Colonna's Shipyard

08/27/2026

America’s maritime strength depends on the infrastructure that keeps its fleet moving.

Dredging the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River would help ensure Norfolk’s maritime infrastructure can support larger vessels and growing maintenance demands.

With the permit already in place, this strategic investment could:

• Increase Norfolk’s deep-draft drydock capacity by nearly 40%
• Reduce maintenance delays and costs through greater availability and competition
• Deliver a projected return of more than 3:1 compared to traditional drydock infrastructure investments
• Expand access to more than 400 skilled trades professionals
• Create new skilled and professional career opportunities

The impact would extend far beyond the channel itself - supporting the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, MARAD, Military Sealift Command, NOAA, commercial operators, and the businesses and workers that power Hampton Roads’ maritime economy.

We have the skilled workforce and industrial experience - and we are actively preparing for an increase in workload. Dredging the Eastern Branch would ensure the supporting infrastructure is ready, too.

This is more than dredging. It is an investment in readiness, resilience, and America’s maritime future.

08/25/2026

Colonna’s Shipyard is hiring!

We’re currently seeking well-qualified tradespeople, trades leadership, and service/support professionals to join our team. Build your future on the waterfront and be part of an industry that keeps maritime moving.

Apply: www.colonnaship.com/careers

08/24/2026

We were honored to welcome the Maritime Administration - MARAD Administrator Stephen Carmel to Colonna's Shipyard.

Visits like these highlight the importance of collaboration across the maritime industry as we work together to strengthen America's maritime capabilities and support operational readiness.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our people, our work, and our commitment to delivering trusted maritime solutions.

08/23/2026

08/20/2026

For nearly four decades, Juan Martinez has been a familiar and respected presence at Colonna’s Shipyard.

Juan joined Colonna’s on November 17, 1987, beginning his career as a welder. His experience, work ethic, and knowledge of the trade led him from the deck plates to Weld Shop Supervisor, then Assistant Superintendent, and ultimately Superintendent, a role he continues in today.

Throughout his career, Juan has lived by a simple principle: an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. That mindset has guided the way he works and leads others, while reflecting Colonna’s core values of Respect, Pride, Truth, and Family.

Juan has also played an important role in supporting Norfolk Barge Company, helping coordinate the surveying, repair, blasting, painting, maintenance, and movement of its barges throughout the yard. His years of dedication were recently recognized in a very special way with the naming of Norfolk Barge Company’s newest vessel, Barge Juan, which launched on July 13, 2026.

Outside the shipyard, Juan is an avid gardener known for sharing bags of homegrown vegetables with coworkers. Anyone brave enough to try his peppers knows Juan believes the hotter, the better.

At 75 years old and approaching 39 years with Colonna’s, Juan is still going strong. His career represents the experience, dedication, and pride that have helped shape Colonna’s Shipyard for generations.

Thank you, Juan, for nearly 39 years of service and for the lasting impact you continue to make across our shipyard.

08/19/2026

For over 150 years, photography has helped preserve the stories of those who built, repaired, and strengthened the maritime industry.

On World Photography Day, we celebrate the images that capture our heritage, our workforce, and our commitment to quality, safety, and customer success.

08/14/2026

This summer, our interns made a meaningful impact across the shipyard while bringing enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and plenty of laughs to the team. As they return to school, we're revisiting some of the candid moments, funny mishaps, and bloopers that didn't make the National Intern Day highlight reel. We'll miss having them here and wish them continued success in the classroom and beyond.

08/11/2026

Mission readiness doesn't stop when the sun goes down.

As a 24/7 operation, Steel America's skilled craftsmen and women work around the clock to manufacture the mission-critical components and structures that support America's defense industrial base.

Every weld, every cut, every inspection, and every assembly completed on night shift contributes to the readiness of our nation's military and maritime forces.

Built with purpose. Built to perform.