Summary
The U.S. Navy's number of ships has dropped from 597 in 1987 to 293 in 2025 due to years of underfunding. The 2026 budget planned to build 19 new ships, and the 2027 budget proposes 18 more, aiming to increase naval production again.
Key Facts
- The Navy had 597 warships in 1987, during the Reagan administration.
- By October 1, 2025, the number of Navy battle force ships fell to 293.
- Budget shortfalls over the years caused the decline in ship numbers.
- The 2026 budget plan included building 19 new ships.
- The 2027 budget plan adds funding for 18 more new battle force ships.
- These budget plans represent a change in effort to rebuild naval strength.
- The goal is to bring back higher U.S. naval production to increase ship numbers.
