Mare Island Dry Dock Closure: Vallejo Facility Permanently Shuts, Laying Off Staff

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Mare Island Dry Dock Closure: Vallejo Facility Permanently Shuts, Laying Off Staff

Vallejo city officials have announced the permanent closure of Mare Island Dry Dock, affecting more than 80 employees. The decision follows the facility’s loss of a crucial U.S. Coast Guard contract and other unexpected business challenges. Mare Island Dry Dock, LLC communicated this news to city officials on December 30.

Mare Island Dry Dock Closure Impact

The closure of Mare Island Dry Dock is a significant blow to the local economy. This facility was key to the region’s shipbuilding industry, which has seen some revival in recent years. According to city officials, impacted employees will receive assistance from the Solano County Workforce Development Board.

Concerns from Local Leaders

U.S. Congressman John Garamendi expressed his frustration regarding the decision. He pointed out that a competing Portland-based firm secured the contract to service an icebreaker with a bid over $1 million higher than Mare Island’s proposal. “I don’t know why they did this, but I am going to find out,” he commented.

Broader Economic Context

This closure marks another significant loss for the region. Earlier this year, Anheuser-Busch announced the shutdown of its Budweiser plant in Fairfield, which will affect over 200 jobs. Michael Bernick, former director of California’s Employment Development Department, noted the difficulty in replacing such well-paying blue-collar positions.

A Historic Location

Mare Island has a long and storied shipbuilding history, being the first U.S. naval station established on the West Coast. Since the Mare Island Naval Shipyard’s closure in 1996, local leaders have focused on redeveloping the area, striving to revitalize the local economy.