Fact Check: US shipyards are up to three years late in building new submarines.

Fact Check: "US shipyards are up to three years late in building new submarines."

What We Know

The claim that US shipyards are up to three years late in building new submarines is supported by multiple sources. According to a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Navy's shipbuilding programs have been consistently over budget and behind schedule, with some ships experiencing delays of up to three years. Specifically, the Virginia-class submarine program, which has been in production since 2019, is currently producing submarines at only 60% of its annual goal, resulting in significant delays.

Additionally, a report from ClearanceJobs corroborates this, stating that staffing problems and supply chain issues have led to delays of approximately two to three years for the Virginia-class submarines. Furthermore, an article from The Guardian highlights that US shipyards are indeed running up to three years behind schedule on these submarines.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible sources, including the GAO, which is a nonpartisan agency that provides information to Congress. Their reports are typically well-researched and fact-based, making them reliable for understanding the state of US shipbuilding. The GAO's findings indicate that workforce shortages and inadequate infrastructure at shipyards are key factors contributing to these delays (source-1).

The reports from ClearanceJobs and The Guardian also provide context regarding the broader implications of these delays, particularly concerning national security and the Navy's ability to respond to maritime threats. These sources are reputable and provide a consistent narrative regarding the challenges faced by US shipyards.

However, it is important to note that while the GAO and other reports indicate significant delays, the exact timeline can vary depending on specific projects and shipyards involved. The claim that shipyards are "up to three years late" is a generalization that reflects the worst-case scenarios observed in various reports.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that US shipyards are up to three years late in building new submarines is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm that delays in the construction of submarines, particularly the Virginia-class, are significant, with some projects lagging by as much as three years due to workforce and capacity challenges.

Fact Check: US shipyards are up to three years late in building new submarines.