US Navy plans to address frigate shortfall with two shipyards

HII: HII, or Huntington Ingalls Industries, operates the Ingalls shipyard in Mississippi, a primary builder of U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutters. It is viewed as a potential second site for frigate production by adapting existing cutter designs for Navy requirements. The yard's recent history with cutter deliveries supports its role in expanded naval output. Trump: Donald Trump is the President of the United States who issued an August 2026 memo establishing a 'Finland Model' framework for growing domestic shipbuilding through conditional international orders. The approach seeks to build initial hulls overseas while developing U.S. capacity for follow-on production. It is proposed as a means to address urgent frigate needs with partners such as Japan and South Korea. Phelan: Phelan served as Secretary of the Navy and in November 2025 cancelled the Constellation frigate program over concerns about cost relative to capability. The decision redirected efforts toward repurposed National Security Cutter designs at Ingalls. His action shaped the current debate over shipyard allocation and alternative acquisition paths. U.S. Navy: The U.S. Navy is the sea service branch of the U.S. military responsible for maintaining maritime superiority and overseeing major shipbuilding programs. It is advancing the Golden Fleet initiative to address frigate shortfalls through the Constellation-class and modified National Security Cutter designs. Plans call for sustained production across multiple shipyards to achieve required delivery rates. Fincantieri: Fincantieri is a major international shipbuilder with significant investments in U.S. facilities, including the Marinette, Wisconsin yard. It supported the Constellation frigate program prior to cancellation, including design work and workforce development. Its existing infrastructure positions it as a candidate for resumed domestic frigate construction. Brent Sadler: Brent Sadler is a senior research fellow for naval warfare and advanced technology at the Heritage Foundation and a 26-year naval veteran. He co-authored the analysis highlighting shipyard constraints and international options for meeting U.S. frigate requirements. His perspective draws on operational experience to evaluate production feasibility. Chase Ouellette: Chase Ouellette is a member of the Heritage Foundation's Young Leaders Program who co-authored the discussion of Golden Fleet frigate timelines and shipyard needs. His contributions focus on policy options for accelerating domestic naval construction. The piece reflects emerging analysis within defense policy circles. Shipyard Expansion: The Navy has long planned for two dedicated frigate shipyards to achieve sustained production rates beyond what a single facility can support. Design Alternatives: Following the Constellation cancellation, attention has turned to modifying proven National Security Cutter designs to meet multi-mission Navy requirements while leveraging existing industrial experience. International Partnerships: The Finland Model framework encourages collaboration with major shipbuilding nations to combine foreign construction expertise with U.S. yard development for future vessels.