WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a press conference in which River News participated Thursday, U.S. Senator Shelly Moore Capito of West Virginia avoided directly criticizing troubled U.S. Navy shipbuilding programs, instead emphasizing the need for a skilled workforce and consistent federal investment.
Watch the interview video courtesy of Senator Capito’s office:
Capito was asked about ongoing cost overruns and delayed deliveries that have affected several major Navy shipbuilding projects nationwide. Rather than focusing on program failures, she pointed to workforce shortages and instability in defense contracting as key challenges facing the industry.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan has cancelled another U.S. Navy shipbuilding program, this time ending plans for a new frigate, bringing the total to four major shipbuilding programs that have failed to meet expectations. The cancellations come amid ongoing concerns over rising costs, production delays, and performance shortfalls across multiple naval construction efforts, highlighting broader challenges facing the Navy as it works to modernize its fleet and maintain readiness.
The senator said shipbuilders need a reliable pipeline of skilled workers, noting that uncertainty in long-term Pentagon contracts can make it difficult for companies to hire, train, and retain employees. She also stressed that steady demand from the Department of War is critical to keeping shipyards operating efficiently and on schedule.
Capito indicated that Congress should focus on ensuring predictable funding and supporting workforce development initiatives to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capacity. She said those steps are essential for meeting national defense needs while helping manufacturers address production delays over time.
