LOCKPORT, La. - Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. has announced the appointment of Charles
"Skip" Bowen as Program Manager for the FRC “Sentinel” Class
Patrol Boat building program at Bollinger’s Lockport facility, according to a press release.
Mr. Bowen joins
Bollinger following a very successful 32-year career with the United
States Coast Guard, culminating with the rank of Master Chief Petty
Officer of the Coast Guard, from 2006 to 2010. As the Master Chief
Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Skip served as a senior advisor to
the Commandant of the Coast Guard. His various duties included service on
the senior Flag level Leadership Council, multiple policy and resource decision
making bodies and service as a member of the Board of Trustees at the Coast
Guard Academy.
Bowen
also has extensive experience with USCG Patrol boat
programs, having sailed on five different patrol boats during
his military career, including the first 110-ft Island Class cutter, "FARALLON”,
and the second 87-ft Marine Protector Class cutter “USCGC
HAMMERHEAD“ as the Officer In Charge. Both of these vessels were built at
Bollinger, at which time Bowen was based out of the Lockport facility for
over 10 months, and became very familiar with the Bollinger
organization.
Bowen
graduated with distinction from the U. S. Army Sergeants Major Academy and
has been awarded numerous awards and medals including the Distinguished
Service Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals, four Commendation
Medals and three Achievement medals. He holds a BS degree from
Excelsior College, an MBA from Touro University International, and a
Project Management Professional certification from PMI.
Chris Bollinger,
executive vice president new construction of Bollinger Shipyards said in a statement, “Skip's
extensive Coast Guard experience and proven leadership abilities will help
to support Bollinger in delivering the highest of quality Fast Response Cutters
to the USCG”.