“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 US 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 US 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 US 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 30. The highly skilled workforce represents an important component of the nation’s maritime industrial base and supports US 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.
