MARINETTE – Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan announced in a post on social media on Nov. 25 that the U.S. Navy will be canceling the construction of four Constellation-Class Frigates at Fincantieri Marinette Marine.
Phelan stated, “From day one I made it clear: I won’t spend a dollar if it doesn’t strengthen readiness or our ability to win. To keep that promise, we’re reshaping how we build and field the fleet — working with industry to deliver warfighting advantage, beginning with a strategic shift away from the Constellation-class frigate program.”
He further explained that this choice will “[put] the Navy on a path to more rapidly construct new classes of ships and deliver the capability our warfighters need in greater numbers and on a more urgent timeline.”
In terms of a timeline, Fincantieri won the construction contract for the frigates in 2020 and will continue to build the two ships that are in progress — Constellation (FFG-62) and Congress (FFG-63).
According to a Government Accountability Office report given in 2024 titled “Unstable Design Has Stalled Construction and Compromised Delivery Schedules,” the first of the two ships is expected to be delivered to the Navy in 2029. This delivery is set to occur 36-months behind schedule, according to a 2024 Navy report.
Phelan also discussed how this order will impact local workers, “We greatly value the shipbuilders of Wisconsin and Michigan. While work continues on the first two ships, those ships remain under review as we work through this strategic shift. Keeping this critical workforce employed and viable for future Navy shipbuilding is a foremost concern.”
In a statement released by Fincantieri, the shipbuilding firm shared that it is “expected to receive new orders to deliver classes of vessels in segments that best serve the immediate interests of the nation and the renaissance of U.S. shipbuilding, such as amphibious, icebreaking and other special missions.”
The release further stated, “Fincantieri is in fact ready to execute the contracts planned in coordination with the U.S. Navy. Entering into the future and in alignment with the group’s industrial capabilities and potential, Fincantieri will support the U.S. Navy as it redefines strategic choices in the Small Surface Combatants segment, manned or unmanned.”
“This new arrangement guarantees continuity and workload visibility for Fincantieri’s personnel and the Wisconsin System of Yards – a vital pillar of the U.S. maritime industrial base – capitalizing on the investments and expertise developed to date.”
Most recently, Fincantieri delivered the 16th and final Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship USS Cleveland (LCS 31) to the Navy.
Fincantieri Marinette Marine was founded in 1942 and is part of the Fincantieri Marine Group, the United States division of the Italian shipbuilder. Currently, the group employs 3,750 workers at their shipyards in Marinette, Sturgeon Bay, Green Bay and facilities outside of Wisconsin. This comes after an additional 850 workers were hired to “meet demand and strengthen its industrial base. This significant expansion underscores the group’s commitment to supporting the local economy and the broader national maritime supply chain.”
Phelan closed his statement, “I am fully committed to supporting our shipbuilders and suppliers in this effort. The facts are clear: it’s time to deliver the ship our warfighters need at a pace that matches the threat environment, not the comfort level of the bureaucracy. The United States Navy and Marine Corps team stands ready to fight and win today. By taking these bold, necessary and fiscally responsible steps, we will ensure we win the fights of tomorrow.”
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