Navy shipbuilding plan masks persistent welder shortage; wage hikes stem attrition

The U.S. Navy's May 2026 shipbuilding plan, signed by Acting Secretary Hung Cao, emphasizes innovation but does not resolve the chronic shortage of skilled welders at public and private yards. Recent wage increases at Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding achieved hiring targets and cut attrition by 2-5%, yet the underlying labor gap persists, threatening submarine and ship construction timelines. The plan's reliance on 'innovative' approaches signals a strategic shift, but the welder deficit remains a critical bottleneck for fleet expansion.