#USA #Jacksonville #BAE Systems #Ship Repair #Supplier Recognition

BAE Systems Honors Top Ship Repair Suppliers for 2024

In a significant gathering in Jacksonville, Florida, BAE Systems celebrated its leading ship repair suppliers for the year 2024 during the annual 'Partner2Win' Supplier symposium. The event highlighted the contributions of 87 suppliers who played pivotal roles in maintenance, modernization, and refit projects on both U.S. Navy ships as well as commercial vessels.

The Partner2Win program fosters a collaborative relationship between BAE Systems' three shipyards located in Jacksonville, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; and San Diego, California, with an extensive network of naval and commercial ship repair suppliers. This partnership framework is designed to enhance the quality and efficiency of ship repairs and services.

The event featured key speeches from industry leaders, including Matt Paxton, President of the Shipbuilders Council of America, who underlined the importance of the maritime industry's evolution. He remarked on an unprecedented focus on peace-time shipbuilding and repair within the United States, citing it as a historic juncture reminiscent of the 1970 Merchant Marine Act. Paxton emphasized the collective goal of reshaping the industrial base to optimize existing repair capacities and broaden opportunities in the sector.

Paul Smith, Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems Ship Repair, echoed these sentiments while highlighting the successful collaboration of their shipyards with a variety of businesses. Smith mentioned plans to commission an impressive new 25,000-ton shiplift and a four-acre repair facility in Jacksonville, promising exciting opportunities ahead.

The awards ceremony showcased several categories, recognizing extraordinary performance across different supplier segments. The top honors were awarded as follows:

• - 2024 Subcontractor of the Year: Allied United, which provides essential security services across BAE's U.S. shipyards, ensuring the safety of Navy and commercial vessels with enhanced efficiency.
• - 2024 Small Business Supplier of the Year: AMP United, a marine preservation firm that contributed to 14 major ship repair projects, reflecting the importance of small businesses in BAE's operations.
• - 2024 Maintenance, Repair, and Operations Supplier of the Year: Airgas USA, known for its prompt delivery of welding rods and other supplies, which played a critical role in ensuring all three shipyards met compliance requirements.
• - 2024 Safety, Health, and Environmental Supplier of the Year: The 3M Company, whose demonstrations of safer techniques and technologies have significantly contributed to improving safety at the shipyards.

In total, BAE Systems presented 87 awards, comprising 48 gold, 27 silver, and 12 bronze recognitions, which included special mentions for additional suppliers across various regions.

Some noteworthy extra awards included:

• - BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair Small Business of the Year: TCI Mechanical, recognized for its commendable service from Atlantic Beach, Florida.
• - BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair Subcontractor of the Year: Advanced Marine Preservation, LLC, celebrated for its contributions from Jacksonville, Florida.
• - BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair Small Business of the Year: Standard Ship Repair, noted for achievements in National City, California.

As a leading provider in ship repair, BAE Systems plays a crucial role in maintaining the U.S. Navy's fleet and supporting commercial vessels. The company operates three full-service shipyards with state-of-the-art facilities, offering a blend of skilled workforce, significant pier space, and extensive supplier networks. These operations not only demonstrate BAE’s commitment to operational excellence but also highlight its role in strengthening the American maritime industry.

For further inquiries, please reach out to Karl Johnson at BAE Systems. Contact available through mobile at 757-375-5086 or visit their official website at www.baesystems.com/US.