The Navy League, a nonprofit organization, has released a pivotal policy statement underscoring the urgent need for U.S. leaders to commit at least $40 billion each year towards the enhancement and maintenance of the nation’s fleet of battle force ships.
This call to action emerges against a backdrop of looming global challenges, such as territorial disputes in the South China Sea, ongoing conflicts with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, rising NATO-Russia tensions in the Baltic Sea, and competition for Arctic sea routes.
The situation regarding Taiwan and the threats posed by China further compounds these concerns.
Broader Advocacy Beyond Shipbuilding
The Navy League’s push extends beyond just funding for ships.
They advocate for Congress to increase financial support for revitalizing public shipyards, expanding the Coast Guard’s capabilities with new polar icebreakers, and boosting investments in munitions production.
These recommendations provide lawmakers with a solid framework to consider as they reflect on the United States’ maritime strength.
Challenges in Achieving Investment Goals
In discussions with journalists, retired Rear Adm.
Sinclair Harris, who serves as a vice president of the Navy League, emphasized the vital importance of America’s maritime interests for national security and economic prosperity.
He pointed out that the challenges facing U.S. maritime power escalate daily, highlighting the indispensable role of American naval strength in upholding global security.
Nonetheless, achieving significant investments in maritime capabilities may be a daunting task in the current budgetary climate.
Jonathan Kaskin, the chair of Merchant Marine Affairs for the Navy League, acknowledged that while the policy statement aims to supply Congress with the essential context for needed funding, securing substantial resources will be complicated due to pre-existing fiscal constraints.
Future Fleet Objectives and Legislative Support
Interestingly, the proposed $40 billion annual investment mirrors the Navy’s current request to Congress, which anticipates approximately $40.1 billion each year for shipbuilding through 2054.
This ambitious plan, totaling over $1 trillion, aims to expand the fleet of battle force ships from 295 to 381 over the next three decades, addressing the increasing global threats.
However, projections show that the fleet could shrink to 283 by 2027 due to more ships retiring than being commissioned.
The Congressional Budget Office has described the anticipated costs of this shipbuilding initiative as high when compared to recent funding levels and historical norms.
Funding for naval construction has indeed risen over the past decade, reaching figures reminiscent of the 1980s, a time when former President Ronald Reagan championed a 600-ship Navy.
To achieve future fleet objectives, a notable increase in funding will not be enough; a significant boost in the shipbuilding workforce is also essential.
U.S. shipyards must ramp up productivity to overcome previous hurdles, including cost overruns and labor shortages, which have historically delayed several vessel productions.
In light of these challenges, the Navy League is urging lawmakers to revisit the SHIPS for America Act, a bipartisan proposal introduced at the last congressional session’s conclusion.
This legislation aims to tackle vulnerabilities within the maritime sector by recommending the establishment of a maritime security adviser position in the White House, the creation of a dedicated trust fund bolstered by industry dues and fees, the launch of a Center for Maritime Innovation, and efforts to grow the shipbuilding workforce through fresh recruitment campaigns, among several other initiatives.
Source: Militarytimes