Silver Ships Delivers Three Survey Vessels to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Silver Ships Delivers Three Survey Vessels to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District
Vessels to be Dedicated and Launched in a Ceremony on June 12
Savannah, Ga. (June 10, 2025) – Silver Ships, Inc. has delivered three new survey vessels to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Savannah District. The vessels will be dedicated and launched in a commissioning ceremony on Thursday, June 12.
The additions to the district’s fleet will support navigation efforts in Georgia waterways, particularly to survey channel conditions, monitor dredging activities and detect underwater obstacles in the waterways. Along with the key activities listed, the vessels are designed to transport staff and equipment to various project sites, including the Savannah Harbor, Brunswick Harbor and the 161-mile stretch of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway along Georgia’s coast.
The three new survey vessels are named in honor of three U.S. Army soldiers who sacrificed their lives during their service – Army Staff Sergeant Dustin Wright, Army Sergeant 1st Class John C. Beale, and Army Sergeant Tyrone Lanard Chisholm.
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, is pleased to receive these brand-new vessels that we will use to perform hydrographic surveys, strengthening our commitment to precision, safety and stewardship of our nation’s waterways,” said Col. Ron Sturgeon, USACE Savannah District commander. “We’re proud to name each vessel after a local member of our military who has made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. It’s an extraordinary honor to have their Gold Star families attend the commissioning ceremony.”
The “Wright” will support a variety of critical missions, including surveys to assess channel conditions, monitoring dredging activities, and underwater obstacle detection. The Freedom 26 vessel is purpose-built to meet the demands of the district’s mission and is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment.
The “Beale” will be used to perform hydrographic surveys on waterways where a more compact draft vessel is required, including in-shore surveys before and after dredging, as well as tasks related to the district’s three dams and lake projects. The Freedom 20 vessel can mount newer technology for multi-beam and side scan sonar surveying, which was not possible on the legacy vessel.
The “Chisholm” is an Explorer 24 vessel designed for surveying and other missions. The 27-foot boat includes an enclosed center console, a single 250 Yamaha Outboard and is a landing craft vessel, making it ideal for missions involving bridging land and water. All three vessels will harbor along the Savannah River at the Coastal Projects Office (CPO), Savannah District, South Atlantic Division.
“Silver Ships, Inc. is proud to support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District through the design and construction of three custom workboats tailored to enhance the district’s operational capabilities. The Corps carries out a broad range of critical responsibilities, and these vessels provide valuable support across their diverse mission set,” said Collin Carithers, Project Manager at Silver Ships. “The construction of these boats — Wright, Beale, and Chisholm— was a true team effort, and we are extremely pleased with the final results. These vessels are built to serve reliably and effectively for years to come and are sure to become integral assets across the Savannah District, honoring the families of their distinguished namesakes.”
The USACE ensures safe, reliable and environmentally friendly water transportation systems, including channels, harbors and waterways, for the essential purposes of moving goods, supporting national security and providing recreational opportunities.
Photos and additional details about the USACE vessel commissioning ceremony will be shared following the event on June 12.
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About Silver Ships
Silver Ships, Inc. produces high-quality aluminum boats for military, federal, state and municipal government as well as commercial applications through collaboration with highly skilled design, engineering and production resources. With corporate headquarters located in Theodore, Ala., Silver Ships’ production facilities are situated on a 25-acre plant site and utilize state-of-the-art boatbuilding equipment. The company’s vision is to provide customers with a boat designed, built, outfitted and best suited to meet their operational needs while offering the maximum in crew safety and outstanding performance. In 2025, Silver Ships is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Learn more at silverships.com.
Contact Information:
Jessie King, Senior Account Manager
TRINDGROUP
Phone: (334) 246-1535
Email: jessie.king@trindgroup.com