In a concerning development for the US Navy, shipbuilding production has reached its lowest point in 25 years, leaving the country lagging behind its rival, China, in terms of production pace. Experts and analysts have stated that the Navy's shipbuilding efforts are currently in a "terrible state," with no quick solutions in sight.

According to Eric Labs, a naval analyst at the Congressional Budget Office, the Navy's shipbuilding issues have been years in the making, and resolving them will require substantial time and effort. Factors contributing to the decline in production include last-minute design changes, cost overruns, and difficulties in recruiting and retaining skilled employees to build ships. These challenges have arisen at a time when the US is facing expanding threats at sea from various global adversaries.

A recent report by ABC News highlighted the struggles faced by Marinette Marine, a shipyard contracted to build guided-missile frigates for the Navy. Despite having a contract to construct six frigates with an option for four more, the shipyard's current workforce can only manage to produce one ship per year. Marinette Marine's situation is not unique, as shipyards across the country are grappling with similar issues.

To tackle the workforce shortage, shipyards are resorting to innovative solutions such as establishing training academies or partnering with technical colleges to train workers in the necessary skills required for building technologically advanced Navy vessels. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro has praised such programs and emphasized the importance of utilizing talents and skills to strengthen national defense against present threats.

Recognizing the significance of a skilled shipbuilding workforce, the Navy has allocated part of a $100 million funding provided to Marinette Marine for retention bonuses. However, the report also places some blame on the Navy itself, which frequently alters the design requirements of ships after construction has already begun. This practice has led to increased costs and delays, despite promises to learn from past mistakes.

The revelations come amidst leaked information from the US Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), which disclosed that the Chinese Navy is capable of producing ships at a rate 200 times faster than the United States. Analysts have expressed concern over the strategic advantage this gives China, with little expectation of the US closing the gap in the near future.

Despite the challenges, the Navy insists that it is committed to finding creative solutions to address the shipbuilding issues. Navy spokesperson Lt. Kyle Hanton stated that the service is actively collaborating with industry partners to overcome these common challenges. However, the Navy has yet to respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on the matter.

As the US Navy strives to regain its production capabilities and bridge the gap with China, the need for comprehensive solutions is becoming increasingly urgent. The nation's maritime defense and pursuit of peace depend on a robust shipbuilding industry that can meet the evolving threats of the 21st century.