US Navy Cancels Last Four Frigates in Major Strategic Shift
BREAKING: The US Navy has officially canceled the last four ships of its Constellation-class frigate program, marking a significant strategic shift announced today by Navy Secretary John Phelan. This urgent development comes as the Navy seeks to accelerate shipbuilding amid rising costs and design delays that have plagued the program.
In a post on social media platform X, Phelan confirmed that work will continue on the two frigates currently under construction by Fincantieri Marinette Marine, the Wisconsin-based shipbuilder awarded the contract in 2020. However, the cancellation of these four vessels is a blow to the Navy’s ambitions to grow its fleet, which is critical as it faces increasing competition from China.
The Navy’s decision to terminate this component of a $22 billion program aimed at constructing 20 frigates reflects ongoing scrutiny regarding design issues and construction schedules. A recent report from the Government Accountability Office highlighted that the Navy’s premature decision to begin building the first ship before finalizing its design contributed to the significant delays and cost overruns.
Phelan emphasized that this strategic shift is essential for “growing the fleet faster to meet tomorrow’s threats.” He noted that while the Constellation-class ships are no longer in the plans, maintaining a robust workforce and preparing shipyards for future projects remains a priority.
“The Navy needs ships, and we look forward to building them in every shipyard we can,” Phelan stated, underscoring the importance of the shipbuilding workforce as the Navy re-evaluates its priorities.
Despite the setback, Fincantieri Marinette Marine expressed optimism, stating that it believes the Navy will continue to channel work into its facilities for other types of vessels, including amphibious and special mission ships. The shipbuilder aims to adapt to the Navy’s evolving needs for new small surface combatants, both manned and unmanned.
As the Navy grapples with the consequences of these cancellations, the overall fleet numbers are temporarily declining. This reduction is occurring at a time when the Pentagon has identified China as a pressing challenge, ramping up its own naval capabilities at an unprecedented pace.
The Constellation-class frigates were integral to the Navy’s vision of achieving a 355-ship fleet, a target that now appears more challenging. The immediate impact of this cancellation is significant, as it raises questions about the Navy’s ability to maintain its competitive edge in global waters.
As developments unfold, stakeholders are closely monitoring how the Navy will reallocate resources and expedite the construction of new classes of ships to address emerging threats.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical situation as the Navy navigates these strategic changes.
