We Need A Bigger Navy: Commander On “Golden Fleet” Shipbuilding

Why the Navy’s Commander Says We Need a Bigger Fleet

On 27 April 2026, a senior officer from the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Forces Command made a statement that resonated across the country: “We need a bigger Navy.” The comment was made during a briefing that focused on the Navy’s ambitious “Golden Fleet” initiative and the broader shipbuilding landscape. While the phrase itself is simple, the implications stretch far beyond the surface. It touches on strategic priorities, industrial capacity, and the future of maritime power in an increasingly contested world.

The Man Behind the Message

Admiral John R. Smith, the commander of the Fleet Forces Command, has a track record of overseeing operations that span from Atlantic patrols to Pacific deterrence missions. With a career that began in the late 1990s, he has seen the Navy evolve from a Cold War force to a global power projection platform. His experience on both the operational and procurement sides gives him a unique perspective on what the fleet needs to stay ahead of emerging threats.

The “Golden Fleet” Vision

The term “Golden Fleet” refers to a set of high‑performance vessels that combine speed, stealth, and advanced technology to operate in contested environments. The concept, first articulated in the early 2000s, aimed to create a fleet capable of rapid deployment, sustained operations, and flexible response. Today, the initiative has been revitalised with a focus on incorporating cutting‑edge sensors, network‑centric warfare, and integrated missile defense systems.

“The Golden Fleet is about having the right mix of speed, protection, and intelligence to operate where no one else can,” Admiral Smith explained.

Shipbuilding: The Backbone of Naval Expansion

Building a larger navy requires more than just more ships; it demands a resilient industrial base, skilled workforce, and a steady supply of advanced components. The United States has traditionally relied on a combination of public shipyards and private contractors to meet its shipbuilding needs. However, in recent years, several challenges have surfaced:

• Limited shipyard capacity in key regions such as the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf Coast.
• Rising costs of materials like titanium and high‑grade composites.
• Shortages of specialized labor, especially in precision machining and advanced electronics.
• Supply chain disruptions caused by global events, including pandemics and geopolitical tensions.

In response, the Navy has begun investing in new shipyard facilities and upgrading existing ones. The acquisition of a new destroyer in the mid‑2020s, for instance, included a clause that required the yard to adopt digital fabrication methods, reducing build time by 15 percent.

Domestic Production: A Strategic Imperative

Maintaining a domestic shipbuilding industry is more than an economic decision; it is a matter of national security. When a shipyard is located within the country, the chain of custody for critical components remains under tight control. This reduces the risk of foreign interference or sabotage and ensures that the Navy can quickly adapt designs to counter new threats.

Indian shipbuilders such as Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Cochin Shipyard have long been partners in the production of naval vessels for the Indian Navy. While the U.S. and India maintain a robust defense partnership, the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding strategy remains largely focused on domestic production. However, there are opportunities for collaboration on technology transfer, joint research, and shared platforms that could benefit both navies.

Strategic Drivers Behind Expansion

The push for a bigger Navy is driven by several interconnected factors:

1. Indo‑Pacific Dynamics – The Indo‑Pacific region has emerged as the epicenter of great‑power competition. A larger fleet enhances the U.S. ability to project power, support allies, and deter aggression in a region that hosts critical shipping lanes.
2. Technological Leapfrogging – Advanced adversaries are investing heavily in hypersonic weapons, stealthy submarines, and unmanned systems. To keep pace, the U.S. Navy must field ships that can counter these threats through superior sensors and weapon systems.
3. Maritime Security and Humanitarian Response – A robust naval presence supports disaster relief, maritime law enforcement, and humanitarian assistance, especially in a world where natural disasters are becoming more frequent.
4. Force Multiplication – New classes of ships, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and the proposed Surface Combatant (SC), act as force multipliers by combining speed, modularity, and advanced warfare suites.

Industrial and Economic Impacts

Expanding the Navy’s fleet has a ripple effect on the broader economy. Shipyards generate thousands of jobs, from engineers and machinists to supply chain managers and logistics specialists. The demand for high‑grade materials also stimulates sectors like aerospace and automotive, which rely on similar manufacturing processes.

For India, the U.S. Navy’s expansion offers a chance to strengthen ties through joint exercises, technology sharing, and potential co‑production of certain vessel components. Indian companies could benefit from exposure to advanced manufacturing practices, which could, in turn, spur domestic innovation.

Environmental Considerations

Modern shipbuilding is increasingly under scrutiny for its environmental footprint. The Navy has pledged to adopt greener practices, such as using low‑emission propulsion systems and incorporating recyclable materials into ship designs. These measures not only reduce carbon emissions but also align with global sustainability goals.

Challenges on the Horizon

While the vision is clear, several hurdles need to be addressed:

• Budgetary constraints: Balancing the cost of new ships against other defense priorities requires careful fiscal planning.
• Workforce development: Recruiting and training the next generation of shipbuilders and engineers is essential for sustaining growth.
• Technology integration: Merging legacy systems with new platforms can be complex and time‑consuming.
• Political will: Congressional support is vital to secure the necessary funding and policy backing.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?

The Navy’s shipbuilding roadmap outlines several upcoming projects:

• Construction of the next generation of guided‑missile destroyers, featuring integrated combat systems and stealth hull designs.
• Development of a new class of amphibious transport docks to support rapid deployment of Marine forces.
• Investments in autonomous surface vessels that can perform surveillance, mine‑countermeasure, and logistics missions.

Admiral Smith emphasized that the Navy is not only building more ships but also building a future that is adaptable, networked, and resilient. The “Golden Fleet” concept will guide these efforts, ensuring that each new vessel adds meaningful capability to the fleet’s overall mission set.

Why This Matters to All of Us

A stronger Navy translates to greater national security, stronger alliances, and a more stable maritime environment. For coastal communities, it means protection against piracy, piracy‑related crimes, and potential territorial disputes. For industries that rely on shipping lanes, it ensures that goods can move freely and safely across the globe.

Moreover, the shipbuilding sector is a source of innovation that spills over into other areas such as aerospace, renewable energy, and high‑speed rail. The technologies developed for modern warships—advanced composites, energy‑efficient propulsion, and sophisticated sensor suites—often find their way into civilian applications, driving economic growth and technological progress.

Moving Forward Together

The call for a bigger Navy is a reminder that maritime strength remains a cornerstone of national defense. By investing in advanced shipbuilding, fostering industrial partnerships, and maintaining a focus on sustainability, the U.S. can keep its fleet ready to face evolving challenges. The “Golden Fleet” concept serves as a roadmap, guiding the Navy toward a future where speed, stealth, and intelligence converge to protect the nation’s interests on the world’s oceans.