The U.S. shipbuilding industry is failing to keep pace with China's rapid naval expansion, posing a serious threat to American sea power. The article argues that incremental improvements are insufficient and calls for a fundamental "shipbuilding revolution." This revolution must include adopting commercial best practices like modular construction and serial production, streamlining regulatory hurdles, investing in workforce development, and fostering a more collaborative relationship between the Navy and shipbuilders. Ultimately, the author advocates for prioritizing quantity and speed of production over exquisite, highly customized designs to ensure the U.S. Navy maintains its competitive edge.
In the chaotic final days of the Vietnam War, South Vietnamese Air Force Major Buang-Ly loaded his wife, five children, and his mother onto a two-seat Cessna O-1 Bird Dog. Knowing Saigon was about to fall to the North Vietnamese, he desperately searched for the USS Midway. Locating the carrier, he dropped a note pleading for a clear deck and then skillfully landed the overloaded plane, a feat practically unheard of for such a small aircraft on a moving carrier. His daring act saved his family, and though the plane was pushed overboard to make room for other escaping helicopters, Ly's bravery became a symbol of resilience and desperation amidst the war's end.
HN commenters largely focused on the incredible feat of landing a Cessna O-1 on the USS Midway's deck, highlighting the pilot's skill and bravery given the plane's lack of tailhook and the small landing area. Some questioned the historical accuracy of the number of people onboard, citing conflicting accounts. Others discussed the chaos of the fall of Saigon and the desperation of refugees fleeing the communist regime, with some expressing sympathy for the pilot's plight while others debated the US's role in the Vietnam War and its aftermath. A few commenters shared personal anecdotes related to the evacuation or their own experiences with the O-1 aircraft, adding a personal dimension to the historical discussion. The logistics of getting the family off the carrier and the fate of the plane were also points of interest.
Summary of Comments ( 219 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42915527
HN commenters largely agree with the article's premise that US shipbuilding needs reform. Several highlighted the inefficiency and cost overruns endemic in current practices, comparing them unfavorably to other industries and even other countries' shipbuilding. Some suggested specific solutions, including focusing on simpler, more easily mass-produced designs, leveraging commercial shipbuilding techniques, and reforming the acquisition process. Others pointed to bureaucratic hurdles and regulatory capture as significant obstacles to change. A few questioned the underlying strategic assumptions driving naval procurement, arguing for a reassessment of overall naval strategy before embarking on a shipbuilding revolution. Several commenters with apparent domain expertise provided insightful anecdotes and details supporting these points.
The Hacker News post titled "The U.S. needs a shipbuilding revolution" linking to a USNI Proceedings article has a moderate number of comments discussing various aspects of the shipbuilding industry and the article's claims.
Several commenters focus on the issues of cost and efficiency within the current US shipbuilding system. One commenter argues that the real problem isn't a lack of shipyard capacity, but rather a procurement system that prioritizes bespoke designs and gold-plated requirements, leading to exorbitant costs and long lead times. This commenter suggests that focusing on simpler, more modular designs and building ships in larger series would drastically reduce costs and improve production speed. Another commenter echoes this sentiment, pointing out the success of other countries, like South Korea, which produce ships faster and cheaper by utilizing more standardized designs and efficient production methods. They highlight the contrast with the US approach, which often involves extensive customization and modifications throughout the construction process, leading to delays and cost overruns.
Another line of discussion centers around the workforce and skills gap in the shipbuilding industry. One commenter observes that finding and retaining skilled labor is a major challenge, especially welders, and this shortage contributes to the slow pace of production. They suggest that investing in training and apprenticeship programs is crucial to addressing this issue.
Some commenters express skepticism about the feasibility of a rapid shipbuilding revolution, citing the complex regulatory environment and the entrenched interests of existing shipyards. One commenter argues that the US Navy's preference for complex, highly capable ships is driven by strategic considerations and that simply building simpler ships might not be a viable solution. They suggest that a more realistic approach would involve incremental improvements to the existing system rather than a radical overhaul.
Finally, several commenters discuss the strategic implications of the shipbuilding challenges. They note the growing naval power of China and argue that the US needs to find a way to build ships more quickly and efficiently to maintain its maritime superiority. One commenter points out that even if the US manages to increase its shipbuilding capacity, it may still struggle to keep pace with China's rapid naval expansion.
In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post offer a range of perspectives on the challenges facing the US shipbuilding industry. The most compelling comments highlight the issues of cost, efficiency, workforce shortages, and the strategic implications of the slow pace of shipbuilding. While some commenters advocate for a radical overhaul of the system, others suggest a more incremental approach. The discussion reflects a general concern about the US Navy's ability to maintain its maritime advantage in the face of growing competition.