Trump wants plans to establish a new public shipyard, develop a submarine parts repair center and reform NAVSEA

The US Navy's Norfolk Naval Shipyard is shown here. President Trump wants to see plans for a new public shipyard. (US Navy)

US President Donald Trump directed Defense Secretary on 13 August to submit plans to for the establishment of a new public shipyard, development of a submarine components centre and the reformation of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), according to a memorandum posted online that day by the White House.

Within 120 days of 13 August and after consulting with Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao, Hegseth is to submit to Trump through the Director of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and assistant to the president for National Security Affairs “a plan to increase nuclear-powered submarine and aircraft carrier readiness that will include the use of private sector capabilities and the establishment of a fifth public navy yard”, the memorandum said, according to the post.

The plan for the fifth yard should address the following: “sufficient drydock capacity to service the planned growth of the fast attack submarine fleet over the next two decades; locations proximate to the United States Pacific Fleet, including in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the United States territories; site options that include up to three new drydocks designed and built to hold the ranges of every current and projected class of submarine; innovative financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships; and timelines and resourcing requirements”, according to memorandum.

Within 90 days of 13 August, Hegseth, against with consultation of the acting navy secretary, must submit a plan “to establish a Component Repair Centre to receive new and refurbish old components and parts as required by the submarine repair industrial base”, the memorandum said.