In recognition of Women’s History Month, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey visited Austal USA’s Mobile, Ala., shipyard recently and spoke to the company’s female workforce of over 300 women.
“Austal USA is critical to Alabama’s high-tech defense and manufacturing sector, and I have no doubt that Austal’s female workforce has been a great contributor to its statewide and nationwide success," Ivey said. "Their work here is instrumental and has truly reinforced the notion that innovation and achievement do not have a specific look, but, instead, requires a mind willing to learn and a work ethic ready to get to it. Austal women are STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) leaders inspiring our next generation with their accomplishments, while demonstrating opportunities run rampant when you have a relentless grind.”
Ivey was sworn in 2017 and was re-elected in 2019. Ivey was the first Republican-elected state treasurer since Reconstruction, and the first Republican woman to hold the office of lieutenant governor.
“It was a privilege to have Governor Ivey speak to our Austal USA women today as her advocacy and leadership in the statehouse and throughout her career has served as the foundation for the growth of so many,” Austal USA President Rusty Murdaugh said in a statement. “The role women play in the success of Austal USA is immeasurable. In the male-dominated profession of shipbuilding, we’re seeing more women enter the industry, and I can tell you it has made Austal USA a stronger company. I want to encourage women to consider a career in manufacturing or the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. With greater diversity comes greater innovation and success.”
