Ep 172: Eric Chewning and Tom Moore on the Warship Production Crisis
Jan 28, 2025
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Eric Chewning, EVP of Strategy at Huntington Ingalls, and Thomas Moore, a 39-year Navy veteran, dive deep into America's shipbuilding crisis. They explore the erosion of the defense industrial base and the urgent need for strategic improvements by 2025. The discussion highlights the challenges posed by Chinese competition and workforce shortages. They also address the integration of unmanned systems in naval operations and underline the importance of modernizing training and infrastructure to stay competitive in the evolving landscape of naval warfare.
The crisis in America's shipbuilding sector stems from decades of procurement policies and decreasing workforce capabilities that threaten national security.
Integrating advanced technologies into shipbuilding is crucial for revitalizing production efficiency and competing globally against state-backed initiatives.
Developing a skilled labor force through initiatives like apprenticeship programs is essential to meet the increasing demands of ship production.
Deep dives
Crisis in America's Defense Industrial Base
The podcast reveals the current crisis facing America's defense industrial base, particularly highlighting the alarming gaps in shipbuilding capabilities. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the need for a robust defense manufacturing sector has become increasingly critical. The reduction in shipyards and supplier capabilities over the years has led to a reliance on a shrinking workforce and fragile supply chains, exacerbated by past procurement policies that diminished the maritime production capacity. Urgent measures are needed to revitalize shipbuilding to meet national security demands, particularly amidst rising tensions with global adversaries.
Challenges in American Shipbuilding
The discussion centers on the significant challenges faced by American shipbuilding in 2025, driven by a multitude of factors that have culminated over decades. Historical procurement holidays and trade policies have resulted in a major decline of domestic manufacturing capabilities, with the number of operational shipyards drastically reduced. As a consequence, there has been an erosion of skilled labor and a dismantling of vital supply chains that are essential for building advanced naval vessels. Furthermore, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further strained these already sensitive supply chains, leading to critical bottlenecks in ship production.
Workforce Development in Shipbuilding
A significant point raised in the podcast is the urgent need for workforce development within the shipbuilding sector to address the growing skills gap. Shipbuilding requires skilled labor, and the current workforce is insufficient to meet production demands due to factors such as wage competition and inadequate training opportunities. Initiatives like apprenticeship programs are crucial to develop a competent workforce, as many potential candidates are opting for positions in different manufacturing sectors. Without addressing these workforce challenges, fulfilling the required production rates and achieving national defense goals will remain an uphill battle.
The Role of Technology in Modern Shipbuilding
The conversation emphasizes the importance of integrating advanced technologies into shipbuilding, which is lagging behind other industries like automotive and aerospace. The adoption of industry 4.0 technologies, such as additive manufacturing and digital design tools, can revolutionize the efficiency and output of shipyards. Modernizing infrastructure and expanding capacity is crucial, especially since many shipbuilding facilities were established over a century ago. This technological leap is vital not only for efficiency and productivity but also for ensuring the United States can compete effectively against state-backed shipbuilding efforts from countries like China.
Strategic Alliances and Unmanned Systems
The podcast discusses the potential for strategic alliances, such as the AUKUS pact, to bolster the defense industrial base through collaborative efforts on shipbuilding and technology sharing. The integration of unmanned systems in naval operations is highlighted as a game-changer, providing the U.S. Navy with enhanced operational flexibility. These unmanned platforms can complement manned vessels and mitigate risks, particularly during high-stakes engagements with adversaries. The combination of innovative contracting strategies and cooperative relationships with allies is essential for overcoming the current limitations faced by the U.S. defense industrial base.
