The U.S. Navy is facing a critical challenge: ships and submarines are spending too long in dry dock and too little time at sea. Skilled labor shortages, aging infrastructure, and overburdened shipyards have created maintenance backlogs that threaten military readiness. To break this cycle, the U.S. should explore global partnerships. Bangladesh offers a timely and strategic solution.
A recent Wall Street Journal report highlighted severe delays, including one submarine that will be inactive for 14 years. In one case, substandard repair work led to the death of a sailor. These problems reflect a broader decline in U.S. maritime capacity.
Bangladesh has a growing shipbuilding industry with proven experience in building vessels for Europe and Asia. Its workforce is trained, costs are competitive, and shipyards have available capacity. The U.S. Navy could look to Bangladesh for repairs and maintenance on non-nuclear and support vessels, helping to ease the domestic backlog.
The benefits would be mutual. Bangladesh needs skilled jobs and foreign investment. The U.S. needs affordable, quality repairs to keep its fleet ready. The partnership would also serve geopolitical interests by strengthening ties with a regional democracy as China expands its influence and shipbuilding dominance.
Bangladesh would not replace U.S. yards for high-end repairs, but it could take on less complex work, freeing up American capacity. Admiral Daryl Caudle said the Navy needs a better approach to maintenance. Partnering with Bangladesh is a practical step to increase readiness, cut costs, and stay ahead of global competitors.