MOBILE, Ala. –Austal USA welcomed Mr. Christopher Miller, in his new role as Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Maritime, at the company’s Mobile, Ala. ship manufacturing facility yesterday. His visit began with status updates from senior leadership on the company’s Navy surface ship and submarine module production programs.
Austal USA’s leadership team also discussed human resources initiatives on employee retention and training, specifically plans for the company’s apprenticeship program to be the largest of its kind in Alabama. Apprenticeship opportunities are offered in the areas of fabrication, pipe welding, pipe fitting, electrical, and fitout and a new program teaching apprentices to design ships is in development.
Mr. Miller then toured Austal USA’s advanced ship manufacturing facility, including its highly automated steel panel line. He also received a guided ship tour of Billy Franks Jr. (T-ATS 11) and Lansing (EPF 16), both of which are preparing for sea trials this summer.
“We were proud to host Mr. Miller today and to demonstrate how committed our talented workforce is to the success of the defense maritime industrial base,” stated Austal USA interim President Gene Miller. “It’s obvious, as you tour one of the most modern shipyards in the nation and witness all our ongoing activity, that Austal USA is focused on the future and all the promise it holds for our industry. We value opportunities like this visit, to strengthen collaboration, support program success, and highlight the skill and dedication of our hard-working team.”
Austal USA has delivered 34 ships to the Navy over its 25-year history. The company has 11 ships under construction. Three ships are preparing for sea trials within the next couple of months and construction will soon begin on the fifth Navy Landing Craft Utility vessel and the third Coast Guard Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter; two of three programs benefitting from serial production.
Mr. Miller’s tour ended with a glimpse of the progress being made on Austal USA’s new state-of-the-art 390,000 square-foot module manufacturing facility (MMF 3) that will be dedicated to submarine module production. Phase 1 of MMF 3 will be operational this summer.