Why the post-Cold War shipyard contraction is criticised

Was the United States wrong to reduce naval shipbuilding capacity after the Cold War?

In Alex's assessment, the reduction was a logical consequence of the post-Cold War situation and also a mistake.

Alex considers the 1990s reduction in US naval shipyard capacity understandable in its post-Cold War context. He also criticises the decision to allow that contraction. His brief assessment distinguishes an explanation for a decision from approval of its consequences.