Vigor Marine Fabrication Unveils Newest Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) for U.S. Army
Vigor Marine Group unveiled USAV Craney Island, the second Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) (MSV(L)) today, marking a major step in modernizing the U.S. Army’s watercraft fleet. Craney Island is set to be delivered to the Army this fall with next generation capabilities designed to improve payload capacity, maneuverability, speed and operation flexibility, while offering vastly superior technology to the current class.
"We are proud to reach this important milestone with the unveiling of Craney Island," said Francesco Valente, CEO of Vigor Marine Group. "This is a critical milestone for both the U.S. Army and for our skilled Vigor Marine Fabrication workforce in Vancouver, where this journey began years ago. Today reflects the dedication of our employees, suppliers and Army partners who have worked together to refine this next-generation vessel. Our goal is to support our customer’s mission by completing quality work safely, and today we celebrate achieving that on behalf of the U.S. Army."
Led by Vice President and General Manager Mark Norris, more than 300 skilled workers at Vigor Marine Fabrication’s Vancouver facility contributed to the Craney Island alongside more than 40 Washington state-based companies, as well as suppliers and partners across the Pacific Northwest and the United States. The vessel has drawn upon the expertise of highly skilled aluminum welders, electricians, mechanics, and other specialized trades, and supported significant growth in family wage jobs in Vancouver.
Vigor Marine Fabrication launched the prototype MSV(L), SSG Elroy F. Wells, in 2022, and has been working alongside the Army on testing in both the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii. Craney Island reflects lessons learned over that time period, as well as expert craftsmanship from the local workforce. The program is a significant technological achievement that combines a sophisticated all-aluminum design with advanced propulsion systems and electronics to provide a first-of-its-kind capability for the U.S. Army. Because of its unique hull design, drive-through bow and stern ramps, lightweight construction and state-of-the-art waterjet propulsion, MSV(L) offers significant payload carrying capability, unparalleled maneuverability, a shallow draft for littoral operations and impressive speed.
The unveiling of Craney Island also highlights Vigor Marine Fabrication's unique capability to design and construct aluminum vessels, particularly for national security capabilities. The Vancouver facility is currently in full-rate production of the MSV(L) hulls, while continuing fabrication of Combatant Craft Medium (CCM), of which it has produced more than more than 30. The highly skilled workforce represents an important component of the nation's maritime industrial base and supports U.S. military readiness by delivering advanced, high-quality vessels. These capabilities align with the objectives of Presidential Executive Order 14269, Restoring America's Maritime Dominance, which emphasizes strengthening America's shipbuilding capacity and maritime workforce.
Vigor Marine Group is a values-driven, established, differentiated, solutions provider with a national footprint in marine maintenance and modernization, marine fabrication, and marine services. With operations in five locations, the family of companies employs approximately 2,700 people in the Pacific Northwest, Virginia and California. Vigor Marine Group’s spirit of innovation and legacy of performance make it 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, U.S. Coast Guard, state ferry systems, the cruise industry, the commercial fishing industry, and more. Vigor Marine Group strives to be a positive, regenerative force for good in the lives of its employees and in the community. For more information, visit vigormarine.com
Benton Strong,
Director, Public Affairs