Part 4/11:
Magaliano criticizes this perspective, arguing that the idea of choosing between commercial and naval shipbuilding is flawed. Historical evidence from the Cold War era shows that a thriving commercial shipbuilding industry supported the broader maritime industrial base, allowing the U.S. to sustain a large navy during World War II. The "merchmarine act" of 1936, which incentivized the construction of U.S.-flagged ships, played a pivotal role in maintaining a capable industrial base.
He emphasizes that building both commercial and naval ships simultaneously is essential. They are not mutually exclusive; rather, they complement each other by maintaining skilled labor pools, manufacturing capacity, and technological expertise.