The visit provided commission members with a firsthand look at the shipbuilding capabilities, workforce training, and industrial investments that support the Navy’s future fleet requirements. As part of its comprehensive study of naval strategy, resources, force structure, and the industrial base, the commission is assessing the nation’s shipbuilding capacity and long-term production needs.

“A strong Navy relies on a capable and resilient industrial base,” Commissioner Mitch Waldman said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to see firsthand the significant industrial capacity and workforce capability that Ingalls Shipbuilding provides as the commission continues to assess the nation’s ability to design, build, and sustain the future Navy.”

During the visit, commission members toured key production and training areas, including the Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), the Virtual Reality Welding Lab, and the Maritime Training Academy. The tour highlighted the pace and scale of Ingalls’ operations, as well as major infrastructure investments designed to support increased throughput across the US maritime industrial base.

“Ingalls shipbuilders bring unmatched skill and dedication to every ship we build, and it was a privilege to show the commission how their work in the shipyard directly supports the fleet,” said Eric Crooker, Ingalls vice president of program management. “With more than 87 years of experience building ships for the US Navy, and over a dozen ships in active construction, our team’s dedication and upcoming ship deliveries demonstrate the strength of our workforce and the capability we provide to the nation.”

With 13 ships in construction and three deliveries planned in the next year, Ingalls Shipbuilding offers a firsthand view of the production capacity and workforce capabilities central to meeting future fleet requirements. The shipyard’s recent progress through its distributed shipbuilding program further illustrates its role in the broader maritime industrial base.

Congress established the FNC to provide an independent review of naval force structure, shipbuilding performance, and industrial-base requirements. Public hearings began in March 2026, with initial findings expected in January 2027.