Strengthening America’s Maritime Future: A Wake-Up Call for Action

All Hands on Deck by StrongerNavy.org
Bill Cullifer, Founder
Bill Cullifer, Founder

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we have long advocated for a robust maritime strategy that includes both a stronger U.S. Navy and a revitalized civilian maritime industry. Our commitment to this cause is rooted in a belief that America’s strength at sea is indispensable to its national security, economic stability, and global leadership.

Recently, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released findings from an investigation into China’s dominance in the shipbuilding, maritime, and logistics sectors, revealing practices that undermine fair competition and threaten American interests. This news reaffirms the urgency of revitalizing our shipbuilding industry—a call echoed by U.S. legislators like Senator John Garamendi and others who are leading efforts to rebuild our maritime capabilities.

What the Investigation Found

The USTR investigation, launched in response to petitions by five unions, highlights how China’s aggressive industrial policies have positioned it as a global leader in shipbuilding. According to USTR Katherine Tai, China builds over 1,700 ships annually—dwarfing the fewer than five built by the United States. The report emphasizes that Beijing’s practices displace foreign firms, foster dependencies, and create significant economic and security risks for the U.S.

Quoting Katherine Tai:
“Beijing’s targeted dominance of these sectors undermines fair, market-oriented competition, increases economic security risks, and is the greatest barrier to revitalization of U.S. industries.”

Why This Matters

America’s maritime industry was once the backbone of our global influence and security. Today, it is a shadow of its former self, leaving us vulnerable to external dependencies. The decline of U.S. shipbuilding not only erodes our military readiness but also jeopardizes our economic security, particularly in the face of escalating geopolitical tensions with China.

The implications extend beyond shipbuilding. Logistics, supply chains, and the broader maritime ecosystem are critical to ensuring that America can sustain its global commitments and respond to crises effectively. As Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul aptly noted:
“Failing to take decisive action will leave our shipbuilding capabilities at the mercy of Beijing’s persistent predatory market distortions.”

Legislative Efforts to Revitalize U.S. Shipbuilding

Amid these challenges, leaders like Senator John Garamendi are working to reverse the tide. Garamendi, alongside Senators Mark Kelly and Todd Young, recently introduced the SHIPS for America Act—a comprehensive, bipartisan effort to rebuild the U.S. shipbuilding industry and expand the U.S.-flagged fleet. Key provisions of this legislation include:

  • Establishing a national maritime strategy and a White House Maritime Security Advisor.
  • Expanding the U.S.-flagged fleet by 250 ships over the next decade.
  • Rebuilding the shipyard industrial base with tax credits, financial incentives, and funding for workforce development.
  • Strengthening regulations to ensure government-funded cargo is transported on U.S.-flagged vessels.

These efforts align closely with our own calls for a balanced strategy that integrates the needs of both the Navy and civilian maritime industries.

What Needs to Be Done

The USTR’s findings, combined with the SHIPS for America Act and related initiatives, offer a roadmap to reclaim America’s maritime leadership. However, this will require decisive action from policymakers, industry leaders, and the American public. We need to:

  • Invest in shipbuilding infrastructure and workforce development.
  • Expand the U.S.-flagged fleet to reduce dependence on foreign shipping.
  • Foster innovation in shipbuilding technologies to compete globally.
  • Unite bipartisan support for maritime legislation that prioritizes national security and economic resilience.

A Call to Action: Wake Up, America!

The stakes have never been higher. As we outlined in our recent open letter, the decline of America’s maritime capabilities is not just an industry problem—it’s a national security crisis. For too long, we have allowed complacency to erode our standing as a maritime power. It’s time to wake up.

We urge you to contact your representatives and demand support for legislation like the SHIPS for America Act. Share this message with your community, and join us in advocating for a stronger Navy and a revitalized civilian maritime industry.

America’s future at sea depends on it. Let’s make it happen.

Credit to AFP for their reporting on the USTR investigation and to the Alliance for American Manufacturing for their continued advocacy.

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Reflections on the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement: A Legacy of Neglect

On Jan. 31, 1979, Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping and President Jimmy Carter sign historic diplomatic agreements between the United States and China. (Photos: Jimmy Carter Library

Introduction: A Decision Made in Haste

Bill Cullifer, Founder
Bill Cullifer, Founder

The December 2024 renewal of the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement (STA) has left some Americans questioning its timing and rationale. While the original 1979 agreement aimed to foster collaboration and mutual respect, today’s geopolitical realities demand a more cautious approach. As an American deeply concerned about our nation’s security and technological leadership, I share the frustration of Senators Marco Rubio, Bill Hagerty, and Jim Risch, who criticized this rushed decision. Senator Risch aptly noted, “The era when this agreement made sense is long gone,” a sentiment that reflects the growing consensus among those wary of China’s strategic ambitions.

Historical Context: Cooperation vs. Competition

The STA, first signed under President Jimmy Carter and Premier Deng Xiaoping, symbolized a hopeful era of collaboration. It was a landmark moment in U.S.-China relations, with industries and policymakers believing that shared knowledge could lead to mutual prosperity. However, over the decades, successive administrations—Republican and Democratic alike—failed to reassess the agreement’s implications. Instead, they allowed industries to prioritize market access over national security, kicking the proverbial can down the road.

Now, as the stakes grow higher, the optics of renewing this agreement without public scrutiny are troubling. Worse, the decision was made just before a presidential transition, effectively denying the incoming administration an opportunity to weigh in. This lack of transparency is a glaring issue, especially given how previous agreements with China have often left the U.S. vulnerable.

The Costs of Neglect: Knowledge Shared, Power Shifted

The consequences of this complacency are clear:

Industrial Espionage: Cases like Motorola and Micron Technology illustrate how China has systematically exploited intellectual property to advance its technological and military capabilities.

Military Implications: From stealth fighters to missile technology, stolen innovations have directly bolstered China’s ability to challenge U.S. military dominance.

A Navy Left Holding the Line

While industries reaped profits, the Navy was left to address the fallout:

Countering Advanced Threats: The Navy now faces adversaries equipped with technologies once exclusive to the U.S., making global readiness more challenging.

Strategic Vulnerabilities: Decades of neglect have created gaps in naval capabilities, leaving our sailors to pick up the pieces without the tools they need.

A Call for Accountability and Action

The renewal of the STA should have been an opportunity for reevaluation, not a rushed decision made behind closed doors. While the updated agreement includes some safeguards, such as excluding critical technologies like AI and quantum computing, these measures fall short of addressing the broader risks.

As Dr. Steven T. Wills, Ph.D., Captain (USN Retired), author of Strategy Shelved: The Collapse of Cold War Naval Strategic Planning and Senior Advisor for American for a Stronger Navy, explains: “The renewal of the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement must be viewed with a critical eye, especially given China’s consistent exploitation of open collaborations to advance its military and technological objectives. As a former U.S. Navy officer and author focused on strategic naval planning, I’ve seen firsthand how seemingly innocuous decisions can have long-term implications for national security. This agreement, while framed as a step forward in modernizing cooperation, risks overlooking the broader strategic context. If we fail to adopt a comprehensive approach that aligns scientific collaboration with national security, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past—leaving our Navy and national defense community to address the consequences without adequate tools or support. The time for a unified, forward-looking strategy is now.”

Dr. Wills’ perspective highlights a critical point: this isn’t just about protecting intellectual property—it’s about ensuring that strategic decisions today don’t leave the Navy and the broader defense community vulnerable tomorrow.

The renewal of the STA should have been an opportunity for reevaluation, not a rushed decision made behind closed doors. While the updated agreement includes some safeguards, such as excluding critical technologies like AI and quantum computing, these measures fall short of addressing the broader risks.

It’s time to demand:

Comprehensive Evaluation: Policymakers, industry leaders, and defense experts must scrutinize agreements like the STA to ensure they align with national security interests.

Support for the Navy: Our sailors deserve the resources and tools necessary to address the consequences of decades of neglect.

A Unified National Strategy: The U.S. must adopt a cohesive approach to balancing innovation with security, ensuring industries that benefited from globalization contribute to safeguarding national interests.

Conclusion: Enough Is Enough

The optics of this renewal are undeniably poor. It sends the wrong message at a time when China has consistently exploited partnerships for strategic gain. Americans for a Stronger Navy stands for transparency, accountability, and vigilance. We cannot afford to be naïve or complacent when the stakes are so high.

As someone who served in the U.S. Navy during the Cold War, I’ve had enough of watching decision-makers prioritize short-term gains over long-term security. In upcoming podcasts, we will examine this agreement and its implications in greater detail, bringing together experts to discuss how America can reclaim its leadership in science and technology while safeguarding its future.

It’s time for all Americans—especially industries that have profited most—to step up and support the Navy and national security. This isn’t just about science; it’s about our freedom, our future, and our ability to stand strong in the face of growing challenges.

An Open Letter: Strengthening America’s Maritime Future

Dear Captains Hendrix and Sadler,

Bill Cullifer, Founder
Bill Cullifer, Founder

Thank you for your recent article, Restoring Our Maritime Strength, which provides a compelling blueprint for addressing the urgent challenges facing the U.S. Navy and the broader maritime industry. Your insights underline the critical need for immediate, decisive action to secure America’s maritime future. As a former U.S. Destroyer Navy sailor and the founder of Americans for a Stronger Navy, I wholeheartedly support many of the recommendations outlined in your piece, though I believe there is room to expand and refine the conversation further.

Recognizing the Threats

Your framing of the maritime challenges posed by China’s growing naval and economic dominance is sobering and accurate. The convergence of military, commercial, and strategic threats from adversaries like China and Russia requires a holistic approach to maritime security. However, these challenges are not just Navy problems; they are American problems. As you noted, the decline in U.S. shipbuilding capacity and the neglect of our maritime industrial base have left us vulnerable. This is where public understanding and support become crucial.

Mobilizing Public Engagement

While your article rightly focuses on policy and institutional reform, the broader American public must be engaged in this conversation. Without public buy-in, even the most robust plans risk losing momentum. We must explain to Americans why our maritime strength is foundational to national security, economic stability, and global leadership. Initiatives like the “Ships for America Act” are a good starting point, but they need champions who can connect these policies to everyday American interests—from jobs in the shipbuilding industry to the safety of international trade routes.

Expanding the Workforce and Industrial Base

Your call to revitalize the maritime industrial base is vital, but it must also include targeted efforts to expand and diversify the workforce. Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, apprenticeships, and incentives for careers in shipbuilding and repair can rejuvenate a sector that has been overlooked for too long. Creating “maritime prosperity zones” could serve as a model for incentivizing investment in these industries while offering opportunities to underfunded high school and community college communities.

Addressing Maintenance and Readiness

The maintenance backlog you describe is a glaring vulnerability. Your suggestion of public-private partnerships to expand dry dock capacity is pragmatic and actionable. However, we must also address inefficiencies within existing shipyards. Streamlining repair processes, modernizing facilities, and investing in advanced technologies like AI and robotics can accelerate maintenance timelines and reduce costs.

Leadership and Culture

The emphasis on cultivating warfighting leaders is critical. As you noted, the Navy must identify and elevate officers who can think and act decisively in high-stakes environments. However, this cultural shift should also extend beyond leadership to include every sailor, including those with an interest in peace through strength. A Navy ready to face 21st-century challenges must foster innovation and adaptability at all levels.

Dale A. Jenkins, distinguished Staff Director of the Council on Foreign Relations, Senior Advisor for Americans for a Stronger Navy, and author of Diplomats and Admirals, has noted, “Leadership within the Navy must not only prioritize operational readiness but also inspire a culture of innovation and strategic foresight at every level of command.” His extensive experience underscores the necessity of aligning leadership reforms with strategic imperatives.

Dr. Steven Wills, Senior Advisor at the NAVALIST Center for Maritime Strategy and Senior Advisor for Americans for a Stronger Navy, reinforces this sentiment: “To meet the multifaceted challenges of the modern maritime domain, the Navy must embrace technological innovation and cultivate a culture prepared for high-intensity conflict.” His expertise highlights the importance of integrating advanced strategies with a focus on readiness.

Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies

While your article focuses primarily on traditional maritime strategies, the increasing threat of cyber warfare cannot be ignored. My decades of experience in telecommunications and web technologies have demonstrated how adversaries exploit vulnerabilities in telecommunications and critical infrastructure to gain strategic advantages. A robust cybersecurity framework must be integrated into the Navy’s modernization plans, ensuring that new ships and systems are protected from digital threats. Additionally, emerging technologies like uncrewed systems and quantum sensing should play a prominent role in our maritime strategy.

Conclusion

I understand that many Americans feel overwhelmed by calls for urgent action on numerous fronts and are skeptical of government programs that promise change but fail to deliver. That is why it is essential to approach these efforts with a focus on accountability, transparency, and tangible benefits for the American people. By demonstrating clear progress and measurable outcomes, we can rebuild trust and show that investing in our maritime strength is an investment in our shared future.

Your article provides a vital roadmap for reinvigorating America’s maritime strength, but the implementation of these ideas will require a unified effort from policymakers, the Navy, industry leaders, and the American public. At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we are committed to fostering the public understanding and support necessary to drive these changes. Together, we can chart a course toward a stronger, more resilient Navy that is prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Introducing Our Three-Part Series: Shaping the Future of Aerial Combat

Are Spaceships in the U.S. Navy’s future?
Bill Cullifer, Founder
Bill Cullifer, Founder

F-35 vs. Drones in U.S. Defense Strategy

Why This Matters to All Americans

As technology evolves and global security challenges intensify, the conversation about the future of aerial combat grows increasingly critical. At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe this debate is not just for defense experts and policymakers—it’s a conversation that impacts every American. The decisions we make today about our military capabilities will shape the safety, security, and strategic posture of the United States for decades to come.

The stakes are monumental. From the taxpayer dollars funding advanced fighter programs to the geopolitical implications of maintaining air superiority, this is a topic that demands both transparency and public engagement. That’s why we’re launching a comprehensive three-part series to explore this issue from every angle.

What We Plan to Cover

Part 1: The Debate Over the F-35 Program

  • We will present the current arguments surrounding the F-35 program, including Elon Musk’s critiques of manned fighter jets, Lockheed Martin’s defense of the aircraft, and the U.S. Navy’s position on its strategic importance. This installment will provide a clear and balanced view of the differing perspectives.

Part 2: Behind the Scenes of Defense Planning

  • This segment will peel back the layers of what goes into planning programs like the F-35. From research and development to operational strategies, we’ll dive into the complexity of balancing current needs with future threats. This part will highlight the challenges faced by military planners and strategists, giving Americans a deeper appreciation of the decisions at hand.

Part 3: The Future of Aerial Combat and Public Involvement

  • In our final piece, we’ll explore how advancements in technology and evolving geopolitical dynamics will shape the future of aerial combat. This installment will conclude with a call to action, inviting the American public to engage with this issue and weigh in on the path forward.

Why This Topic Is Significant

The F-35 program has been a cornerstone of U.S. airpower, but it is also a lightning rod for criticism. High costs, technical challenges, and emerging alternatives like drone swarms have sparked intense debate. At the same time, the world is witnessing rapid advancements in hypersonics, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems—technologies that could redefine the very nature of warfare.

This is about more than aircraft. It’s about maintaining America’s technological edge, ensuring national security, and spending taxpayer dollars responsibly. The choices we make today will determine whether the U.S. remains a global leader in military innovation or cedes ground to competitors like China and Russia.

Why Americans Should Care

At its heart, this is a conversation about priorities. Should the U.S. continue investing in programs like the F-35, or pivot to emerging technologies? How can we ensure our military remains strong while being fiscally responsible? These are questions that affect every American, and they deserve thoughtful, informed discussion.

We encourage you to follow this series, engage with the content, and share your thoughts. As citizens, we have a vital role to play in shaping the future of our nation’s defense. Together, we can ensure that America’s Navy remains not only stronger but also smarter and more efficient.

Stay tuned for Part 1 of our series, where we dive into the debate over the F-35 program and explore the arguments from all sides. Let’s navigate this complex topic together.