A former Navy admiral and president of General Dynamics [GD] Bath Iron Works has been selected to chair Austal USA’s board, the company said yesterday.
John “Dugan” Shipway, who served in the Navy for 35 years before retiring as a rear admiral, was elected chair of the board to help Mobile, Ala.-based Austal USA guide its shipbuilding programs based on his experience as a senior acquisition official while in the Navy, the company said.
“Dugan has exceptional skills and experience in naval acquisition and shipbuilding that will be instrumental in guiding the U.S. business which is now a major U.S. Navy prime contractor,” Austal Chairman John Rothwell said. “That experience includes managing similar U.S. Navy programs in the highest levels for more than two decades.”
Austal USA builds the second, Independence variant of the Littoral Combat Ship and is also the prime contractor for Joint High Speed Vessel (JLTV). Austal is headquartered in Henderson, Australia.
Shipway’s Navy career included 15 years in acquisition and last served as director of Strategic Systems Programs. He also oversaw several submarine and weapons programs and was a submarine officer.
After leaving the Navy he became vice president of full submarine support at General Dynamics Electric Boat before becoming president of Bath Iron Works, a position he held for six years before retiring in 2009.