Why US shipbuilding plans must be judged by delivery

What does the panel think of the latest US plan to revitalize naval shipbuilding?

It could be valuable, but only if implemented as described and able to survive the unforeseen problems that often derail government programs.

The answer is deliberately conditional rather than promotional. A plan to rebuild US shipbuilding could produce important capacity if its measures are carried out as announced. Those are large caveats for any government program, especially when unforeseen problems can change implementation. The takeaway is to judge naval-industrial policy by execution and completed output rather than stated intent.