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SHIPBUILDING modules has opened new revenue streams and strategic part- Coast Guard vessels, and NOAA ships, alongside commercial nerships with defense primes and energy customers. tugs, barges, and ? shing boats. Colonna’s isn’t just riding the

Its machine shop, bolstered by Navy and Coast Guard wave of maritime reindustrialization, it’s building it.

contracts, handles shaft and rudder work, both in-shop and But growth presents challenges. through in-place machining. Weld America, launched in 2020, The company currently employs about 750 people, and offers turnkey specialty welding solutions. And in 2023, Col- Crutch? eld acknowledges the complexities of managing a onna’s acquired Acurity Industrial Contractors in Owensboro, workforce that spans ? ve generations. “We’re hiring baby

Kentucky, expanding into power generation, process pip- boomers through Gen Z,” he said. “Each group has different ing, and distillery infrastructure. “It’s still blue-collar project priorities, and we need to address all of them—from pay and work, just in another sector,” said Crutch? eld. bene? ts to workplace culture.”

In San Diego, Colonna’s West mirrors the Downriver busi- Recruitment is a long game, Crutch? eld noted, and it hinges ness unit in Norfolk, providing mobile ship repair services at on storytelling. “Let us tell you what it’s like to build some-

Navy bases and commercial yards. This national footprint po- thing that serves the country or moves a thousand tons down- sitions the company for maximum ? exibility while supporting river. This work has meaning.”

Navy readiness and ? eet sustainment.

U.S. Shipbuilding: A Call to Action

Projects Crutch? eld is clear-eyed about the broader implications of

Two projects stand out in Crutch? eld’s tenure as signature Colonna’s journey. “This is the most exciting time in my ca- moments. First, a full-year overhaul of a Navy Landing Ship reer to be in the maritime industry,” he said. With bipartisan

Dock (LSD) alongside a local partner. The project tested Col- support for maritime revitalization and strategic legislation onna’s ability to perform high-complexity work traditionally like the proposed Ships for America Act, the sector is poised reserved for larger, prime contractors. “We surprised some for a generational reset.

folks,” Crutch? eld admitted. “And we proved to ourselves But he also offers a caution: “We’re late to realize what that we could compete and deliver.” other countries already knew: China, South Korea, Turkey,

The second was Colonna’s role in the Columbia-class Japan. They invested intentionally in their shipbuilding capa- submarine program—building high-spec, technically rigor- bilities. We’re only now catching up.” ous structures at the front end of the Navy’s most sensitive Colonna’s is moving ahead with or without federal incentives, projects. “Watching our people polish every weld, track every investing in dry docks, machining, and fabrication capabilities. joint, compile the mountain of paperwork, and ship the com- “We’re ready to compete—fair and square,” Crutch? eld said. ponent to the nuclear builder: just incredible,” said Crutch- “But the country has to decide if shipbuilding is a priority again.” ? eld. “It’s the kind of work that energizes a team.” After 150 years, Colonna’s is not standing still. The com- pany that began with a $2,000 loan and a horse-powered rail-

Looking Ahead: way now shapes the steel that powers America’s future, both

Government Work Rises, Workforce Evolves for commercial endeavors as well as military might. Randall

While Colonna’s historically split its business 60/40 in favor Crutch? eld, carrying both a legacy and a vision, is steering of commercial work, the pendulum has swung. Today, the mix the company toward a new era de? ned by strategic relevance, is roughly 60% government, 40% commercial, a shift driven multi-sector capability, and an unshakeable commitment to by expanded fabrication work for the Navy and growth in sur- American maritime excellence. “The people who work here face ? eet maintenance. The shop ? oor today hums with com- breathe this stuff,” he said. “We’re builders, ? xers, problem- ponents for aircraft carriers, submarine modules, Army and solvers. And after 150 years, we’re just getting started.”

Colonna’s acquired

Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc. “The Charles J. Colonna”. Accurity Industrial celebrates it’s 150 Year

Weld America was Colonna’s installed it’s third Contractors, located

Anniversary.

founded, supplying 24/7 Floating Drydock. in Owensboro, KY.

on-site welding services.

2016 2023 2020 2025

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