The United States Navy has decided to tackle the chronic rust problem on its warships more directly, after images of the destroyer USS Dewey, covered with corrosion spots, triggered a reaction from President Donald Trump in 2025.
The negative exposure accelerated the adoption of measures to address structural wear and the poor appearance of the vessels.
According to Mark Lattner, Director of Ship Integrity and Performance Engineering, corrosion has always been treated as a secondary issue compared to other operational demands. However, he emphasizes that rust goes beyond aesthetics, directly affecting maintenance, durability, and readiness of the naval units.
Among the proposed solutions are the expanded use of more durable paints, improvements in drainage systems, and the adoption of materials less prone to corrosion, such as stainless steel and composites.
The Navy also wants to make sailors’ work easier by reducing steps in applying paint and promoting preventive cleaning instead of just covering damaged areas.
Additionally, a new app-based assessment system allows for a quantitative classification of the ships’ condition, while specialized teams and contracted companies assist in their preservation. Still, Lattner admits that, due to operational and cultural limitations, the Navy is unlikely to achieve the same visual standard maintained by commercial cruise ships.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @WarshipCam | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
