Austal, PCI To Increase U.S. Defense Shipbuilding Capacity

Austal USA and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI) recently announced a strategic outsourcing partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to expand regional U.S. shipbuilding capacity in support of the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base and Submarine Industrial Base. The organizations said rising production requirements for both surface and undersea vessels — driven by national shipbuilding objectives — serve as the foundation for their collaboration. Under the MOU, PCI anticipates support services associated with the ongoing expansion of Austal’s newest Module Manufacturing Facility, due to come online in 2026. Workforce development initiatives and targeted production support programs are currently in design. All activities conducted under the MOU will adhere to Austal’s specifications and U.S. government standards, including rigorous quality assurance, appropriate cybersecurity controls, export-compliance requirements and applicable Buy American provisions.