Austal USA announced on September 14, 2026, that its West Coast dry dock in San Diego, California, has achieved full certification. The facility, located at the company’s waterfront ship repair site, is now operational for servicing naval vessels. Austal USA stated the dock serves as the centerpiece of its Repair and Services business line, enhancing repair capabilities for the Navy by accommodating small surface combatants and similarly sized ships.
What it means
The certified dry dock measures 531 feet (162 meters) in length and 154 feet (47 meters) in width, with a wingwall width of 13.12 feet (4.0 meters). It has a maximum draft of 36 feet (11 meters) and a lifting capacity of 9,000 light tons. The facility includes cranes with a combined lifting capacity of 16 metric tons. Austal USA President Gene Miller said the dock “significantly expands our ability to offer the Navy and other customers a comprehensive, full-service repair facility in San Diego.”
Several partners contributed to the final installation and certification process. R.E. Staite Engineering Inc. provided dredging, offshore, and inshore construction services. Chula Vista Electric handled the shore power installation. PAE Industrial Operations Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) C980 and Heger Dry Dock provided critical support for securing the certification. The facility is optimized to dock small surface combatants, allowing Austal USA to perform repairs on these vessels locally rather than transporting them elsewhere.
Key facts
- Full certification date: September 14, 2026
- Location: San Diego waterfront ship repair facility, California
- Lifting capacity: 9,000 light tons
- Dry dock length: 531 feet (162 meters)
- Dry dock width: 154 feet (47 meters)
- Maximum draft: 36 feet (11 meters)
- Crane lifting capacity: 16 metric tons combined
- Key partners: R.E. Staite Engineering Inc., Chula Vista Electric, PAE Industrial Operations SWRMC C980, Heger Dry Dock
Source: Austal USA news release