{"id":5549,"date":"2025-03-01T19:03:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-01T19:03:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=5549"},"modified":"2025-03-01T19:03:47","modified_gmt":"2025-03-01T19:03:47","slug":"trumps-late-night-texts-on-rusty-warships-raise-concerns-over-navys-readiness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=5549","title":{"rendered":"Trump\u2019s Late-Night Texts On Rusty Warships Raise Concerns Over Navy\u2019s Readiness"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>    Trump\u2019s Late-Night Texts On Rusty Warships Raise Concerns Over Navy\u2019s Readiness<br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><br \/>\n    <!-- no image --><br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><\/p>\n<div>\n<div><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"157\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Navy-Warships-300x157.png?resize=300%2C157&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Trump\u2019s Late-Night Texts On Rusty Warships Raise Concerns Over Navy\u2019s Readiness\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;margin-right:10px;width:150px; height:150px;float:left;\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Navy-Warships-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Navy-Warships-1024x536.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Navy-Warships-768x402.png 768w, https:\/\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Navy-Warships-150x79.png 150w, https:\/\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Navy-Warships.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1865344\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1865344\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1865344\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Navy-Warships.png?resize=1200%2C628&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"US Navy Warships\" width=\"1200\" height=\"628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Navy-Warships.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Navy-Warships-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Navy-Warships-1024x536.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Navy-Warships-768x402.png 768w, https:\/\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Navy-Warships-150x79.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1865344\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credits: Wikipedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The United States President Donald Trump is concerned over rust-covered U.S. Navy ships. His nominee for Navy Secretary, John Phelan, revealed that he frequently receives late-night messages from Trump about the issue.<\/p>\n<p>Phelan, a businessman and longtime Trump donor with no military experience, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, stating that Trump has contacted him multiple times after 1 a.m., demanding answers about the state of U.S. warships.<\/p>\n<p>During the hearing, Phelan said he had received texts from Trump complaining about \u201crusty ships or ships in a yard\u201d and asking what was being done to address the issue.<\/p>\n<p>Phelan admitted he had yet to take action, as he has not been confirmed, but assured senators that he would prioritise the matter.<\/p>\n<p>The discussion gained traction when Senator Rick Scott of Florida presented a recent image of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Dewey, covered in rust while docking in Singapore.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">BREAKING: At confirmation hearing SECNAV JOHN PHELAN states:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPresident Trump texts me often, sometimes after 1AM, asking me what I\u2019m doing to stop rust on our Navy ships\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/vzNcZG5oCz\">pic.twitter.com\/vzNcZG5oCz<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 John \u0245 Konrad V (@johnkonrad) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/johnkonrad\/status\/1895147694248656947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 27, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Phelan humorously remarked, \u201cPlease don\u2019t give that to President Trump because I\u2019ll get a text at like one in the morning.\u201d However, he also expressed serious concern, saying, \u201cIt\u2019s terrible. I think they should be ashamed. Would you want to go on that ship?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Rust and corrosion on Navy ships have been long-standing issues due to constant exposure to salt water. When left unchecked, they can lead to structural damage, increased maintenance needs, and reduced operational readiness.<\/p>\n<p>A Navy spokesperson previously explained that while sailors work hard to control corrosion, they must also balance their workload with other crucial maintenance and training tasks.<\/p>\n<p>The issue became more prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic when fewer port visits limited the Navy\u2019s ability to conduct deep maintenance.<\/p>\n<p>Another contributing factor is the use of eco-friendly coatings, which critics argue do not last as long as previous paints. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has worked with coating manufacturers since the early 2000s to develop ultra-high solids epoxy tank coatings, which have extended corrosion-free periods from five to seven years to nearly two decades.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">USS Dewey (DDG 105) Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA guided missile destroyer coming into Singapore \u2013 February 18, 2025 <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ussdewey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ussdewey<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ddg105?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ddg105<\/a><\/p>\n<p>SRC: INST- yplanesonly <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/hu19gfADeF\">pic.twitter.com\/hu19gfADeF<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 WarshipCam (@WarshipCam) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WarshipCam\/status\/1891903242021298390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>However, challenges remain in applying these coatings effectively across all ships.<\/p>\n<p>The Navy is also struggling with shipbuilding and maintenance issues. A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report talks about the deficiencies in U.S. naval shipyards, including outdated infrastructure and inefficient layouts that cause extensive delays.<\/p>\n<p>The report warned that without improvements, one-third of the Navy\u2019s maintenance plans for aircraft carriers and submarines may not be met by 2040.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the Pentagon has raised concerns about China\u2019s superior shipbuilding capacity, stating that Chinese shipyards outproduce U.S. facilities by 200%.<\/p>\n<p>The Navy has been seeking ways to expand the U.S. industrial base and explore partnerships with allied nations to fill the gaps.<\/p>\n<p>Last year, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Shipbuilding and Harbour Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, aimed at addressing shipyard shortcomings and industrial base challenges.<\/p>\n<p>However, the legislation has seen little progress. During his testimony, Phelan assured senators that he would bring a \u201csense of urgency\u201d to shipbuilding and shipyard improvements.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Which ship looks more rusty?<\/p>\n<p>The US Navy warship or the ship that has been laid up since 1969? <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/wDRe9pIJRu\">pic.twitter.com\/wDRe9pIJRu<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Sal Mercogliano (WGOW Shipping) <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f6a2.png?ssl=1\" alt=\"\ud83d\udea2\" class=\"wp-smiley\" style=\"height: 1em; max-height: 1em;\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/2693.png?ssl=1\" alt=\"\u2693\" class=\"wp-smiley\" style=\"height: 1em; max-height: 1em;\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f42a.png?ssl=1\" alt=\"\ud83d\udc2a\" class=\"wp-smiley\" style=\"height: 1em; max-height: 1em;\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f692.png?ssl=1\" alt=\"\ud83d\ude92\" class=\"wp-smiley\" style=\"height: 1em; max-height: 1em;\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f3f4-200d-2620-fe0f.png?ssl=1\" alt=\"\ud83c\udff4\u200d\u2620\ufe0f\" class=\"wp-smiley\" style=\"height: 1em; max-height: 1em;\"> (@mercoglianos) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/mercoglianos\/status\/1892606591117000968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 20, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Trump\u2019s interest in naval aesthetics is not new. Throughout his first term, he repeatedly criticised the appearance of U.S. warships, calling some designs \u201cterrible-looking\u201d and asking for more visually appealing ships.<\/p>\n<p>In 2020, Trump spoke at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard in Wisconsin, where he criticised the look of Navy frigates and claimed he played a role in redesigning them to be \u201cbeautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He described the updated Constellation-class frigate as \u201clike a yacht with missiles on it.\u201d However, changes to the design led to cost increases, delays, and technical problems.<\/p>\n<p>Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper also noted in his 2022 memoir that Trump disliked the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, saying its superstructure \u201clooked really bad.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He compared American warships unfavourably to Russian and Italian designs, claiming they appeared sleeker and more modern.<\/p>\n<p>American naval vessels represent military power and global influence, particularly when making port calls in allied nations. Ships in poor visual condition may impact both diplomatic relations and crew morale.<\/p>\n<p><em>References: TWZ, Business Insider<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> \t<BR><br \/>\n <BR><\/BR><br \/>\n    MI News Network<br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.marineinsight.com\/shipping-news\/trumps-late-night-texts-on-rusty-warships-raise-concerns-over-navys-readiness\/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=trumps-late-night-texts-on-rusty-warships-raise-concerns-over-navys-readiness\">Go to marine insight<\/a><br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n <BR><\/BR><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Trump\u2019s Late-Night Texts On Rusty Warships Raise Concerns Over Navy\u2019s Readiness Image Credits: Wikipedia The United States President Donald Trump is concerned over rust-covered U.S. Navy ships. His nominee for Navy Secretary, John Phelan, revealed that he frequently receives late-night messages from Trump about the issue. Phelan, a businessman and longtime Trump donor with no [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[194,196],"tags":[197],"class_list":["post-5549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-marine-insight","category-shipping-news","tag-marine-insight"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5549"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5549"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5549\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5549"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5549"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5549"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}