[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18421]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO AUSTAL USA CEO BOB BROWNING

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 30, 2010

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding record 
of outgoing Austal USA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bob Browning. 
During his tenure, Mr. Browning helped to transform the face of 
Mobile's industrial waterfront and secure the long-term return of Navy 
shipbuilding to Alabama's port city.
  On November 16, Bob Browning officially stepped down as CEO for 
Austal USA shipbuilding in Mobile to pursue a new business opportunity. 
He has held Austal USA's top position for the last 2 years after 
joining the company in 2007.
  Bob arrived at Austal as it was establishing itself as a force to be 
reckoned with in building quality, high-speed ships. For the last 
decade Austal has been expanding its footprint along the Mobile River 
and Bob played a significant role in making Mobile home to the largest 
aluminum shipyard in the world.
  Bob guided the growth of Austal's high-speed military shipbuilding 
program by preparing it to successfully compete in major military 
contracts. In 2008, Austal secured a coveted $1.6 billion contract to 
build joint high-speed vessels, JHSV, for the U.S. Army and Navy. The 
program is continuing with Austal on track to build the fourth and 
fifth vessels.
  Bob has also well positioned Austal to successfully compete for a $5 
billion U.S. Navy contract to produce ten littoral combat ships. Austal 
and partner General Dynamics were awarded a contract in 2005 to 
construct their first LCS, the USS Independence, which was commissioned 
in January 2010.
  Under Bob's leadership, Austal has since become the leader in the 
contract to build the full 10-ship Navy LCS fleet. The Navy is expected 
to make a decision by the end of the year. The award would mean a 
doubling of Austal's local workforce of 1,800 employees.
  As Bob and his family transition to new challenges, I wish to convey 
the appreciation of Alabama's coastal community for a job well done. 
His leadership and his dedication to our local workforce have made our 
region stronger.

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