The U.S. is facing obstacles with both funding and the reliability of the domestic shipbuilding industry as the U.S. Navy looks to expand its fleet of battle-force ships and remain competitive with China, which is poised to overtake the Navy in terms of maritime might. U.S. The panel will discuss the Navy’s plan for a fleet buildup, as well as evaluate the issues inside the U.S. shipbuilding industry and how the U.S. might rely on allies, such as Japan and South Korea, for ship deliveries. Additionally, recent reports suggest the Navy has been behind schedule in modernization and maintenance efforts, thereby hampering the transport of expeditionary Marines.