- To read the #SAS2025 Conference wrap-up newsletter, click HERE.
This year’s Sea Air Space 2025 Conference and Exhibition presented by the Navy League of the United States is a wrap, and during the event, the Navy League announced the release of its 2025-2026 Maritime Policy Statement, a comprehensive report outlining the strategic priorities and legislative recommendations necessary to strengthen America’s sea services. This biennial publication serves as a guiding document for policymakers, industry leaders, and the public, advocating for investments that ensure the continued security, prosperity, and global leadership of the United States through maritime power.
The Maritime Policy Statement forms the foundation of the Navy League’s Legislative Affairs Program over the course of a two-year Congress. It is both highly educational for staff members and highly actionable for legislators. Based on extensive research from members of the Navy League’s Maritime Policy Committee, this document covers all aspects of the maritime domain. It also provides policy prescriptions for Congress to address any issues impacting America’s readiness and future capabilities.
“The Maritime Policy Statement has long been a source of pride for the Navy League. I deeply appreciate the dedication and effort that goes into crafting this important document, which serves as a vital resource for Congressional offices. It not only informs policy debates in Washington, D.C., but also acts as a compelling call to action for lawmakers,” says Navy League CEO Mike Stevens, 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
Key recommendations outlined in the report include:
- Appropriate at least $40 billion annually for the Navy Shipbuilding and Conversion budget to rapidly expand the fleet and account for the rising cost of labor and materials.
- Increase and accelerate funding for the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan to ensure the expanded submarine fleet can be properly maintained.
- Continue to support allies while investing in the production of depleted munitions to ensure that American forces have the firepower needed for a possible great power conflict.
- Incorporate National Defense Features on other vessels. Navy funding of such features on both U.S.- and foreign-built onboard TSP and MSP vessels (e.g. TSP CONSOL systems) is needed to enhance their military utility in support of contingency operations.
- Invest in military quality of life priorities such as affordable military housing, base and barracks modernization/renovation, increased access to childcare, and food security.
The full 2025-2026 Maritime Policy Statement is available for download HERE.
Watch the official feature video below:
About the Navy League of the United States
The Navy League of the United States, founded in 1902 with the support of President Theodore Roosevelt, is a nonprofit civilian, educational, and advocacy organization that supports America’s sea services: the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. Through national and local programs, the Navy League of the United States provides a powerful voice to educate the public and Congress on the importance of our sea services to our nation’s defense, well-being, and economic prosperity. The Navy League provides support to our sea services personnel and their families and youth programs, such as the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Junior ROTC, and Young Marines, that expose young people to the values of our sea services. For more information, go to www.navyleague.org.
