In November 2022, Mr. Frederick J. (Jay) Stefany re-assumed duties as Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition (ASN RDA). He had previously served as Acting ASN RDA and performing the duties of (PTDO) ASN RDA since January 2021. Prior to this assignment, he began serving as the Principal Civilian Deputy to the ASN RDA in October 2019. His responsibilities include oversight and policy for Navy and Marine Corps research, development, and acquisition/sustainment programs for shipbuilding, aviation, space, weapon systems, and communication systems. His portfolio includes oversight of more than 100,000 people and an annual budget in excess of $50 billion. Mr. Stefany also leads the Department’s Senior Executive Acquisition Corps.

The April General Membership Luncheon meeting was held at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. The guest speaker was VADM William Galinis, USN Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command. He thanked everyone for the warm introduction as it was a privilege to be there with so many familiar faces in the room. It’s like coming home.

Last year, the Hampton Roads Workforce Council was selected by the U.S. Economic Development Administration as one of 32 awardees of the $500 million Good Jobs Challenge – funded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. As part of this initiative, the Workforce Council received an $11 million grant to lead the development and implementation of a Regional Workforce Training System – the region’s first structured workforce ecosystem that will focus on building a talent pipeline for priority industries.

The Annual VSRA Human Resources Professional Development Seminar was held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at the Ted Constant Convocation Center, ODU. The Seminar was a great success due to the diligent efforts of the members of the VSRA Human Resources Committee and the Association’s own staff. 107 people attended this year’s seminar.

On Tuesday April 11th, the Communications Committee along with the VSRA Staff and VSRF Board launched the newly enhanced VSRA 101 presentation to a group of excited members. The last presentation was pre-COVID and was presented as a Lunch & Learn meeting to smaller groups at the VSRA office. This new format opened it up to a more expanded version packed full of great information.

Two new member companies joined VSRA in the month of April 2023, bringing the membership total to 304. Please join us in welcoming:

Principle Strategies (Supplier/Service/Other)

Tork Systems (Supplier/Service/Other)

START YOUR ENGINES - RACE NIGHT IS BACK!

Join us on Saturday, June 10, 2023 as your Virginia Ship Repair Foundation once again hosts Ship Repair Race Night at Langley Speedway! Gates open at 2:00PM, Qualifying at 4:30PM and Racing begins at 7:00PM!

Many of the programs and initiatives produced by the Virginia Ship Repair Association & Foundation rely on dedicated volunteers from our membership. Your expertise helps us promote the Ship Repair Industry within the community and inform the future generation of workers about the benefits of a career in ship repair.

Our partners at Tidewater Community College are in search of Maritime Structural Fitting instructors at their Skilled Trades Academy in Portsmouth.

Ensuring our community college partners have the best instructors has a tremendous impact on bringing qualified, highly skilled workers into the Ship Repair industry.

The Virginia Ship Repair Association, in partnership with the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation, conducts outreach, awareness, and advocacy activities that strengthen the ship repair industry and improve the business environment for our members. Many of our industry focused projects provide your company with opportunities to feature your leadership role in the industry and expand your company footprint through sponsorships.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF VERSION OF THE 2023 VSRA / VSRF SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE!

The 37th Annual VSRF Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Cypress Point Country Club, 5340 Club Head Road, Virginia Beach, VA  23455.

Virginia Wesleyan University has updated their Online No-Cost offerings:

Virginia Wesleyan University Global Campus offers comprehensive non-degree continuing education courses designed to provide advanced skill sets valued by employers. Because of COVID-19's economic impact on our communities, VWU Global Campus—in partnership with the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development—is offering the following professional development online courses at no cost.