Alabama-based shipbuilding subsidiary Austal USA has appointed Gene Miller to serve as its next president, according to a company announcement.

Miller previously held the role of chief operating officer and has served as interim president since Michelle Kruger retired from the role in February. Prior to joining Austal in 2024, Miller worked at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works.

His selection “follows a comprehensive three-month search conducted by the company’s Board of Managers,” the announcement states.

“I am honored by the Board’s confidence and energized by what this team has built together,” Miller said in a statement. “Austal USA’s greatest strength is its workforce, and everything we do as a leadership team is in service to the men and women who show up every day to build ships that defend this nation. I am committed to growing this company, investing in our people and delivering on the promise of what Austal USA is capable of.”

Austal USA is a subsidiary of Australian parent company Austal Limited. Its primary Mobile, AL shipyard has transitioned from building aluminum platforms like Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships to new steel construction programs including the Navy’s TAGOS-25 Ocean Surveillance Ships and modules for Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines.

South Korea’s Hanwha, which owns Pennsylvania-based Philly Shipyard, was approved last year to increase its ownership stake in Austal USA from 9.9% to 19.9% and has signaled a desire to take full control of the company.