Q&A · 3:50:29-3:51:02

A new US naval yard needs political power as well as coastline

Texas emerges as the likely site because a viable naval yard needs a coastal location backed by a wealthy state able to sustain orders.

Naval Industrial Base Shipyards Texas US Navy Washington State

Watch at this time Full video guide

Question

Where should the United States build a new naval shipyard?

Short answer

Probably Texas, with Washington also plausible, because both combine coastline with the money and political influence needed to sustain orders.

Notes

Political support forms part of industrial capacity. A yard must win long-term programs and appropriations, so a rich coastal state with influence is more promising than a technically suitable location without an enduring constituency.