Fincantieri is one of the worlds largest ship building companies and has multitudes of successful designs and on time construction.
The biggest problem and I'll quote Mercogliano, PhD - First you design, then you build - you don't design as you go along.
I'm not familiar with Sal Mercogliano, but here is a link to a USNI News article that discusses the issues Francine raises.
USNI Article
I ran a simple search. Found the distinguished gentleman, but could not find anything of his on the frigate specifically, other than him tweeting a link to a USNI article which basically only said the frigate would "likely" be late.
If his thoughts on this matter are online, I would very much love to read them. Thus, if a link is available, I would very much appreciate it. Thank you!
Navy said, Fincantieri couldn't get skilled welders.
Sal Mercogliano gave a descertation on the actual reasons:
1) The Navy was supposed to use and "off the shelf - proved design 85% original/15%" US Navy.
As of now, the FFG is 85% Navy/15% Fincantieri - so basically a new design.
2) In August 2022 when the first steel was cut, the plans were 80% complete. Now, almost 2 years later, they are almost 80% complete.
This has been the pattern followed with the Zumwalt, Ford and LCS, which have all been late and over budget.
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