Amid the Navy’s quest to build cost-effective warships capable of intercepting Houthi rebel missiles in the Red Sea, the expertise of a 25-year-old laborer is proving crucial. Lucas Andreini, a welder at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin, represents a new generation of skilled workers who have received specialized training to address the industry-wide shortage of shipbuilding professionals.
The shortage in labor is just one of the many challenges facing the naval shipbuilding sector, resulting in delays in production and maintenance. These challenges, coupled with evolving defense priorities, last-minute design changes, and budget overruns, have left the U.S. lagging behind China in terms of naval capabilities — a gap that continues to widen.
Eric Labs, a veteran naval analyst at the Congressional Budget Office, describes the current state of Navy shipbuilding as “terrible,” the worst it has been in decades. Overcoming these challenges, according to Labs, poses a significant hurdle that won’t be easily resolved.
Marinette Marine has a contract to build six guided-missile frigates, the Navy’s latest surface warships, with an option for four more. However, due to a shortage of skilled workers, the shipyard can only produce one frigate annually, as reported by Labs.
The Challenge of Skilled Workers
One of the primary obstacles faced by the industry is the scarcity of talent, as experienced workers retire, taking their knowledge with them. Shipyards nationwide have responded by establishing training programs and partnerships with technical colleges to equip workers with the necessary skills for modern ship construction. Efforts such as the alliance between submarine builders and the Navy aim to promote manufacturing careers, while shipyards are implementing incentives to retain their workforce.
Andreini’s journey to becoming a skilled welder at Marinette began with training at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Unlike some of his peers who perceive shipbuilding negatively, Andreini views it as a fulfilling career, offering superior benefits and opportunities for skill development.
Similarly, Alonie Lake, another welder and graduate of the technical college program, values the stability offered by Marinette’s backlog of Navy contracts, ensuring a secure future for workers.
Investing in Training and Retention
Recognizing the importance of training programs, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro emphasized their role in bolstering the industry during a recent commencement address. Collaborative efforts between educational institutions and shipyards aim to equip workers with the skills necessary to sustain the industry.
To address the challenge of retaining skilled workers, shipyards like Marinette Marine are offering retention bonuses funded by the Navy. These incentives are vital in a competitive labor market where attracting and keeping talent is increasingly challenging.
Huntington Ingalls Industries, a key shipbuilder, has also invested in training partnerships at various levels of education to ensure a steady workforce. Infrastructure enhancements and amenities are further efforts to create a conducive working environment for employees.
Navigating Complex Challenges
The shipbuilding industry’s current struggles partly stem from the Navy’s shifting requirements and design alterations mid-construction. Past instances of cost overruns and delays underscore the need for a more streamlined process in ship production.
Although the Navy aspires to learn from past mistakes with its new frigate program, challenges persist in finalizing the design and meeting delivery timelines. The evolving nature of global threats further complicates the picture, necessitating adaptability in naval strategies.
Industry experts like Matthew Paxton of the Shipbuilders Council of America emphasize the need for consistent shipbuilding plans and long-term investments to sustain the workforce and address evolving threats effectively.
Despite these challenges, the Navy remains committed to resolving shipbuilding issues and collaborating with industry partners to find innovative solutions.
