House of cards (Opinion)
USS West Virginia departs Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, following a refuelling and overhaul. (Photo: USN)
The USN has high ambitions but investment is needed, as outdated shipyard infrastructure could undermine its ability to field and maintain a 355-ship navy.
On 13 August, US Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command awarded a $1.7 billion contract to expand and reconfigure a dry-dock complex at one of the USN’s four public shipyards — the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine.
The work will allow Dry Dock 1 at Portsmouth to receive Virginia-class submarines, as it is currently only large enough to support Los Angeles-class boats. The work is part of the USN’s broader Shipyard Infrastructure Optimisation Program (SIOP), which aims to modernise crumbling infrastructure and cut the time it takes to maintain its ships and submarines.
USN leaders have publicly acknowledged the problem of maintenance capacity to address
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities]()
US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities
The USCG has been increasing efforts to accelerate the process to develop, procure, deploy and sustain autonomous and counter-uncrewed systems across its fleet.
-
![US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme]()
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
![Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist]()
Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist
Austal signs long-delayed Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, but schedule risks and programme delays still loom over Canberra’s naval plans.
