[Llarry]

It will probably come as a surprise to no one that labor shortages and supply chain issues are causing delays in the building of ships for the U.S. Navy.

The new missile frigates of the Constellation (FFG 62) class are based on an Italian-French design but with extensive changes to accommodate U.S. requirements. For instance, the structure is far stronger and resistant to damage. In addition, the European consortium, Fincanteri, partnered with U.S. builder Marinette-Marine in Wisconsin for detailed design and construction of the class. The detailed design is only about 80% complete so far and this for a ship that was scheduled for delivery to the Navy in 2026. It now appears that the ship will be delayed to 2029. Fincanteri Marinette-Marine is also building the last three Freedom class LCSs for the USN and four Freedom variants for the Saudi Navy. Add in that the labor force is less than thrilled with the winter weather in Wisconsin and you have the recipe for delay.

Oh, and the Secretary of the Navy has also announced that the delivery of the first Columbia class strategic missile submarine (SSBN) is also running late -- but months late rather than years. The SSBNs are shipbuilding priority #1.