ASSA Reaffirms Strength of U.S. Maritime Industrial Base Following NavyProgram Change; Calls for Passage of SHIPS for America Act

Dec. 1, 2025 Washington, D.C. — In response to the Navy’s cancellation of all but two ships of the

CONSTELLATION-class frigate program, the American Shipbuilding Suppliers

Association (ASSA) today underscored the continued strength and strategic importance

of the nation’s shipbuilding and supplier community.

“The decision regarding the CONSTELLATION program is a significant adjustment, but

it does not alter a fundamental truth: America’s maritime industrial base is vital to our

national security,” said Roger Camp, President & CEO of ASSA. “Our suppliers remain

indispensable to every Navy and commercial ship built in this country, and their

capabilities will be central to the fleet the nation needs next.”

ASSA also noted that the Navy’s requirement for capable, modern surface combatants

remains urgent, and meeting that need will depend on a stable, well-supported domestic

supplier base.

ASSA fully supports the Secretary of the Navy’s guidance to not “spend a dollar if it

doesn’t strengthen readiness or our ability to win.”  Secretary Phelan noted that this shift

would redirect resources toward ship designs that can be built faster and more

efficiently — aiming to deliver capability “in greater numbers and on a more urgent

timeline.”  The maritime workforce represented by ASSA members stand ready to

supply the components needed for our Navy’s future fleet.

ASSA emphasized that this moment highlights—not diminishes—the need for a

stronger, more resilient U.S. shipbuilding ecosystem. With global competition

accelerating, the Association is calling on Congress to take immediate action to stabilize

and strengthen the domestic maritime supply chain.

“Congress must pass the SHIPS for America Act,” Camp said. “This legislation provides

the steady demand, industrial investment, and modernization resources required to

keep America’s shipyards and suppliers competitive. It is essential to sustaining jobs,

protecting critical capabilities, and ensuring that our nation can build the ships our

security demands.”

ASSA reaffirmed its support for its member companies during the transition and pledged

to continue working closely with Navy leadership, the US Coast Guard, the Maritime

Administration (MARAD), and the U.S. Congress.

“Our commitment to America’s shipbuilding suppliers is unwavering,” Camp added. “We

continue to champion their role, protect their interests, and promote them as a

cornerstone of U.S. maritime strength in the years ahead.”