Abstract : A robust shipbuilding industry remains vital to our national security. At present, the government sector of the US industry can meet the current and projected national security needs. Further, the US commercial sector, while protected from competition by legislation, provides some risk reduction benefit in the national security realm as well. Both sectors are challenged however by the shortage of skilled workers, a problem that is only expected to worsen and specific recommendations are provided within the body of the paper to address this workforce issues. The government sector is seeking increases in the number of ships and the complexity of the ships being procured, while operating in a budget constrained environment. These challenges are also addressed within the body of the paper and focus on stabilizing the Navy's shipbuilding plan and improving program execution.