St. Johns Ship Building Lands First U.S. Navy Contract for Dive Support Vessel

A New Era for Americraft Marine’s Subsidiary

St. Johns Ship Building, a subsidiary of Americraft Marine, has marked a major milestone by securing its first U.S. Navy contract. The deal involves the construction of a Dive Support Vessel (DSV), a specialized ship designed to handle underwater missions ranging from diving operations to training exercises. For a company that has primarily focused on commercial and government maritime projects, this contract signals a strategic expansion into defense-sector work—and a vote of confidence from the Navy.

“This is a tremendous achievement for our team,” said Joe Rella, President of St. Johns Ship Building. “Winning this contract reflects the dedication, talent, and hard work of everyone involved.”

The DSV will serve critical operational roles, including specialized diving, underwater support, and training missions. These vessels are essential for maintaining naval readiness, particularly in scenarios requiring underwater salvage, repair, or reconnaissance. The contract not only solidifies St. Johns Ship Building’s reputation as a capable shipbuilder but also opens doors for future defense contracts—a sector with long-term growth potential.

Why This Contract Matters

For Americraft Marine, the parent company of St. Johns Ship Building, this contract is more than just a business win—it’s a validation of their investment in skilled labor and advanced shipbuilding capabilities. The DSV project will likely require cutting-edge technology and precision engineering, areas where St. Johns has been building expertise. Rella’s emphasis on his team’s effort underscores how crucial workforce development has been in securing this deal.

Beyond the immediate financial impact, the contract positions St. Johns as a competitive player in naval shipbuilding, a market dominated by larger defense contractors. If executed successfully, this project could lead to follow-on contracts, further embedding the company in the Navy’s supply chain. For now, all eyes are on the shipyard as it prepares to deliver a vessel that meets the Navy’s exacting standards—and proves that smaller, agile builders can compete at the highest levels.

As construction begins, the stakes are high, but so is the optimism. With a clear mission and a seasoned team, St. Johns Ship Building is poised to make waves—both literally and figuratively—in the defense maritime industry.