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The main catalyst that enabled the conclusion of the tariff negotiations between the South Korea and the U.S. in July 2025 was undoubtedly MASGA, or Make American Shipbuilding Great Again. MASGA, a shipbuilding cooperation model proposed by South Korea to the U.S., is centered on South Korea creating a fund worth approximately 210 trillion KRW (150 billion USD) to support the entry of Korean shipbuilders into the U.S market and help rebuild the U.S. shipbuilding industry. Since its announcement, discussions have taken place to expand cooperation in shipbuilding as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) at not only the government-level but also at the working-level between officials from the ROK’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the U.S Department of Defense(War), and the Department of the Navy. The remaining task for South Korea is to formulate a strategy that develops MASGA into a cooperation model that aligns with the national interests of both Seoul and Washington. In this vein, what preparations are required in order to ensure that MASGA leads to mutually beneficial outcomes not only in the shipbuilding sector but also in diplomacy, security, and economic relations between the two countries? This article provides an overview of the current state of South Korea’s shipbuilding industry and proposes suggestions for ROK-U.S. cooperation in naval ship construction and MRO.