Page 20: of Marine News Magazine (August 2024)

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Column

Shipbuilding

Many in Washington are justi? ably skeptical of the that invests in our industrial base, reestablishes a strong

U.S.’s ability to catch up to China’s investment in their workforce, and strengthens our national security.” shipbuilding industrial base as China does not operate on Tier 2 shipyards, though smaller in scale compared to a level playing ? eld. I personally refuse to accept this nar- their Tier 1 counterparts, are vital to bolstering the na- rative. The bottom line is that the United States cannot af- tion’s sealift capabilities, ensuring resilience, and maintain- ford to let our shipbuilding fall further behind, we are the ing a competitive edge in global maritime logistics. These leader of the free-world, and we must maintain our mari- shipyards possess the expertise, ? exibility, and innovation time dominance. I ? rmly believe that Tier 2 shipyards have needed to complement the efforts of larger shipyards. the capacity, talent, and infrastructure to augment our Tier By incorporating Tier 2 shipyards into the national 1 shipyards if the proper initiatives are put into place. sea lift strategy, the United States can achieve several

Recently, the DOD reported in its Navy shipbuilding key objectives: plan that, “Within the overall industrial base, including • Tier 2 shipyards can quickly adapt to changing both shipyards and suppliers, varying levels of capacity and demands, providing surge capacity during times risk exist. Nuclear powered ship production, a unique ca- of crisis. Their ability to produce and maintain a pability with little to no opportunity for commercial or diverse range of vessels ensures that the sea lift dual use production, is provided by two private shipyards ? eet remains versatile and responsive to various that are currently facilitized and certi? ed to construct nu- operational requirements.

clear powered ships and will be at capacity for the next • Supporting Tier 2 shipyards stimulates local 15-plus years…” And while it is critical to have carriers, economies, creating jobs and fostering innovation large combatants and highly sophisticated warships at the in regions that rely heavily on maritime industries. lead of forward naval action – recent planning and studies These shipyards often serve as economic anchors in have suggested a littoral, and a heavy troop movement role their communities, driving growth and development.

is the likely scenario in Paci? c engagement. • Tier 2 shipyards are hubs of innovation, often

The U.S. Navy relies on seven Tier 1 private shipyards leading the way in adopting new technologies and in the U.S. to produce and repair its Fleet. And accord- practices. Their inclusion in the national maritime ing to the latest report, two of those yards are at capacity strategy ensures that the latest advancements in for the next 15-plus years. These yards are the best in the shipbuilding and maintenance are integrated into world and standing shoulder to shoulder with them are the the ? eet, enhancing ef? ciency and performance.

midsize Tier 2 shipyards, like Eastern Shipbuilding Group, To effectively integrate Tier 2 shipyards into the na- who are ready to support and carry the additional ship- tional maritime strategy, several strategic considerations building demands of the U.S. military. must be addressed:

I applaud Sen. Rubio and Rep. Waltz from my home state 1. Upgrade and expand Tier 2 shipyards. Upgrading of Florida for leading the charge, along with a bipartisan, and expanding the infrastructure of Tier 2 shipyards is es- bicameral group of members, on revitalizing our maritime sential. This includes modernizing facilities and investing sector. In their newly released Congressional Guidance for a in advanced manufacturing technologies. These improve-

National Maritime Strategy they put forward a framework ments will enable Tier 2 shipyards to meet the demands that includes planning guidance, strategic objectives, and of a national sea lift strategy effectively, it also provides actionable steps for both Congress and the Administration a strategic wartime multiplier creating production parity to bolster our nation’s maritime sector. “As China vies for with Tier 1 yards for rapid repairs and builds. We have put global in? uence, the United States must project strength forward a grant application for a dry dock that would cre- and security in the maritime domain,” said Senator Rubio. ate enormous economic growth for our area and relieve a “Congress must act swiftly to adopt a maritime strategy massive backlog in shipbuilding repair. Before we continue 20 | MN August 2024