Defense shipbuilder Austal USA, Mobile, Ala., on Thursday announced that its president, Michelle Kruger, will retire effective June 1, 2026.
Kruger was promoted to president in April 2024 after serving as vice president of global services and support, a role she assumed in 2022.
"We are deeply grateful for Michelle's vision, commitment, and the lasting impact that she has made on our organization," said Chris Chadwick, chairman of Austal USA's board of managers. "While Michelle is retiring from the day-to-day responsibilities of president, we're pleased that she will continue her relationship with Austal USA as president emeritus through June 1. In this role, she will remain a valued advisor and ambassador for the company."
Austal USA Chief Operating Officer Gene Miller has assumed the position of interim president. Chadwick will serve as Austal USA executive chairman during the transition, working with Miller and the leadership team.
Austal USA, a subsidiary of the Australian-based global shipbuilder Austal Ltd, builds steel and aluminum vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, including Independence-class littoral combat ships, Expeditionary Fast Transport vessels, and Fast Response Cutters. The company recently started sea trials for the Navy's first Landing Craft Utility 1700-class vessel.
