American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association

07/19/2026

Momentum continues to build for the U.S. maritime industry.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a $2 billion investment to construct two new Missile Range Instrumentation Vessels (MRIVs) at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, underscoring the growing national commitment to rebuilding America’s shipbuilding capacity and strengthening the maritime industrial base. The announcement coincided with the christening of the Lone Star State, the fourth National Security Multi-Mission Vessel.

Congratulations to ASSA member Hanwha on this significant achievement. Investments of this scale not only enhance our nation’s defense capabilities but also create opportunities throughout the American shipbuilding supply chain, supporting manufacturers, suppliers, and skilled workers across the country.

ASSA looks forward to continuing our work alongside industry leaders and policymakers to advance a stronger, more competitive U.S. maritime sector.

https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/trumps-transportation-secretary-duffy-white-house-omb-director-vought-celebrate

07/17/2026

We are proud to recognize Paul Roden as the recipient of the 2026 ASSA Founder's Leadership Award—the association's highest honor.

Throughout a distinguished career spanning military service, government leadership and advocacy for the maritime industrial base, Paul has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthening America's shipbuilding enterprise. His decades of leadership have helped advance the readiness and capability of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and the defense industrial base.

Congratulations to Paul on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your lasting contributions to the American maritime industry.

Read more in our news release at the link below.

WASHINGTON, D.C. JULY 16, 2026 — The American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association (ASSA) has presented its prestigious Founder’s Leadership Award to maritime industry leader Paul J. Roden, PE, recognizing his decades of service and leadership in advancing America's shipbuilding and maritime indus...

07/13/2026

The stage is set for one of ASSA's most impactful membership meetings yet!

Tomorrow, July 14, ASSA members will hear directly from some of the nation's leading voices in maritime policy, naval strategy, shipbuilding, acquisition, and industrial innovation.

Featured speakers include:

⚓ Matt Evans – Maritime Industrial Base Program
⚓ Michael Wessel – President, USA Shipbuilding Coalition
⚓ Captain Stephen M. Carmel – U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD)
⚓ William Mahan – Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development & Acquisition)
⚓ Steven Wills – Center for Maritime Strategy, Navy League
⚓ Paul Roden – Lighthouse Point Government Relations
⚓ CAPT Cedric McNeal – PEO Maritime, U.S. Navy
⚓ Dr. Eric J. Labs – Congressional Budget Office
⚓ Ron O'Rourke – Former Congressional Research Service Naval Affairs Analyst

Together, these leaders will discuss the policies, investments and innovations shaping the future of America's maritime industrial base—from the SHIPS for America Act and the Maritime Action Plan to naval readiness, workforce development and the future of U.S. shipbuilding.

If you're attending, you're in for an outstanding morning of insight and discussion.

Learn more about ASSA and our mission at shipbuildingsuppliers.com

07/10/2026

One of ASSA's most important meetings of the year is almost here!

The momentum behind America's maritime industrial base has never been stronger, and next week's ASSA Membership Meeting brings together many of the leaders shaping that future.

Hear directly from senior government officials, policy experts and industry leaders as they discuss:

⚓ The Maritime Action Plan
⚓ The SHIPS for America Act
⚓ FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act
⚓ Maritime workforce development
⚓ Naval acquisition and industrial capacity
⚓ What suppliers need to know moving forward

This is an outstanding opportunity to bring prospective members and colleagues from your organization.

📅 Tuesday, July 14
📍 Arlington, Virginia

05/22/2026

⚓️National Maritime Day recognizes the critical role America’s maritime industry has played in our nation’s strength, security and economic growth for generations.

⚓️Today, we honor the shipbuilders, suppliers, mariners and maritime workforce who keep that legacy moving forward — and who continue strengthening America’s future.

🇺🇸Happy National Maritime Day from ASSA.

05/07/2026

It was a pleasure meeting with Dr. Jerry Hendrix at the OMB Shipbuilding Office on behalf of the American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association. Representing ASSA were JP Bolat, Jeremy Steslicki, and Paul Roden.

We had a very productive discussion on the critical role domestic suppliers play in U.S. shipbuilding, and the growing risks created by continued underutilization of that capacity. Rebuilding America’s maritime strength requires more than investment in shipyards or grants to suppliers. It requires the consistent use of U.S. design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities across the entire supply chain. Without that, we risk further erosion of the very industrial base we are working to restore.

04/23/2026

ASSA was invited by Congressman Trent Kelly to submit a statement for the record for the upcoming hearing on “Revitalizing Shipbuilding and the Maritime Industrial Base,” which took place April 23rd.

This discussion, which includes leaders from the Navy, Coast Guard, GAO, and CBO, will focus on the future of the maritime industrial base and the SHIPS for America Act.

ASSA’s perspective is grounded in a clear reality:

Without targeted policy action, the U.S. risks losing critical supplier capacity that cannot be quickly rebuilt.

As detailed in our white paper, "Preserving the US Shipbuilding Supplier Capabilities," the erosion of domestic suppliers introduces long-term risks to readiness, cost, and national security.

We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation and advocate for policies that strengthen America’s maritime industrial base.

Click here to read our white paper:https://www.shipbuildingsuppliers.com/_files/ugd/43056c_4ef5abcd256649e298100f345f4eae2b.pdf

04/21/2026

ASSA members are on the ground this week at Sea-Air-Space 2026 (April 19–22), engaging with leaders across the maritime and defense sectors.

If you’re attending, we encourage you to connect with fellow members and help strengthen the visibility of the American shipbuilding supplier base. ASSA membership placards are available for display at your booth—please reach out to Roger Camp or Carl Fisher to coordinate.

📍 Member Booths:
• Hanwha Defense USA – Prince George’s Hall #1547
• Thrustmaster of Texas – Maryland Hall #3101

We also welcome opportunities to connect informally throughout the week.

Let’s continue working together to elevate and advocate for U.S. shipbuilding suppliers.

03/26/2026

U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) has been awarded the 2026 Thad Cochran Leadership Award by the American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association, recognizing her strong support of the U.S. shipbuilding industry and naval readiness.

From workforce development to shipyard modernization and domestic supply chain protection, Kiggans has played a key role in advancing policies that strengthen America’s maritime industrial base and long-term national security. Congresswoman Jen Kiggans

03/16/2026

⚓ Welcome to ASSA, Sidus Solutions!

The American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association is proud to welcome Sidus Solutions of San Diego, California as our newest member.

Sidus Solutions is known for its expertise in advanced manufacturing and precision engineering—capabilities that help power the companies building and supporting America’s maritime fleet.

Strong suppliers are the backbone of a strong maritime industrial base, and we’re excited to have Sidus Solutions join the ASSA community.

Please join us in giving them a warm welcome!