Revitalizing US Shipbuilding: Joint Navy & Coast Guard Hearing on Maritime Security

The US Navy and Coast Guard are facing a critical shortage in shipbuilding capacity. In this joint congressional hearing, defense leaders and lawmakers discuss the urgent need to revitalize the US maritime industrial base to counter rising global threats.

Welcome to Defense Now! In this video, we break down the crucial Joint Navy & Coast Guard subcommittee hearing on maritime security and the state of the US shipbuilding industry. With adversaries like China rapidly expanding their fleets, US officials are sounding the alarm on prolonged construction timelines, workforce shortages, and supply chain vulnerabilities.

Hear direct testimony from key leaders, including the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, the Administrator of MARAD, and Coast Guard leadership, as they unveil the "Golden Fleet Initiative" and debate the "Ships Act." Furthermore, the CBO and GAO issue stark warnings about the consequences of beginning ship construction before designs are fully matured.

👇 Jump to Key Moments in the Hearing: Opening Remarks: The Urgent Need for Hulls in the Water Navy's "Golden Fleet Initiative" & Distributed Shipbuilding MARAD: Why Cargo Drives Maritime Power Coast Guard's Historic Fleet Recapitalization The Power of Multi-Year Procurement Contracts Partnering with Finland for Arctic Security Cutters The Ships Act: Rebuilding the Commercial Maritime Sector Navy Spare Parts Shortages & AI Data Solutions Congress Expresses Frustration Over Cutter Delays CBO Warns of Ballooning Timelines and Labor Shortages GAO: Flawed Design Practices Cost Billions

Key Points & Timestamps:
[00:04] Opening Remarks: Subcommittee chairs and ranking members open the hearing by stressing the urgent need to revitalize the domestic shipbuilding industrial base and get "hulls in the water."

[01:55] Navy's "Golden Fleet Initiative": Jason Potter (Assistant Secretary of the Navy) discusses the administration's strategy, the $65.8 billion budget request for 34 vessels, and the push for "distributed shipbuilding" to utilize smaller manufacturing yards across the country.

[06:53] MARAD's Cargo-Driven Strategy: MARAD Administrator Steven Carmel argues that maritime power is built "from cargo inward, not from ships outward." He highlights the need for public policy and cargo preference laws to create predictable demand and combat China's dominance in commercial shipbuilding.

[11:55] Coast Guard's Historic Fleet Recapitalization: Rear Admiral Mike E. Campbell outlines the Coast Guard's massive acquisition efforts, including Polar Security Cutters and Offshore Patrol Cutters, and their investments in organic sustainment at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore.

[21:16] The Power of Multi-Year Procurement: The committee discusses how stable, multi-year contracts (like the block buy for Virginia and Columbia-class submarines) are critical for providing a steady demand signal that allows the industry to hire and invest with confidence.

[46:06] Partnering for Arctic Security: Rear Adm. Campbell explains the strategic partnership with Finland to build the first few Arctic Security Cutters, with the ultimate goal of transferring that icebreaker manufacturing capability back to US shipyards.

[54:56] The Ships Act: Representatives discuss the proposed Ships for America Act, designed to rebuild the commercial maritime sector, mandate domestic cargo preferences, and align the commercial workforce with the Navy's needs.

[01:05:20] Spare Parts and Data Integrity: The committee addresses the Navy's struggle with critical spare parts shortages, emphasizing the need for better data management and advanced technologies (like AI and digital twins) to improve maintenance readiness.

[01:24:04] Frustrations over Cutter Delays: Members express strong frustrations over the delays, cost overruns, and stalled contract negotiations regarding the Coast Guard's Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program.

[01:30:05] CBO on Ballooning Timelines and Labor: Dr. Eric Labs of the CBO testifies that the Navy is failing to grow the fleet fast enough. He notes that destroyers now take 11 years to build and attack submarines take 10 years, heavily driven by a critical shortage of skilled shipyard labor.

[01:35:13] GAO on Flawed Design Practices: Shelby Oakley of the GAO highlights a persistent pattern: both the Navy and Coast Guard frequently begin building ships before designs are fully mature. She stresses that without disciplined design practices, increased funding will continue to result in cost overruns and delays.

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Defense Now | April 2026
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