US Navy Under Secretary Erik Raven discusses the AUKUS agreement.

The Biden administration signed a historic three-way partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom in 2021, known as AUKUS. The agreement promotes deeper information and technology sharing between the three countries, with the U.S. agreeing to share nuclear submarine technology with Australia for the first time ever. Additionally, the U.S. will sell several nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia.

The U.S. is facing a shortage of submarines due to the faster retirement of old subs and the delay in the ship building industry.

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who serves as ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, supports AUKUS but is concerned about the U.S.'s ability to fulfill its commitments to Australia.

""China is preparing for a war with the United States, but the AUKUS deal will prevent it from happening," Wicker stated on the Senate floor."

Wicker has long advocated for the U.S. to strengthen its industrial base, and recently inserted $3.4 billion into the national security supplemental to support ship building.

The Navy needs 66 attack submarines but currently has only 49. The Pentagon is 17 submarines short of Navy requirements and must construct 2.33 Virginia-class submarines annually to fulfill its AUKUS obligations on schedule.

"Our defense industrial base is not up to par, according to Wicker," said the speaker.

U.S. Navy Under Secretary Erik Raven discussed with Planet Chronicle how the Navy is tackling the shortage. When questioned about the submarine industry's lagging behind, Raven stated that demand for submarines has increased by five times in the past 15 years.

Raven stated that although industry has been increasing production, it has been challenging. Despite not quite catching up to the demand signal, they are taking action.

The submarine industry is partnering with private industry, state and local governments, community colleges, and non-profits to recruit 100,000 Americans.

Raven stated that our shipyards and suppliers are undergoing a generational shift in the workforce. As a result, we must develop new talent, attract more Americans to work in the sector, and also in the supply chain. Covid has significantly hindered our ability to conduct business.

It is a modern day "Uncle Sam Wants You!" campaign.

Non-profit BlueForge Alliance has been tasked with helping the Navy hire 100,000 Americans.

Kiley Wren, the co-founder and CEO, made an appeal to patriotism.

Wren informed Planet Chronicle that there will be numerous long-term, family-sustaining jobs with a significant purpose over the next ten years.

"High-paying, family-sustaining jobs are important, but the greatest satisfaction comes from serving your country in a daily job that brings immense pride," Wren stated.

In the near future, China may have the ability to invade Taiwan, according to Admiral John Aquilino, the U.S. Pacific Commander. One of the ways the U.S. maintains its naval superiority is through its submarines.

"The United States constructs and operates the world's most advanced submarines, which provide a unique advantage in securing peace globally. Their ability to move unchallenged through the seas is an incredible asymmetric advantage," Raven stated.

Raven stated that he is not concerned about reports that China is constructing a "Great Underwater Wall" to monitor submarine activity in the surrounding waters.

Our submarines are incredibly capable, as Raven stated, and they can handle any challenge posed by their adversaries.

To remain competitive with China, the U.S. must develop a robust submarine manufacturing sector.

Raven stated that these jobs are reliable and have a promising future. Regardless of one's profession, whether an engineer, welder, electrician, or accountant, there is always a role for any American who wants to contribute to building submarines.