Austal USA hosts Alabama Governor Ivey for Women's History Month Luncheon
MOBILE, Ala. – In recognition of Women’s History Month, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey visited Austal USA’s Mobile, Ala. shipyard and spoke to the company’s female workforce of over 300 women. During her remarks, Governor Ivey applauded the women for their dedication, skill and perspective that has helped propel Austal USA to become a major economic contributor in the state of Alabama and across the gulf region.
“Austal USA is critical to Alabama’s high-tech defense and manufacturing sector, and I have no doubt that Austal’s female workforce has been a great contributor to its statewide and nationwide success. Their work here is instrumental and has truly reinforced the notion that innovation and achievement do not have a specific look, but, instead, requires a mind willing to learn and a work ethic ready to get to it,” stated Governor Kay Ivey. “Austal women are STEM leaders inspiring our next generation with their accomplishments, while demonstrating opportunities run rampant when you have a relentless grind.”
Ivey was sworn in as the 54th Governor of the state of Alabama in 2017 and was re-elected in 2019. Her service as a state leader has proven historical on many levels. Ivey was the first Republican-elected State Treasurer since Reconstruction, the first Republican woman to hold the office of Lieutenant Governor, and Governor Ivey is also the first Girls State (a premier youth leadership program for some of the best and brightest young women in the state sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary) alumnus to be elected to an Alabama Constitutional Office. In September 2019, the Alabama-Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America distinguished Governor Ivey as a Golden Eagle for her ‘scout like service’ and being a trailblazer for women.
“It was a privilege to have Governor Ivey speak to our Austal USA women today as her advocacy and leadership in the statehouse and throughout her career has served as the foundation for the growth of so many,” said Austal USA President Rusty Murdaugh. “The role women play in the success of Austal USA is immeasurable. In the male-dominated profession of shipbuilding, we’re seeing more women enter the industry and I can tell you it has made Austal USA a stronger company. I want to encourage women to consider a career in manufacturing or the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. With greater diversity comes greater innovation and success.”
As Mobile county’s largest manufacturing employer, Austal USA strives to meet the requirements of its Navy and Coast Guard customers through a continual focus and commitment to its people and processes. Women at Austal USA work in a myriad of positions that deliver cradle to grave support of our nation’s maritime capabilities. Austal USA will hire over 1,200 new employees over the next 18 months.
