FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Silver Ships Completes Assault Amphibian Safety Boat Contract for U.S. Marine Corps

32 Ambar vessels delivered in three years, used for amphibious training around the world

Mobile, Ala. (Feb. 17, 2026) – Silver Ships, a leading manufacturer of military aluminum workboats, has completed, tested and delivered the final Assault Amphibian Safety Boat (AASB) for its contract with the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. Silver Ships has now delivered 32 AASBs on time or early since production began in late 2022.

The AASB, a custom-built variant of Silver Ships’ popular Ambar series, is used for the U.S. Marine Corps amphibious training with Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) and the follow-on Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) in the continental United States and overseas. The vessels can carry 28 passengers and have tailored communications, safety and rescue equipment to support offshore and nighttime operations.

Initially developed to meet an urgent operational need for the U.S. Marine Corps, the AASB contract was awarded in fall 2022 to support troops in amphibious training, particularly for search and rescue missions. Using an existing Ambar variant dive boat in operation by the U.S. Marine Corps in Panama City, Fla., Silver Ships made design and outfitting changes to meet the new mission needs. Enhancements included a litter, specialized lighting, infrared camera, life rings and lifelines along the collar used for safety and operator identification, giving the U.S. Marine Corps confidence in performing rapid response for operators.

AASBs feature a 2-foot draft which allows the vessel to navigate through shallow waters quietly. The vessel’s full load weight is 16,195 pounds and it holds 250 gallons of fuel. The vessel features twin 250 HP Mercury SeaPro Outboard engines that allow it to reach its destination quickly and efficiently. The vessel is 39 feet long, with a 10-foot beam and 25-degree deadrise, allowing it to cut through rough waters with ease.

“This project has been a true success story for Silver Ships, the new U.S. Marine Corps boat forces and the U.S. Navy, who provided contracting and technical oversight,” said Shawn Lobree, Silver Ships’ Director of Federal Programs. “Rich Shelp, our project manager and a retired Marine, did a fantastic job keeping the project on-track, on-schedule and on-budget. Rich has also provided thorough parts and technical support for the in-service vessels. Our entire production team is proud of the teamwork that this endeavor generated and for their contributions to the U.S. Marine Corps.”

All boats on this contract have been delivered to a depot in Virginia, where they have gone on to operate from U.S. Marine Corps bases in North Carolina, California and Okinawa, Japan. The vessels are also operating in support of the Marine Corps Forces Reserve in Tampa, Fla. On-time delivery for each vessel has helped the U.S. Marine Corps remain efficient and consistent in its incorporation of the AASBs into their training missions.

For more than 40 years, Silver Ships has collaborated with the U.S. Military to design and build mission-specific boats. The Silver Ships team is comprised of many U.S. Military veterans and takes great pride in supporting the U.S. Military. The organization is committed to fulfilling all operational requirements while ensuring the highest level of crew safety and exceptional performance.

 

###

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 celebrated its 40th anniversary. Learn more at silverships.com.

Contact:

Mary Catherine Ratliff, Senior Account Manager                                                       

marycatherine.ratliff@trindgroup.com / 334.246.1535                                                                                                                                        

TRINDGROUP