Congressman Wittman Champions Expedited Military Modernization and Submarine Build-Up

At the forefront of the 2024 Navy Contracting Summit, Congressman Rob Wittman of Virginia delivered a compelling keynote address that underscored the urgent need for the United States Navy to enhance its capabilities through faster military acquisitions and increased submarine production. Wittman, a staunch advocate for national defense, criticized the current pace of military technology procurement, arguing that bureaucratic delays hinder the ability of the armed forces to remain competitive on the global stage. His solution is a straightforward yet ambitious overhaul of the acquisition process to ensure rapid delivery of cutting-edge technology to American servicemembers.

With the geopolitical landscape growing increasingly complex, Wittman emphasized the strategic importance of expanding the Navy’s submarine fleet to deter adversaries effectively. He proposed an aggressive production schedule aimed at constructing three new advanced submarines each year, a significant increase that would bolster the United States’ underwater capabilities and warfighting readiness. This call to action was met with broad agreement among the over 400 attendees, comprising Navy officials, defense contractors, and business leaders from the defense sector, who gathered to discuss ways of bridging the gap between military needs and industrial output.

The 2024 Navy Contracting Summit, therefore, stood as a pivotal moment for defense collaboration, signaling a collective drive towards adapting the United States military to the demands of 21st-century warfare. Wittman’s address not only highlighted the challenges faced in military procurement but also paved the way for a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to ensure that the Navy remains a formidable force in protecting national and global security interests.