A lack of investment in naval and commercial shipbuilding after the end of the Cold War has caused the Navy to struggle to rebuild and grow its fleet. But new capacity at the Philly Shipyard (shown here) demonstrate that greater domestic shipbuilding is possible.

The Sea Services Must Support Infrastructure Investment

While U.S. infrastructure problems extend beyond the Sea Services, the Sea Services’ top leaders must emphasize the critical role of a robust transportation network in national defense.

Petty Officer First Class Christine Greeley, U.S. Coast Guard
March 2024
U.S. Marines and sailors conduct maintenance on the rotor assembly of an MV-22B Osprey. The Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) requirements for rest must be followed for all personnel, not just the flight crew.

Improve Crew Rest for All Naval Aviation

Both flight and ground-support personnel schedules must include an opportunity for eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Petty Officer Second Class Ann Starks, U.S. Navy
January 2024
A sailor stands watch on the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) in November 2022. Ask any sailor who has been underway, and it will not be hard to find something all deployed ships are short of: Sleep.

Mandate Uninterrupted Rest Hours for a Safer Navy

Ask any sailor who has been underway, and it will not be hard to find something all deployed ships are short of: Sleep.

Petty Officer Second Class Christopher Woolsey, U.S. Navy
November 2023
The safety officer on board the USS Makin Island (LHD-8) discusses safety with Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Navy needs to implement changes to safeguard its most important assets—sailors and Marines.

A Safety Assessment from the Deckplates

Enlisted Prize Essay Contest—Second Prize, Sponsored by USAA. Each department should designate a safety sailor.

Seaman Julio C. Arredondo, U.S. Navy
September 2023
Tugboats assist the USS John S. McCain (DDG-56)

Sleep and Safety: The Human Factors in Maritime Readiness

Enlisted Prize Essay Contest—First Prize. Sponsored by USAA. The Navy needs a universal policy directing all communities to implement effective sleep management.

Petty Officer First Class Jonathon Hall, U.S. Navy
August 2023