The U.S. Navy is canceling the final four planned Constellation-class frigates, redirecting resources toward ship classes the service says can be delivered faster and built across more yards. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan announced the decision Tuesday, Nov. 25, calling it the first step in reshaping the fleet’s long-term acquisition approach.
Under an agreement with Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM), Marinette, Wis., the shipyard will continue work on the first two frigates, Constellation (FFG-62) and Congress (FFG-63). The four follow-on hulls not yet under construction will be terminated.
In a statement on X, Phelan said the Navy is shifting funding toward platforms that can be produced in higher numbers and on shorter timelines. “From day one I made it clear: I won’t spend a dollar if it doesn’t strengthen readiness or our ability to win,” Phelan wrote. “To keep that promise, we’re reshaping how we build and field the Fleet—working with industry to deliver warfighting advantage, beginning with a strategic shift away from the Constellation-class frigate program.”
The Constellation program has experienced extended delays, including Navy-directed design changes that slowed the start of construction, according to a GAO report. The service had previously considered awarding a second yard to increase production.
Phelan said in the social media video posted that canceling the four follow-on frigates will free resources for ships the Navy can field “in greater numbers and on a more urgent timeline.” He said the new approach “puts the Navy on a path to more rapidly construct new classes of ships and deliver the capability our war fighters need.”
The Navy has not identified which platforms will receive redirected funding, though officials have highlighted interest in ship classes that can be built at additional yards, incorporate unmanned systems, and transition from design to delivery more quickly.
“The facts are clear: it’s time to deliver the ship our warfighters need at a pace that matches the threat environment,” Phelan said.
From day one I made it clear: I won’t spend a dollar if it doesn’t strengthen readiness or our ability to win.
— Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan (@SECNAV) November 25, 2025
To keep that promise, we’re reshaping how we build and field the Fleet—working with industry to deliver warfighting advantage, beginning with a strategic shift away… pic.twitter.com/pbTpIPDfR8
Fincantieri Marine Group issued a statement describing the decision as part of a broader fleet review focused on future capability and shipyard flexibility. “As part of a general fleet review launched by the U.S. Navy, aimed at transitioning towards a future model focused on technological excellence, manned and unmanned vessels, and a long-term sustainability, Fincantieri and the U.S. Navy have reached a significant agreement that provides for reshaping the future of the Constellation-class Program, currently under construction at Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM), in Wisconsin.”
The company said the updated framework strengthens its long-term partnership with the Navy and positions the shipbuilder to compete for additional classes of vessels as the service refines its acquisition plans.
In October, Naval Sea Systems Command’s Boats and Craft Program Office issued a request for information (RFI) seeking input from the commercial marine industry on a wide-ranging acquisition of new aluminum boats, steel workboats, service craft, and training targets. The RFI is intended to gauge industry interest and inform contract structure ahead of a potential multiple-award contract in fiscal year 2026.
According to the notice, the Service Craft and Boats multiple-award contract would run for 10 years as an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity vehicle with an estimated value of $3.5 billion.
On day three of this year’s International WorkBoat Show, Navy representatives will present a seminar “Building the Fleet of the Future: Strategies to Accelerate U.S. Ship Production for National Defense” on the Main Stage at 11:30 am CST. WorkBoat will continue reporting on additional Navy announcements on future ship classes.
