CNA Maritime Dialogue: The US Commercial Shipbuilding Industry and National Defense

About 35 leaders from industry and government met at CNA's offices in Arlington, Virginia, for a structured dialogue on commercial shipbuilding in the United States under Chatham House Rule (not for attribution). The focus of the May 7 dialogue was national security, especially shipbuilding in support of wartime mobilization. There were participants from domestic shipyards and component suppliers; the Departments of Defense, Transportation, and Commerce; the Office of the US Trade Representative; Congress; and independent research institutes. Participants were organized into three groups with an even mix across government and industry. There were three sessions. This paper captures the highlights of discussion, especially across areas of broad agreement