Testimony: Navy's Shipbuilding Approach Requires Systemic Change
Description
Opening Statement by Shelby Oakley, GAO Director, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 to the House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces.
Despite growing maritime threats, the Navy has failed to increase its fleet size as planned over the past 20 years. Over this period, GAO has found that the Navy's shipbuilding acquisition practices consistently resulted in cost growth, delivery delays, and ships that do not perform as expected.
This statement addresses (1) challenges that Navy practices pose to achieving desired shipbuilding outcomes; (2) barriers to innovation presented by Navy budgeting and acquisition processes; (3) shipbuilding infrastructure and workforce challenges; and (4) leading commercial practices that could improve Navy shipbuilding and acquisition results.
Despite growing maritime threats, the Navy has failed to increase its fleet size as planned over the past 20 years. Over this period, GAO has found that the Navy's shipbuilding acquisition practices consistently resulted in cost growth, delivery delays, and ships that do not perform as expected.
This statement addresses (1) challenges that Navy practices pose to achieving desired shipbuilding outcomes; (2) barriers to innovation presented by Navy budgeting and acquisition processes; (3) shipbuilding infrastructure and workforce challenges; and (4) leading commercial practices that could improve Navy shipbuilding and acquisition results.
Date: Mar 11, 2025
Runtime: 00:05:36
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