MOBILE, Ala. — Austal USA welcomed Admiral James Kilby, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, at the Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AMCoE) in Danville, Va., on October 15. ADM Kilby was joined by Vice Admiral John B. “Brad” Skillman, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources; Vice Admiral Scott Gray, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Sustainment; Rear Admiral Kristin Acquavella, Commander Naval Supply Systems Command; and Rear Admiral Peter Small, Acting Commander Naval Sea Systems Command.

Austal USA and their AMCoE partners hosted the senior Navy leaders for a briefing and tour of the state-of-the-art facility highlighting capabilities in additive manufacturing (AM), heat treatment, metrology and inspection, post processing, and testing.  While touring the center, the Navy delegation witnessed first-hand the advancements being made in additive manufacturing that will benefit our military far into the future and the success of the efforts being put forth to equip a new workforce with the skills required by the Navy AM mission. 

“We were pleased to welcome back Admiral Kilby and Navy leadership to the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence and showcase the advanced capabilities being developed in Danville.,” stated Austal USA President, Gene Miller. “The progress being made in additive manufacturing and advanced inspection techniques will strengthen the Navy’s ability to produce critical parts and sustain the fleet with greater speed and flexibility. Austal USA is proud to support this important mission and to help build the technical expertise, industrial capacity, and partnerships needed to advance maritime readiness for decades to come.”

The AMCoE’s mission is to build AM production capability and capacity in the submarine and maritime industrial base to improve fleet operational readiness. The Center’s work includes burning down non-recurring engineering to reach scale, supporting fleet modernization, maintenance, repair, and overhaul planning processes, and lowering barriers for AM suppliers and OEMs to deploy AM for Navy needs along with the digital infrastructure required to support it. 

“A skilled workforce and a strong industrial base are critical to maintaining our Navy’s warfighting advantage,” said Adm. Jim Kilby, Vice Chief of Naval Operations. “Here in Danville, ATDM equips workers with the advanced manufacturing expertise to strengthen supply chains, accelerate repairs, and return ships to sea faster. The Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence is pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology to streamline production, drive innovation, and deliver capabilities our Sailors need. Together, these efforts sharpen our readiness and keep our Navy prepared for the fight ahead.”

From Austal USA, Oct. 27, 2026