The American shipbuilding industry is currently in a serious predicament. Recently, Senator Tim Sheehy highlighted how significantly the U.S. lags behind, mentioning that China builds ships 230 times quicker than we do and completes repairs about 90% faster.
Sheehy pointed out that while the Army might be able to rebound in a year or two, reviving the maritime industrial base poses a much more complex, long-term challenge. Over the last three decades, we’ve let our shipbuilding capacity decline, trading valuable industry space for waterfront condos and short-term gains.
In April 2025, President Donald Trump took a crucial first step toward correcting this alarming trend by signing an executive order aimed at restoring American maritime strength. This directive calls for bold and creative ideas to rapidly grow the next generation of shipyards. To answer this national security need, we should consider a largely overlooked workforce: the thousands of people in state prisons ready to reintegrate into society.
If it sounds radical to suggest using incarcerated individuals to rebuild naval prowess, take a look at the UK. They’ve recognized that their traditional labor market can’t meet modern defense demands and are exploring the idea of utilizing prisoners of war to help construct warships, given the urgent need to strengthen their navy.
Here in the U.S., this idea is both practical and strategically sound. Inmates could be trained in high-demand maritime skills like welding and pipe fitting and placed directly in shipyards. By joining forces with public safety and corrections leaders, the maritime sector, and workforce development agencies, we could quickly mobilize the labor needed to rebuild our naval fleet.
A collaborative effort across multiple states with existing shipbuilding experience could potentially produce around 10,000 skilled workers after training. That averages out to about 575 vetted candidates per Maritime state—certainly something manageable for state correctional facilities.
Some critics may argue that security regulations, such as the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), pose a significant challenge. Anyone needing unescorted access to secure shipyards must have a TWIC card from the TSA, and criminal history can be disqualifying. However, efforts to regain our nation’s maritime strength are essential for national security, allowing us some leeway in implementing this plan. Interestingly, those selected for this initiative would undergo more stringent vetting and oversight than most standard TWIC applicants.
To maximize safety and productivity, this initiative should function as an elite “honors program” within prisons. Collaborating with TSA and the maritime industry, eligible inmates would be chosen based on their commitment and low-risk status. Correctional authorities would help them obtain necessary documents like birth certificates and TWIC applications as soon as possible.
The logistics for execution can also be sorted out quickly. In certain locations, a “work detail” model could be put in place, similar to existing programs where prisoners are sent to work on military bases. Partnerships with training providers and organized labor, such as boilermakers and pipefitters, could ensure that the training aligns well with the specific needs of major shipyards.
This “second-chance hiring” approach not only addresses critical labor shortages but also offers significant benefits for public safety. By teaching valuable trades to incarcerated individuals, we can immensely reduce recidivism rates and lower crime in our communities. The wages these workers earn can help them meet financial obligations and often lead to rebuilding family connections.
The U.S. cannot remain complacent while adversaries surpass our naval capabilities. Traditional recruitment methods are insufficient for quickly filling these labor gaps. As demonstrated by the UK, the workforce we seek could be just behind prison walls. By uniting the maritime industry, corrections leaders, and the federal government to dismantle operational barriers, we can foster solutions that enhance productivity in our shipyards.
This represents a rare opportunity to uplift America and protect our shores. By granting a second chance to those who earn it through hard work and rigorous vetting, we have the chance to rebuild our fleet and reaffirm America’s resilience. It’s time for collective action.
