Wittman: Navy must question future of Constellation class

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD -- Lawmakers today expressed concern with the Navy's Constellation-class frigate program -- which is filled with delays and design changes -- questioning if the program should be scrapped altogether.

“Are we at a point where we either quickly recover and get back on track with this, get back to schedule and get back to budget?” Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA), vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, asked Wednesday at Sea-Air-Space.

“I don't know that you can make up schedule,” he continued. “Or do you say, 'Maybe we're too far along with this; we go in a different direction.' And the Navy’s going to have to ask that question now. It can't push it off in the future. Same question that should have been asked with LCS years and years ago.”

Built by Fincantieri, the program is based on an existing frigate used by the Italian and French navies. The U.S. Navy’s version used to share about 85% commonality with its parent design but was reduced to about 15% following heavy alterations.

The ship still does not have a complete design, despite construction beginning in 2022 on the lead vessel. Naval Sea Systems Command personnel have worked with the shipbuilder in the company’s Wisconsin shipyard to complete this design work and speed up construction. Now, the design is expected to be completed by summer.

Fincantieri is also losing money on the program, NAVSEA Commander Vice Adm. James Downey told lawmakers in March.

“I think my colleagues did a good job of mentioning that the consistency and planning is very frustrating,” Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) said Wednesday.