Tag: Shipbuilding news

Posted on

A Stronger Navy for a Secure America: USS Constellation Marks New Era in Naval Power

Americans for a Stronger Navy applauds the recent keel laying of the future USS Constellation (FFG 62)! This momentous occasion signifies a critical step forward in modernizing our nation’s fleet and ensuring American dominance at sea.

Why the Constellation Class Matters

Despite concerns over recent reports of delays due to labor shortages, supply chain issues, and design changes, the keel laying of the future USS Constellation (FFG 62) marks a significant step forward in modernizing our nation’s fleet. The builder, Fincantieri Marinette Marine, remains hopeful of minimizing these challenges and delivering this next-generation frigate on a revised schedule. Americans for a Stronger Navy applauds this momentous occasion!

The USS Constellation is the first ship in a new generation of frigates – the Constellation Class. These agile, multi-mission vessels represent a significant leap forward in naval technology. They are designed to operate effectively in both deep ocean (blue water) and near-shore (littoral) environments, providing a crucial advantage in today’s complex maritime landscape.

Benefits for America

A robust and modern Navy is essential for safeguarding our nation’s interests. Here’s how the Constellation Class strengthens American security:

  • Increased Global Presence: These new frigates will allow the Navy to deploy more “players on the field” – deterring aggression and protecting vital sea lanes for American commerce.
  • Technological Edge: The Constellation Class boasts advanced weaponry and systems, ensuring our Navy remains the most technologically proficient force on the seas.
  • Economic Strength: The construction of these vessels supports American jobs and revitalizes our domestic shipbuilding industry.

Standing with Our Navy

Americans for a Stronger Navy is committed to advocating for a powerful and well-equipped Navy. We urge all Americans to join us in supporting this critical national security asset.

Stay Connected!

  • Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on the Constellation Class program and other vital naval developments.
  • Share this blog post with your friends and family to raise awareness about the importance of naval power.

Together, we can ensure the United States Navy remains a force for peace, security, and prosperity for generations to come.

 

Posted on

Can America Reclaim Its Shipbuilding Might? A Deep Dive into Delays and the Road Ahead

Bill Cullifer
Bill Cullifer, Founder

The backbone of American naval power, the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding industry, is facing a critical juncture. Years of delays in key programs have raised concerns about the Navy’s ability to maintain its edge and keep pace with potential adversaries. But the path forward is a complex one, fraught with economic considerations, national security implications, and the very real question of what price tag comes with rebuilding domestic shipbuilding capacity.

This investigative series will delve into the issue, giving voice to a range of stakeholders and exploring the potential solutions. We, the American people, ultimately foot the bill and rely on a strong Navy. This series aims to provide transparency and spark conversation about how to best move forward.

The Problem: Delays and Mounting Concerns

Recent reports paint a concerning picture. The Navy acknowledges delays of up to three years in major shipbuilding programs, impacting vessels like the Columbia-class submarine and the Constellation-class frigate. These delays raise serious questions about the Navy’s ability to meet its operational needs and deter potential threats.

Stakeholders: Who Has a Say?

Understanding the issue requires hearing from all sides. We’ll be speaking with:

  • Navy Leadership: What are the Navy’s specific concerns with delays? What solutions are they exploring?
  • Shipbuilders: What challenges are they facing that contribute to delays?
  • Policy Experts: How do these delays impact national security on a global scale?
  • Taxpayers: What are the economic implications of various solutions, including potential cost increases for domestically-built ships?

A New Twist: The Secretary of the Navy Visits South Korea

Adding another wrinkle to the story, in February 2024, U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited shipyards in South Korea, a world leader in shipbuilding. This visit sparked speculation about whether the Navy might be considering partnerships or outsourcing some shipbuilding efforts to alleviate domestic delays.

New Details Emerge: A Look at the Press Release

An official U.S. Navy press release sheds light on Secretary Del Toro’s visit and reveals some key details:

  • Focus on Collaboration: The primary goal of the visit was to attract Korean investment in U.S. shipbuilding facilities. This suggests the Navy is exploring partnerships with South Korean companies to bolster domestic capacity and efficiency.
  • Advanced Technology: The press release highlights Secretary Del Toro’s interest in the advanced technology used by Korean shipbuilders. Collaboration could potentially lead to improvements in U.S. shipbuilding techniques.
  • Long-Term Vision: The press release emphasizes Secretary Del Toro’s vision for a revitalized U.S. shipbuilding industry that encompasses both commercial and naval vessels. This broader perspective suggests a long-term strategy for strengthening the entire maritime sector.

Looking Ahead: Building Here vs. Outsourcing

The debate hinges on two central options:

  • Domestic Shipbuilding: Renewed investment in American shipyards could create jobs and bolster domestic manufacturing. But it might come at a cost in terms of time and expense.
  • Outsourcing: Turning to foreign shipyards could expedite production and potentially reduce costs. However, this raises concerns about national security and dependence on foreign entities.

A Complex Calculus: Speed, Cost, and Security

The ideal solution likely lies somewhere between these extremes. We’ll explore:

  • The “cost” of outsourcing: Is it solely financial? What are the potential security risks of relying on foreign shipbuilders for critical naval vessels?
  • Maximizing Efficiency: Can domestic shipyards improve efficiency to compete with foreign options?
  • The Long-Term View: What does a sustainable shipbuilding strategy look like for the U.S.?

We Need Your Voice: Join the Conversation

This investigation is for the American people. We encourage your questions, comments, and insights. As we delve deeper into the issue, let’s have an open dialogue about the future of American shipbuilding.

Posted on

USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124): Embodying American Strength and the Pursuit of Peace

101123-N-5292M-186 NORFOLK The newly commissioned guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) arrives in its new homeport of Naval Station Norfolk Nov. 23, 2010. The ship is named for Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham, who selflessly sacrificed his life at eh age of 22 in Iraq, April 14, 2004. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Julie R. Matyascik) (Released).

Dear members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy,

We are excited to share with you an event that highlights not just the steadfast progress of our naval forces, but also the values and heroism that permeate the proud history of our organization and our country.

On July 29th, the U.S. Navy is set to christen the future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124), a state-of-the-art guided-missile destroyer, at the General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. This momentous event embodies the continued evolution and modernization of our naval capabilities, ensuring our country remains secure and well-protected against potential threats.

In the context of our mission at Americans for a Stronger Navy, events like this further amplify the significance of our work. Our commitment to ensuring a robust, well-equipped Navy is vindicated as we see the christening of such advanced warships. We believe that a stronger navy is vital for maintaining America’s position in the global arena, defending our interests, and securing our nation’s prosperity.

Why does this matter to America and the American people, you may ask? In a world increasingly defined by geopolitical tensions and unpredictable threats, a strong navy serves as a bulwark against such challenges. With the commissioning of USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124), we honor not just a war hero, but also the values of bravery, leadership, and sacrifice that he symbolized. These are values that unite us as Americans and remind us of the cost of our security and freedom.

The USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. is more than a guided-missile destroyer – it represents the backbone of our surface fleet, prepared to ensure American safety at all times. It embodies our dedication to the defense of our country and our determination to promote peace.

This event serves as a proud reminder of our mission, and we invite you to join us in celebrating this historic occasion. Together, let’s continue working to strengthen our Navy, uphold our shared values, and safeguard the American dream for future generations.

Best Regards,
Bill, Americans for a Stronger Navy

Posted on

Autonomous Navy Ship Delivered

Americans for a Sronger Navy Reporting

The sun was shining over the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, as the Expeditionary Fast Transport USNS Apalachicola (EPF 13) was handed over to the U.S. Navy. This was a significant moment for Austal USA, as the ship was not only the second Navy vessel to be named after the coastal Florida city, but also the largest surface ship in the Navy fleet with autonomous capability.

The ship had undergone several months of testing, during which Austal USA and their partners, L3Harris and General Dynamics Mission Systems, analyzed not only its typical ship systems, but also those resulting from the autonomous design and construction contract modifications required by the Navy to establish EPF 13 as an autonomous prototype.

Austal USA President Rusty Murdaugh was proud of his team of shipbuilders and the innovative capabilities they had delivered with this ship. The EPF 13 had the ability to conduct V-22 flight operations and launch and recover 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), making it an ideal candidate for large vessel autonomous operations, including logistics, tendering, and adjunct magazine mission profiles.

The ship’s machinery control system (MCS) was fundamental to the autonomy effort, enabling the ship to be minimally manned by centralizing machinery operations to the bridge. Additionally, the ship was equipped with automated maintenance, health monitoring, and mission readiness systems, providing the capability to conduct up to 30 days of operation without human intervention.

EPF 13 was also the first Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel to be delivered to the Navy with enhanced capabilities to support V-22 flight operations and launch and recover 11-meter RHIBs. These upgrades, combined with the EPF’s speed, maneuverability, and shallow water access, were key enablers for supporting future Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations around the world.

Austal USA’s work on autonomous vessel capability has been identified as an area of strategic importance by the Navy. The company is partnering with L3Harris on the MCS upgrade of Overlord vessel, Mariner (OUSV 3), and construction of Vanguard (OUSV 4), as well as with Saildrone, Inc. on the manufacture of Surveyor unmanned surface vehicles. The investments from academia in uncrewed technology, combined with Austal USA’s efforts, are quickly making south Alabama the epicenter of autonomous naval architecture.

The delivery of EPF 13 was a proud moment for Austal USA, and it marked a significant step forward in the Navy’s autonomous capabilities. With this ship’s advanced features, the Navy’s ability to conduct missions and operations around the world will be greatly enhanced.