Page 31: of Marine News Magazine (June 2020)

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While these are tough times, USMI, like the United States of America, is resilient. In our 36-year history, we have been tested many times. USMI and our country will move forward, there is just no alternative.”

The current market for defense and other government boatbuilders is generally healthy, and Dreyfus says there are plenty of opportunities for growth at USMI. For example, the recent USSOCOM contract may lead to the creation of new jobs at the builder’s Gulfport site. In addition, the company is expanding its operations at its in Chesapeake facility, hav- ing recently added both engineering and out?tting person- nel. Growth is on the agenda at USMI, “but not so much it will affect our ability to deliver a quality product on time and within budget to our customers,” Dreyfus says.

“USMI’s greatest opportunities in the future will depend on our performance today...We concentrate on delivering on our commitments. We see growth in foreign military sales, as the

DOD continues to push for commonality of weapon systems amongst our allies.” Dreyfus says. “Our strategic relationships on the West Coast and overseas continue to bene?t our exist- ing customer base.” “As of today, with the hard work of the last few years, USMI has achieved a level of backlog that is suf?cient to keep our family together for years to come.” )! " # % % !$ $ %$ * + % , &

U.S. Navy photo by Kristopher Kirsop www.marinelink.com