Part 7/11:
He dismisses the idea that reliance on allied nations for merchant shipping should be prioritized, arguing that it is more strategic to build up U.S. shipbuilding capacity. Subsidizing and investing in the domestic industry can create jobs, foster innovation, and ensure supply chain resilience—especially important if hostilities break out.
Repair and Capacity Challenges
The episode also examines issues with repair capacity, highlighting that many U.S. Navy vessels are repaired overseas—often in places like Japan or South Korea—due to a lack of domestic capacity. Magaliano criticizes the plan to build a "fifth public navy yard," questioning where land and funding would come from, and advocating instead for expanding existing yards or engaging private shipyards.