Press Release
May 29, 2024
Vigor Completes Availability on USNS John Lewis
The first-in-class MSC vessel will head into service following a PSA at Swan Island
Vigor, a Titan Company, has completed a Post-Shakedown Availability (PSA) on USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205) at Swan Island. The first-in-class Military Sealift Command vessel will head into active service following the eight-month availability, as the namesake of the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers. The successful availability adds to Vigor’s long track record of serving MSC at Swan Island.
“Our skilled workers are proud to serve MSC and to support our national defense,” said Adam Beck, EVP of Ship Repair for Vigor. “Completing John Lewis represents a milestone as we head into a new class of vessel and we look forward to the opportunity to continue this work in the future. These availabilities not only ensure we maintain a strong fleet, they support hundreds of family wage jobs in Portland and all around the Pacific Northwest.”
Beginning last fall, the PSA included systems improvements and post-delivery upgrades to improve the vessel’s operability. It is a typical availability during which any needed changes can be made and issues arising during initial sea trials can be addressed. More than 200 skilled workers supported the availability over the last several months.
Coincidentally, the namesake of the previous generation of replenishment oilers, USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187) is also currently undergoing an availability at Vigor. The Swan Island shipyard where the work is being completed was one of the original Kaiser Shipyards which built Liberty ships during World War II.
In addition to USNS John Lewis and USNS Kaiser, Vigor continues work on USNS Mercy and USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11), as well as multiple commercial vessels.
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,
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