Overhaul and major maintenance completed early on Coast Guard cutter McCormick at Ketchikan shipyard

Vigor Alaska completed a dry dock and repair work for the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter John McCormick this month, returning it to service ahead of schedule.

The $3.65 million contract was awarded in November 2023 and represents the first non-emergent, or non-emergency, Coast Guard maintenance solicitation awarded to the Ketchikan Shipyard since 2011.

USCGC McCormick is “homeported” at Coast Guard Base Ketchikan, which is about 3.5 miles from the Ketchikan Shipyard.

It was also the first time a vessel of the McCormick's class has been serviced at Ketchikan Shipyard, which is operated by Vigor and owned by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, or AIDEA).

AIDEA is the state’s development finance corporation that invests in infrastructure projects as well as partnering with Alaska commercial banks on commercial real estate development.

"Our successful and on-time delivery of USCGC McCormick represents an important milestone in our tenure as the operator of the Ketchikan Shipyard," said Bergan Wieler, General Manager for Vigor Alaska.

"Performing the work here in Ketchikan both keeps the vessel and its crew close to its homeport, and helps support family-wage jobs for skilled workers here in Ketchikan."

More than 150 workers at the Ketchikan Shipyard devoted their expertise to the project over the two months it took to complete. The comprehensive maintenance solicitation included work on the ship's propulsion, a renewal of the McCormick's hull coatings, and a comprehensive inspection of other key systems.

The maintenance on USCGC McCormick will ensure the vessel is able to continue patrolling at peak operability, as its crew works to keep the coasts of Alaska safe.

“The investment of AIDEA and Vigor at the Ketchikan Shipyard is a critical part of Ketchikan’s economy,” said Randy Ruaro, Executive Director of AIDEA. “Successful completion of the CGC McCormick shows the ability of the shipyard to expand its customer base and provide local jobs. AIDEA looks forward to more opportunities in the future.”

In addition to the McCormick, Vigor continues to conduct critical work for the Alaska Marine Highway System at Ketchikan Shipyard.

The Ketchikan Shipyard finished maintenance work recently on several state ferry vessels. Work was completed on MV Kennicott last month, and on MV Stikine was earlier this year. Vigor Alaska has also begun maintenance on MV Columbia, with work expected to be completed in February 2024.

"We are proud to support the U.S. Coast Guard in keeping their vessels in top condition," said Adam Beck, EVP of Ship Repair for Vigor. "Many people supported keeping this work in Ketchikan and their successful efforts came to fruition. We are grateful to play a role in ensuring strong national defense and a thriving Ketchikan."

Vigor is a diversified industrial business operating in six locations and employing 1,800 people in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Vigor works in specialized shipbuilding, ship repair and handling important, complex projects in support of energy generation including infrastructure and national defense.

Titan Acquisition Holdings, formed in 2019, is the parent company of Vigor, which operates in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Other Titan holdingds include MHI Holdings, based in Norfolk, Virginia; and Continental Maritime of San Diego (CMSD) in California.

Notable Titan include customers include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, the U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command, Maritime Administration, U.S. Army, local and state ferry systems, and commercial ship owners.