Hudson Institute Events Podcast How Congress Can Rebuild US Shipbuilding and Boost Maritime Security
Aug 1, 2025
Christian Lee, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Captain, discusses reviving shipbuilding to enhance maritime security alongside industry leaders like Larry Ryder from Austell USA and Mike Smith from Hanwha Defense. They explore the urgent need for investment and collaboration to modernize the Coast Guard and Navy fleets. Austin Gray delves into the future of uncrewed vessels, while Matt Paxton emphasizes the importance of addressing workforce shortages. Together, they tackle the challenges posed by international competition and the critical role of the Jones Act in supporting U.S. maritime capabilities.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Forward Deploy Unmanned Vessel Sustainment
- Forward basing of unmanned surface vessels like MASK will be critical for sustainment and operational readiness.
- Guam's strategic location allows rearming, refitting, and repairing these drones closer to operational theaters.
Demand Signal Drives Industrial Growth
- Establish a stable demand signal through programs like the Strategic Commercial Fleet.
- This encourages supplier investment, workforce retention, and long-term career opportunities in shipbuilding.
Boost Ship Repair and Investments
- Incentivize ship repair in the U.S. commercial sector to maintain fleet and sustain shipyard capacity.
- Shipyards investing billions signal readiness and commitment to growing the U.S. maritime industrial base.