Press Release
November 2, 2023
Vigor Begins Work on USNS John Lewis
First-in-Class Replenishment Oiler Visits Swan Island for PSA
Vigor, a Titan Company, has begun work on a Post-Shakedown Availability (PSA) on USNS John Lewis (T-AO-205), a first-of-its-class U.S. Navy replenishment oiler. The $27.9 million contract will be the first time a shipyard has performed maintenance on the new John Lewis class vessel. The vessel arrived in September and will continue maintenance into 2024.
“This award reflects Vigor’s reputation for on-time delivery and quality service,” said Adam Beck, Vigor EVP of Ship Repair. “Our skilled employees set the standard for ship repair and we look forward to the opportunity to service this new class in the MSC fleet.”
USNS John Lewis is the lead ship of the new John Lewis class of U.S. Navy Replenishment oiler. The Post-Shakedown Availability Contract will consist of systems improvements and post-delivery upgrades that will improve the vessel’s operability. This is the first time that the ship has undergone maintenance since it was first built in 2020, making Vigor the first shipyard to work on the new John Lewis class of replenishment oilers. The project will employ over 200 skilled workers during its five-month stay at Swan Island.
Vigor has a strong track record of performance with repairs on several of the MSC’s Kaiser Class oilers, which were named after the founder of the Swan Island shipyard, Henry J. Kaiser. Known as the father of modern American shipbuilding, Kaiser established the Kaiser shipyards during World War II, including at Swan Island where Liberty ships were built to support the war effort. Now Vigor has an opportunity to continue that legacy with work on this new class, itself named for a leader with a renowned impact on American history.
In addition to the work on USNS John Lewis, Vigor is actively working on several other MSC ships. USNS Guadalupe (T-AO-200), USNS Pecos (T-AO-197) and USNS Canley are all undergoing maintenance at Swan Island. Additionally, Vigor continues work on USS Tulsa, as well as several commercial projects.
About Vigor Marine Group
Vigor Marine Group is a values-driven, established, differentiated, integrated partner with a national footprint in marine maintenance and modernization, marine fabrication, and marine services. With operations in six locations, the family of companies employs 2,500 people in the Pacific Northwest, Virginia, California and Alaska. Our spirit of innovation and legacy of performance make Vigor Marine Group a preferred, full-service prime contractor in the defense and maritime sectors, offering advanced services and complete solutions for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Military Sealift Command, state ferry systems, the cruise industry, the commercial fishing industry, and more. With deep respect for people and the planet, Vigor Marine Group strives to be a positive, regenerative force for good – environmentally, in the lives of its employees and in the community. For more information, visit vigormarine.comOpens in a new tab.
About Titan Acquisition Holdings
A family of bicoastal leaders in ship repair, ship modernization, marine and complex fabrication services, Titan Acquisition Holdings was formed in 2019. Titan is the parent company of Vigor, operating in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska; MHI Holdings, based in Norfolk, Virginia; and Continental Maritime of San Diego (CMSD) in California. Notable Titan family customers include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command, Maritime Administration, U.S. Army, local and state ferry systems, and commercial ship owners.
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Benton Strong,
Director, Public Affairs
