How are naval shipbuilding, commercial shipbuilding, and commercial shipping linked together to create a healthy and effective national seapower ecosystem?

What did the 1990s “Last Supper” get wrong, and what can be done to correct the error?Our guest this week is Hunter Stires, founder and CEO of The Maritime Strategy Group, returning to Midrats to discuss this and more.

We will be using as a starting point for our discussion the recent article that he co-wrote with Steve Brock at CIMSEC, Maritime Statecraft and its Future.

Summary

In this conversation with Sal and Mark, Hunter Stires discusses the interconnectedness of naval shipbuilding, commercial shipping, and the broader maritime strategy of the United States. He emphasizes the historical context of U.S. maritime power, the importance of bipartisan support for revitalizing the shipbuilding industry, and the role of allies like South Korea in enhancing U.S. capabilities. The discussion also touches on workforce challenges, the need for competition in the shipbuilding sector, and the strategic imperative of maintaining a robust maritime ecosystem.

Showlinks

• Maritime Statecraft and its Future, by Steve Brock and Hunter Stires
• The Neptune Factor: Alfred Thayer Mahan and the Concept of Sea Power, by Nicholas A. Lambert
• The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, by Alfred Thayer Mahan
• Shipbuilding, Shareholders, and National Asynchronization, by CDR Salamander
• Shareholder Interests Are at Odds with Navy Needs, by Martin Bollinger
• Episode 736: Anduril and the Promise of Autonomous Systems - with Chris Brose, by CDR Salamander & Mark Tempest

Takeaways

• The U.S. maritime ecosystem is interconnected and requires a holistic approach.
• Bipartisan support is crucial for revitalizing the shipbuilding industry.
• Historical lessons from figures like Mahan are relevant today.
• South Korea’s investment in U.S. shipbuilding symbolizes a strong partnership.
• Workforce challenges in shipbuilding can be addressed through better pay and training.
• Outsourcing shipbuilding undermines U.S. strategic interests.
• Competition in the shipbuilding sector leads to innovation and efficiency.
• The U.S. must leverage its allies for technological advancements in shipbuilding.
• A maritime revival is possible with the right political will and strategy.
• Investment in shipbuilding is essential for national security.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to Maritime Strategy and Ecosystem
02:05: The Interconnection of Naval and Commercial Shipbuilding
07:06: Historical Context: Lessons from Mahan and the Past
14:40: Bipartisan Support for Maritime Revival
18:16: The Role of South Korea in U.S. Shipbuilding
31:00: Challenges in U.S. Shipbuilding and Workforce
41:50: Future Directions and Strategic Partnerships

Hunter Stires served as the Maritime...