General Dynamics NASSCO Wins Ship Repair Contract Worth Up to $754 million

General Dynamics NASSCO Wins Ship Repair Contract Worth Up to $754 million

The work of maintaining, modernizing and repairing the USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) for the U.S. Navy is going to San Diego-based vessel design and build company General Dynamics NASSCO. The company announced Oct. 13 that it had secured the lucrative contract for an initial $15.6 million with options. If the options are all exercised, the contract would be worth a total of $753.8 million. It also would mean work through November 2030. The work is expected to be performed in both San Diego and Norfolk, Virginia. “NASSCO and our industry partners are looking…
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Port of San Diego Approves Pier Improvement Project

Port of San Diego Approves Pier Improvement Project

The Port of San Diego is moving forward on a $1.5 million utility piping and pile replacement project at Imperial Beach Pier. Port commissioners approved the improvement project Oct. 10, and hired San Diego-based Reyes Construction to do the work, which would involve replacing two piles, repairing utility lines and conduits, rewiring lighting and electrical panels, removing corrosion and other related improvements. The project is part of the port’s larger investment in Imperial Beach Pier. The POSD has spent about $3.5 million on the pier since 2020, including new artistic activity placards, distance markers encouraging the public to walk the…
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U.S. Navy Releasing Leased Acreage to Port of San Diego

U.S. Navy Releasing Leased Acreage to Port of San Diego

The U.S. Navy has agreed to relinquish its lease of a 3.4-acre site to the Port of San Diego, paving the way for potential commercial and recreational development along the North Embarcadero, the port revealed Sept. 12. The two sides struck a deal on the 1220 Pacific Highway property that the port inherited from the city of San Diego that the Navy has leased since 1949. The lease was to expire in 2049, but the deal allows the port to be able to use the land now for possible development. Under the lease termination agreement, the port would offer $5.75…
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Port of San Diego CEO Put On Paid Leave; Interim Leader Appointed

Port of San Diego CEO Put On Paid Leave; Interim Leader Appointed

Randa Coniglio, who previously served as the Port of San Diego’s first female president and CEO, returned to the leadership role July 17 after former President and CEO Joe Stuyvesant was placed on administrative leave earlier this month. During closed session July 14, port commissioners appointed Coniglio as acting president and CEO “for an undetermined amount of time,” according to port Public Information Officer Brianne Page. The closed session took place with a 24-hour notice, the port said. Board Chairman Rafael Castellanos did not participate because of a personal commitment and Board Vice Chair Sandy Naranjo recused herself from participating.…
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Austal USA Opens San Diego Ship Repair Facility

Austal USA Opens San Diego Ship Repair Facility

Austal USA, a Mobile, Alabama-based ship manufacturer, has opened a new ship repair facility near Naval Base San Diego, the company announced Feb. 13. The facility is expected to offer “full-service repair, maintenance and modernization services for small surface combatants, unmanned and autonomous vessels, and auxiliary ships,” according to Austal, which is under contract for 13 military programs. Opening the facility was more than a year in the making. Austal USA finalized a property agreement on the 15-acre site and then, according to the company, spent more than $100 million to make several upgrades, including 678 feet of improved shoreline…
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Port of San Diego Teams on ‘First-of-its-Kind’ Green Initiative

Port of San Diego Teams on ‘First-of-its-Kind’ Green Initiative

The Port of San Diego and Navy Region Southwest have announced a “first-of-its-kind partnership” that would allow the U.S. Navy access to take part in California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LFCS) market, paving the way for millions of dollars to electrify Naval Base San Diego and the port. Navy and port representatives made it official at a Sept. 20 Intergovernmental Support Agreement signing at Cesar Chavez Park in San Diego. The collaboration marks the Department of Defense’s first time in taking part in this type of carbon-lowering effort, enabling the navy to generate LCFS credits while vessels plug into shore…
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New Commander for Coast Guard Sector San Diego

New Commander for Coast Guard Sector San Diego

Capt. James Spitler is the new commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego, taking over for Capt. Timothy Barelli, who has retired after 26 years of service. The change of command was made official Thursday, July 14 in a ceremony in San Diego with Rear Adm. Andrew M. Sugimoto, commander of 11th Coast Guard District, presiding. Spitler previously served as chief of the domestic operations division, directorate of operations of the U.S. Northern Command in Colorado. “Since 1934, the Coast Guard has selflessly served the city of San Diego,'' Spitler said. “We are a part of this legacy and…
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Three Illegal Charter Boats Terminated in San Diego 

Three Illegal Charter Boats Terminated in San Diego 

U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego recently put an end to three charter boats illegally operating in San Diego Bay, USCG officials confirmed April 14.  The three charters were shut down because of “unsafe overloading conditions, insufficient lifesaving equipment and failure to provide a qualified or licensed operator while carrying passengers for hire,” according to the USCG.   The vessels cannot operate, according to the USCG, until they can prove that they have met all valid charter requirements.  “Illegal charters are a serious risk to their passengers and to other boat operators on the water,” Coast Guard Sector San Diego Cmdr.…
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