Austal USA announces senior leadership changes

Mobile, Ala. – Austal USA announced the departure of Rusty Murdaugh today.  Mr. Murdaugh has resigned as president of Austal USA effective Aug. 30, 2023. 

Mr. Murdaugh was named president in Sept. 2021 (after serving as acting president since Feb. 2021) and led Austal USA through significant changes that ushered in a period of unprecedented growth.  Under his leadership, Austal USA completed the addition of steel shipbuilding capability to the Mobile shipyard, opening the most modern steel shipbuilding facility in the industry.  This change led to major competitive awards in the U.S. Coast Guard Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program and U.S. Navy ocean surveillance ship (TAGOS-25) program creating over $6 billion in new construction backlog.  During his tenure, Austal USA also opened a waterfront ship repair facility in San Diego, greatly expanding the company’s repair business, and acquired property in Mobile that will facilitate the continued expansion of the Mobile ship yard.

“Rusty made a lasting impact on the company,” stated Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer, Paddy Gregg.  “The transformation and growth of Austal USA under his leadership has postured the company for the future with a diversified and balanced portfolio.  Rusty is leaving Austal USA with unlimited growth potential and we thank him for all his hard work and dedication over the last two years.” 

Michelle Kruger, Austal USA Vice President of Global Services and Support, has been named acting president until a successor is named.