In a recent, heated Senate Armed Services Committee meeting concerning the Navy’s 2025 budget, Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) firmly challenged Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro. Sullivan accused Del Toro of getting sidetracked with climate change matters instead of focusing on a robust and effective shipbuilding strategy, as outlined in the Title X responsibilities of the U.S. Code.
Senator Sullivan was unambiguous: “Where is your Title X responsibility on climate change? They don’t exist,” he said. Sullivan even went as far as to suggest that Del Toro might consider resignation due to what he sees as a misplaced focus on an agenda that detracts from essential military responsibilities.
Secretary Del Toro rebutted, claiming that climate change impacts substantial aspects of the Navy’s operations. According to Del Toro, considerations regarding manning, equipment, training, and sustaining combat readiness all find their roots in dealing with climate change. He maintained that he dedicates a significant 75% of his time to shipbuilding concerns, pushing back against the criticism.
Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) also weighed in, underscoring a worrying reality: the U.S. naval fleet is too small and outdated to meet current and future demands. The fiscal year 2025 budget request from the Navy includes unreceptive cuts, reducing the naval arsenal at a time when adversaries like China are rapidly expanding their own fleets. Wicker pointed out the stark numbers – while the U.S. plans to retire 19 ships and procure only six, China is on a trajectory to reach 395 ships by 2025 and 435 by 2030, vastly outnumbering the U.S. fleet.
There are a variety of issues throttling the ramp-up of U.S. ship production. Decades of neglect in commercial shipbuilding, which started in the 1980s, have stripped the industry of skilled laborers, a deficit compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the workforce has shifted from experienced blue-collar workers to younger recruits who often prefer less strenuous, higher-paying jobs. Despite efforts like significant monetary incentives for shipyard workers, the industry continues to scramble to meet demands.
Adding to the mess is the problematic practice of stock buybacks by contractors, which diverts investment from capacity-building to shareholders. Del Toro stressed the need for the industry to prioritize customer needs, hinting at a misalignment of interests that’s detrimental to national security.
The Senate Armed Services Committee’s interrogation reveals a troubling deviation from core defense priorities. Environmental agendas, no matter how well-meaning, must not overshadow the primary mission of national defense. The stark shipbuilding disparities and workforce issues demand immediate, undivided attention if America is to maintain its naval superiority and safeguard national security.
