Rear Admiral USN to Chair Austal USA’s Board

Rear Admiral USN (Retired) John “Dugan” Shipway has been elected to Chair the Board of Austal’s US subsidiary Austal USA. The role extends a distinguished leadership career including 35 years in the United States Navy and senior management roles in naval shipbuilding and support.

Austal’s Chairman, Mr John Rothwell, AO said Rear Admiral Shipway’s technical and program management expertise would help Austal deliver its Navy contracts efficiently and effectively.

“Dugan has exceptional skills and experience in naval acquisition and shipbuilding that will be instrumental in guiding the US business, which is now a major US Navy prime contractor,” he said. “That experience includes managing similar US Navy programs at the highest levels for more than two decades.”

Austal is currently under contract with the US Navy to build nine 103-metre Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV) under a 10-ship, US$1.6 billion contract and five 127-metre Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), four of which are a part of a 10-ship, US$3.5 billion contract.

Mr Rothwell said he had known Rear Admiral Shipway for many years and regarded his achievements as President of US shipbuilder General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) as particularly impressive.

“Dugan shares Austal’s passion for finding and implementing innovative ways to build ships more efficiently and affordably. He is credited with reforming BIW into a lean warship manufacturer.

“That background is particularly relevant now that Austal USA has transitioned into steady production of Littoral Combat Ships and Joint High Speed Vessels. Dugan’s expertise will really help the management to focus on the on-time, on-budget delivery of the extraordinary capability those ships provide the Navy,” Mr Rothwell said.

Mr Rothwell thanked Dr. Lawrence Cavaiola for his efforts as Austal USA’s inaugural Chair.

“Larry has provided admirable leadership over the last four-and-a-half years, a period in which the business has grown tremendously. He remains a valued member of the Austal USA Board,” he said.

[mappress]

Press Release, November 01, 2012