy is crucial.

How long would it take to build a new battleship class?

From design to delivery usually spans ten years. Fast-track plans can cut time but raise risks and costs.

Why is a cultural shift in shipyards important?

Shipyards and navy teams must work closely and embrace new tech. This reduces design clashes and delays.

Can allies help with the battleship plan?

Yes. Allies could share costs, yard space, and tech know-how. Partners like Japan and South Korea face the same Pacific challenges.