Colonna's Shipyard

06/05/2026

June is National Safety Month - but at Colonna’s Shipyard, safety isn’t a monthly campaign. It’s how we work every day.

This week’s theme, Moving Safety Forward, is a reminder that building a stronger safety culture means continuously improving how we think, communicate, and operate. Through forward-thinking practices, shared accountability, and empowering our workforce to speak up and stop work when something doesn’t look right, we move safety forward together.

Because safety is everyone’s job — all the time.

06/04/2026

No two projects at Colonna’s Shipyard look the same and that’s exactly what keeps our work interesting.

When a retired Moran Towing Corporation tugboat was selected for a new life at Urban Outfitters’ headquarters in the historic Philadelphia Navy Yard, our team helped get it ready for its next chapter - now renamed Lead with Creativity.

Our scope included:
• Removing shafts and blanking off sea chests to help ensure the vessel remains watertight
• Fabricating and welding Urban Outfitters’ iconic “URBN” logo to the stacks
• Painting the vessel in Urban Outfitters’ brand colors

Safe to say this one was a little outside our usual collection.

From welding and fabrication to one-of-a-kind custom work, our team helped turn a hardworking tug into a waterfront statement piece. We may not work in fashion - but we do know a thing or two about tailoring projects to fit.

Today, Lead with Creativity has a permanent home at Urban Outfitters’ headquarters in the historic Philadelphia Navy Yard - proof that sometimes the best projects never go out of style.

06/03/2026

Yesterday, Colonna’s Shipyard was honored to host Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling for a visit to our Norfolk campus.

During his visit, Secretary Sonderling met with senior executives, toured our shipyard operations, visited Steel America and our Trades Building, and joined our workforce development team for a roundtable discussion focused on developing the next generation of skilled maritime talent.

Workforce development remains central to who we are. As America’s oldest family-owned and operated private shipyard, we are committed to investing in people, strengthening the skilled trades, and creating opportunities that support the future of American maritime and manufacturing.

At Steel America, Secretary Sonderling had the opportunity to see firsthand the advanced fabrication and machining capabilities supporting some of the nation’s most critical defense programs. Steel America’s contribution to the Columbia-class submarine program - one of the nation’s highest priority defense efforts - positions our team among a small group of industrial partners helping deliver this essential capability.

Thank you, Secretary Sonderling, for taking the time to learn more about our workforce, our capabilities, and the people who make this work possible every day.

06/03/2026

This past Sunday, Colonna’s Shipyard was proud to celebrate Maritime Day at Harbor Park alongside the Norfolk Tides and our maritime community.

Maritime Day is an opportunity to recognize the impact our industry has on the local economy and the thousands of people across Hampton Roads who support it every day.

As the game sponsor, we were especially proud to have our own Meaghan Parrish, Virginia Ship Repair Association Tradesperson of the Year, throw out the ceremonial first pitch in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the maritime industry.

Throughout the game, our team enjoyed connecting with attendees to talk about maritime careers, our culture, and the opportunities available at Colonna’s. We also brought a little extra fun with our prize wheel, where kids had the chance to spin and win Colonna’s giveaways.

The Norfolk Tides defeated the Durham Bulls 8-5!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and celebrated maritime with us.

06/02/2026

We’re excited to welcome Brandi L. Smith to the Colonna’s family as Steel America’s new Executive Director and Vice President.

Brandi brings more than 20 years of shipbuilding leadership experience and will help lead Steel America into its next chapter of growth and opportunity.

Join us in welcoming Brandi to the team.

Steel America is pleased to welcome Brandi L. Smith as Executive Director and Vice President.

Brandi brings more than two decades of shipbuilding leadership experience and deep expertise across program management, quality assurance, engineering, and large-scale production. Throughout her career, she has led complex programs, driven operational excellence, and built high-performing teams focused on delivering results.

“Brandi’s record of leading complex, high-stakes shipbuilding programs speaks for itself,” said Randall Crutchfield, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Colonna’s Shipyard. “Her experience, combined with her commitment to safety, quality, and her people, makes her exactly the right leader to advance Steel America’s mission.”

As Steel America continues to grow and expand its capabilities, we are excited for the experience, leadership, and perspective Brandi brings to the team.

Please join us in welcoming Brandi to Steel America and the Colonna’s family.

06/02/2026

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

06/01/2026

Last Friday, Colonna’s Shipyard had the pleasure of welcoming the Society for Industrial Archeology for a visit and behind-the-scenes tour of our facilities.

SIA’s mission is to encourage the study, interpretation, and preservation of historically significant industrial sites, structures, artifacts, and technology, making their visit to Colonna’s an exciting opportunity to connect maritime history with industrial work still happening today.

Guests toured our marine railway, Dry Docks 1 and 2, and 1,000 MT Marine Travelift, while getting a behind-the-scenes look at ship repair operations in action. They especially enjoyed visiting the Colonna’s museum to learn more about our 150+ year history and legacy.

Thank you to SIA for spending time with us and for the work you do to preserve and share America’s industrial heritage.

05/28/2026

May is Military Appreciation Month, and at Colonna’s Shipyard, we’re proud to support the vessels, programs, and crews that help protect, serve, and strengthen our nation every day.

From critical CVN and SUBSEA programs to U.S. Navy ships, Military Sealift Command vessels, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assets, Coast Guard cutters, military training ships, and NOAA vessels supporting important missions, our workforce is proud to help keep these fleets mission ready and operating around the world.

Behind every repair, inspection, and availability is a team of skilled tradespeople committed to supporting the mission.

As we look ahead to the arrival of our new drydock in 2028, we see tremendous opportunity to expand our support of the fleet and take on larger, more complex projects that strengthen national defense. Continued investment and a steady stream of Navy work are essential to growing the next generation of skilled tradespeople and sustaining a strong, confident workforce for the future.

Thank you to all who serve, both on the water and behind the scenes.

05/26/2026

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

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

At Colonna's Shipyard, we are reminded every day that the work done along the waterfront supports something bigger than ourselves. Behind every vessel is a mission. Behind every mission are the people who served and sacrificed for our nation.

Today, we honor those who never made it home. Their legacy continues through the strength, dedication, and freedom they helped protect.