During World War II, US shipbuilding was decisive in overcoming the initial shock of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. During the war, the US would outproduce Japan in merchant shipping by a factor of 8:1, despite a weak shipbuilding industry throughout the 1930s. This was only possible due to actions taken American industry well before the conflict began. As the US prepares for another potential Pacific conflict, it should look to the 1937 Long-Range Shipbuilding Program (LRSP) as an example of how an aggressive industrial policy can greatly improve readiness.

As a result of the Great Depression, American shipbuilding had been decimated, with dwindling shipyards and an aging merchant fleet. In response to this, the US Maritime Commission implemented the LRSP as part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, ordering production of 500 cargo ships over ten years in new and existing commercial shipyards. The program proved crucial to rebuilding the US maritime industry. By 1941, the number of US shipyards capable of building oceangoing vessels quadrupled from 10 to 40, allowing America to better meet wartime demand. Without the foresight of the LRSP, World War II may have been a much more difficult fight.

Today, America finds itself in a similar predicament as it did in 1937. American shipbuilding is at its lowest point in decades, with precipitous declines in both active shipyards and output. In addition, the existing military logistics fleet is not prepared for near-peer conflict. This has become a source of widespread consternation as a potential war against China looms.

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