As our United States Navy ramps up its shipbuilding efforts, Kent USA stands ready to support and supply the men and women who answer the call
by Marlene Flynn
Shipbuilding is no longer the exclusive property of large defense companies.
The U.S. Navy seeks the talents of the entire manufacturing sector to recapitalize our nation’s naval fleet. In September 2024, the Navy established its Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) program. The goal: To fortify and expand the industrial base that builds and maintains the surface ships, aircraft carriers and submarines which remain crucial to our national defense.
Small- and medium-sized businesses are being called upon to bolster the supply chain and build both the workforce and industry partnerships needed to meet this demand.
Focused Effort to Strengthen Maritime Industrial Capability and Capacity
“We need your help. Your Navy, your nation, needs your help. We are facing an unprecedented threat.” These were the words of Rear Admiral Todd S. Weeks, Program Executive Officer of Strategic Submarines, at the 2024 International Manufacturing Technology Trade Show (IMTS). Looking back to the supplier base of the days during the Cold War, today “we’re at about a quarter of what we used to be, and have twice as much work to do,” Rear Admiral Weeks said.
To do this effectively, the very best of industry partners in manufacturing will be required.
Kent USA is already doing its part to deliver upon this need—with measurable success.
As a repeat prime supplier to our Navy and Department of Defense entire, Kent USA is committed to providing the machines, solutions, and superior support that every mission-critical project demands.
We also partner regularly with technical schools and industry leaders across the U.S., providing quality machinery with unassailable service.
Kent USA Positioned Well Among the Maritime Machining Supplier Network
The Navy faces the challenge of how to best integrate the many willing suppliers who vary in size, experience and business maturity.
With more than 45 years of experience, Kent USA is already well-integrated within industry, advanced manufacturing education and the Department of Defense at locations across the United States. We are able to draw upon mutual expertise and leverage shared success thanks to these many partnerships.
Building America’s Workforce: MIB Program West Coast Accelerated Trades Training
Over the past 5 years, the U.S. Navy has invested 2.1 billion dollars across 684 initiatives—with more than 260 suppliers in 33 states. It is also developing 6 regional talent training pipelines. The Navy’s well-regarded Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program in Danville, Virginia will serve as the model for these emerging pipelines. The West Coast has been named the next region for establishing an accelerated training facility tailored specifically for the Maritime Industrial Base—ready to produce a steady flow of job-ready technicians in high-demand skilled trades.
Accelerated Trades Training in CNC Machining
A major training area of focus? CNC machining. From our West Coast headquarters in southern California, Kent USA is poised to provide the high quality CNC machinery needed with the first-rate support to match. Our seasoned team of technicians are at-the-ready to train, troubleshoot and guide those who begin their pursuit of precision thanks to these naval initiatives. We do not accept the dreaded “skills gap” as a fait accompli. We enable tomorrow’s technicians to grow in confidence from gaining fluency in the latest advances in manufacturing technology.
Kent USA’s Commitment to the Navy’s MIB Program: Peace Through Strength
Kent USA is determined to help the Maritime Industrial Base program deliver at scale and with speed—providing responsive and capable support in all matters of CNC machines, solutions, service, training and insights.
We remain pleased to offer our best to our United States Navy, with thanks for its continued commitment to ensure our Country’s dominance at sea.
