U.S. Navy surface ships are deployed around the world in strategically important waters. Their presence matters in the increasingly complex maritime domain and yet, despite unprecedented congressional support for shipbuilding, the U.S. defence industrial base cannot keep up with demand. At the same time, the U.S. is exploring new ways to deepen cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific to strengthen regional collective security and deter potential conflict. A collaborative warship construction program may succeed in achieving those aims.