The White House’s proposed “Golden Fleet” marks a major shift in U.S. naval strategy — targeting a force of about 280–300 crewed ships supported by unmanned vessels to strengthen coverage in the Western Hemisphere and improve defense against drones and hypersonic weapons.
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At the center of this plan is Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), the largest military shipbuilding company in the United States. HII operates the shipyards that built many of America’s largest battleships and remains the only U.S. builder of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Its role is vital as the Navy begins to modernize its fleet for a new era of deterrence and maritime competition.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has already hinted at the idea of a government stake in the shipbuilding industry, noting in August that sectors like shipbuilding could be included in the administration’s broader investment strategy.
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Other likely beneficiaries include BWX Technologies (BWXT), which supplies naval reactors, and General Dynamics (GD), which builds submarines.