Surface Navy 2026: US Navy surges maintenance forces to cut surface-force delays

The US Navy is changing operations at places like Norfolk Naval Shipyard (pictured) to improve ship work. (US Navy)

The US Navy (USN) is increasing deployment of maintenance resources to decrease delays in surface-force repairs, according to USN officials.

“We are surging expertise where it matters most – investing port engineers in key hubs, doubling them on large-deck amphibs, and funnelling Advanced Engineering Instructors to surface groups,” Vice Admiral Brendan McLane, commander, Naval Surface Forces and Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet, said on 13 January during his keynote speech at the Surface Navy Association (SNA) National Symposium 2026.

“On-time completion remains our number one goal as we drive towards zero days of maintenance delay,” Vice Adm McLane said.

Speaking at a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) event on 16 January, the day after the SNA symposium ended, Vice Adm McLane said, “We've constituted surface groups.”

He explained these groups are a throwback to USN Cold War operations used to more efficiently conduct fleet maintenance.

During his symposium keynote, Vice Adm McLane said, “It is maintenance that turns spare parts into combat power. Maintenance execution is inseparable from our sparing strategy. We are continuing improvements in maintenance in on-time completion through both process changes and targeted manning.”

For example, he said, “We're making a significant investment in ship maintenance and sailor self-sufficiency by re-establishing Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity [SIMA] in Norfolk and San Diego. These are our technical training centres of excellence. We are turning sailors into journeymen who can machine parts and repair systems at the tactical edge. We are pairing this with world class planning and AI-generated production schedules to eliminate unplanned work. We need to employ more advanced manufacturing to machine high-end failure parts.”