🚨 CALL TO ACTION: Strategic Investment in America’s Ship Repair Industry, Safeguarding Our Nation’s Security
Read the powerful op-ed linked below, by Matthew Paxton, president of the Shipbuilders Council of America, urgently calling for strategic investment in our nation’s ship repair industry. Emphasizing the risks associated with outsourcing vital functions of the U.S. maritime-industrial base, and stressing the importance of prioritizing American shipbuilding and repair capacity amidst emerging global challenges.
Our military leaders’ are actively exploring outsourcing shipbuilding and repair functions instead of investing in our domestic capacity, poses a direct threat to national security. Outsourcing not only compromises our nation’s defense but also undermines the resilience of our shipyards, ship repair contractors and the network of small businesses supporting them.
The current defense acquisition strategy fosters unnecessary rivalry among U.S. players, hindering collaboration to optimize shipyard throughput. Despite having enough capacity to meet fleet maintenance needs domestically, the Navy’s decision to outsource ship maintenance overseas impacts our domestic workforce and contradicts its commitment to preserving vital jobs.
A more strategic approach is needed—one that maximizes throughput in domestic shipyards is key to meeting fleet maintenance needs and competing effectively on a global scale. It’s imperative that we fortify our internal capabilities to uphold our nation’s strength and security!
It’s time to course correct – now is time for action. We cannot afford to outsource our national security and assets. It’s imperative that we invest in our own ship repair industry, keeping the work within our shores and supporting the fleet that defends our freedom!
One Team. Better Every Day. United in supporting America’s ship repair industry.
