Focus: US Navy's Shipbuilding Industry Confronts Production Challenges as Global Maritime Threats Rise.

The U.S. shipbuilding industry is facing significant challenges in meeting the growing demands for naval power as the U.S. Navy works to maintain its global dominance. Brett A. Seidle, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, recently testified before the House Armed Services Committee’s Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee on March 11, 2025. While U.S. shipbuilders continue to produce advanced, high-quality warships, Seidle acknowledged that the industry is struggling to produce enough vessels at the necessary rate to meet the Navy’s increasing demands. The need for a greater number of ships is particularly critical as global maritime threats intensify.
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The Virginia-class attack submarine Minnesota (SSN 783) is under construction at Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding, one of the most important shipbuilders in the U.S. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The U.S. Navy’s fleet consists of 237 commissioned ships, encompassing a diverse array of vessel types. Despite producing some of the most technologically advanced ships in the world, the shipbuilding industry is under pressure to address production delays, rising costs, and limited capacity. Seidle highlighted that deliveries of new ships are often delayed by one to three years, and the costs have risen faster than overall inflation, causing significant strain within both the Navy and the private sector shipbuilders.

The challenges plaguing the shipbuilding industry are complex and multifaceted. Factors such as reduced competition, diminished capacity at tier-one shipyards, workforce shortages, and shifting Navy requirements have contributed to these difficulties. Additionally, supply chain disruptions and industry consolidation following the end of the Cold War have led to under-resourced shipyards. To overcome these obstacles, Seidle emphasized the need for collaboration among Congress, industry, academia, and government at all levels to ensure the continued strength of the U.S. Navy.

Despite these challenges, Seidle remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing the importance of a collective effort to improve shipbuilding performance. “Our nation and the world need the strength of our Navy, and my intent is to do everything in my power to deliver on that promise,” Seidle stated. To ensure the Navy’s continued dominance, overcoming the challenges facing the shipbuilding sector is essential. The Navy’s success will depend on addressing production limitations and meeting the growing demand for ships to safeguard U.S. interests and respond to emerging threats.

The U.S. Navy’s fleet of 237 commissioned ships includes a wide variety of vessels, each serving a crucial role in the Navy’s operational strategy. These ships enable the Navy to project power globally, maintain strategic deterrence, and respond effectively to maritime threats. Below is a detailed breakdown of the U.S. Navy's fleet by category, along with the current number of ships in each category:

1. Aircraft Carriers (11 ships)
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of the U.S. Navy’s power projection capabilities. These ships serve as floating airbases, enabling the Navy to deploy aircraft across the globe. The U.S. operates 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, including the Nimitz-class and the Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. These ships carry up to 90 aircraft and are central to U.S. naval strategy, providing both combat capabilities and humanitarian support.

2. Amphibious Assault Ships (9 ships)
Amphibious assault ships are essential for transporting and deploying Marines and their equipment. The U.S. Navy currently operates 9 amphibious assault ships, including the Wasp-class and America-class vessels. These ships can carry large numbers of Marines, helicopters, landing craft, and vehicles, enabling rapid deployment in both combat and humanitarian missions.

3. Amphibious Command Ships (2 ships)
Amphibious command ships are equipped to serve as command and control platforms during amphibious operations. The U.S. Navy operates 2 amphibious command ships, which are capable of coordinating large-scale land and sea operations, ensuring that U.S. Marines can execute their missions effectively in hostile environments.

4. Amphibious Transport Dock Ships (13 ships)
Amphibious transport docks provide well-deck spaces for landing craft, vehicles, and personnel, enabling amphibious landings. The Navy currently has 13 amphibious transport dock ships (San Antonio-class). These ships are essential for deploying Marines and equipment ashore, especially in areas without developed infrastructure.

5. Attack Submarines (51 ships)
Attack submarines are vital for offensive operations, including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence collection, and precision strikes. The U.S. Navy operates 51 attack submarines, including the advanced Virginia-class SSNs. These submarines are highly stealthy, capable of launching Tomahawk missiles, and provide critical flexibility in both defensive and offensive operations.

6. Ballistic Missile Submarines (14 ships)
Ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) form the backbone of U.S. nuclear deterrence, carrying a large number of Trident II nuclear missiles. The Navy currently operates 14 Ohio-class SSBNs, which serve as a strategic deterrent and ensure the nation’s second-strike capability in the event of a nuclear attack.

7. Classic Frigate (1 ship)
The U.S. Navy operates 1 classic frigate, the USS Ingraham (FFG-61), which is now in reserve. Frigates are smaller, more agile ships designed for a variety of roles, including anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, and escort missions. The Navy is transitioning to newer classes of frigates in the coming years.

8. Cruisers (9 ships)
Cruisers provide air defense, missile defense, and command capabilities. The Navy operates 9 Ticonderoga-class cruisers, which are equipped with the Aegis Combat System and are tasked with defending other ships in the fleet from air and missile threats. These ships are crucial for strategic strike capabilities and providing command and control functions during naval operations.

9. Destroyers (75 ships)
Destroyers are multi-role warships used for fleet defense and offensive operations. The Navy operates 75 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which are equipped with advanced radar and missile systems, allowing them to perform a range of missions, including air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and precision strikes.

10. Dock Landing Ships (10 ships)
Dock landing ships (LSDs) are designed to transport Marines, their equipment, and landing craft to shore. The U.S. Navy operates 10 dock landing ships, which play a key role in amphibious operations by providing well-deck space for vehicles and landing craft, enabling Marines to land in hostile environments.

11. Expeditionary Mobile Bases (4 ships)
Expeditionary mobile bases are versatile ships that support operations in austere environments. The U.S. Navy operates 4 expeditionary mobile base ships, which provide platforms for a variety of missions, including command and control, logistics, and support for special operations forces.

12. Guided Missile Submarines (4 ships)
Guided missile submarines (SSGNs) are equipped to launch Tomahawk missiles and support special operations forces. The U.S. Navy currently operates 4 Ohio-class SSGNs, which provide strategic strike capabilities and flexibility in various maritime environments.

13. Littoral Combat Ships (23 ships)
Littoral combat ships are designed for operations in near-shore environments. The Navy currently has 23 Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) in service, with a planned total of 28. These ships are intended to perform a variety of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasures, making them versatile assets for the Navy in littoral zones.

14. Mine Countermeasures Ships (8 ships)
Mine countermeasures ships are responsible for clearing mines from sea lanes to ensure the safe passage of other vessels. The U.S. Navy operates 8 mine countermeasures ships, which are equipped to detect and neutralize naval mines, ensuring freedom of navigation in contested waters.

15. Submarine Tender Ships (2 ships)
Submarine tenders provide maintenance and logistical support for submarines. The U.S. Navy currently operates 2 submarine tenders, which ensure that submarines are kept in optimal operational condition during long deployments.

16. Technical Research Ships (1 ship)
Technical research ships are specialized vessels used to gather intelligence and conduct scientific research. The Navy operates 1 technical research ship, which is used for a variety of reconnaissance and research missions.

The U.S. Navy's proposed FY2025 budget requests $32.4 billion in shipbuilding funding to procure six new ships. This figure is one less than the seven ships projected in the Navy’s FY2024 budget for FY2025, and also below the long-term average target of 10 or 11 new manned ships per year required to achieve and maintain a fleet of about 355 or 381 manned ships over the next 35 years. The U.S. Navy projects the delivery of 10 new ships to the fleet in FY2025, but the proposed budget also includes the retirement of 19 existing ships, including 10 ships that would be retired before reaching the end of their expected service lives.

As a result of the proposed retirements, the U.S. Navy’s total ship count would decline by a net 9 ships during FY2025, dropping from 296 ships at the start of the fiscal year to 287 ships by the end. Over the next five years (FY2025-FY2029), the U.S. Navy’s fleet size is projected to fluctuate, with totals of 287 ships in FY2025, 283 ships in FY2026, 280 ships in FY2027, 286 ships in FY2028, and 291 ships in FY2029.

Looking further ahead, the U.S. Navy’s FY2025 30-year shipbuilding plan aims for fleet growth, projecting that the fleet will surpass 300 ships by FY2032 and exceed 381 ships by FY2042. However, achieving these goals will require addressing the current shipbuilding challenges and ensuring the timely production of new vessels.

While the U.S. Navy’s fleet remains unmatched in terms of capability and technology, the shipbuilding industry must meet the increasing demand for vessels to maintain U.S. naval strength. By addressing production delays, cost issues, and workforce shortages, the Navy can continue to project power globally and secure its position as the leading maritime force in the world. The future success of the Navy depends on overcoming these challenges and ensuring the fleet is equipped to respond to emerging global maritime threats. Collaboration across all sectors will be key to the Navy’s ability to grow its fleet and maintain strategic dominance in the coming decades.