Michelle Kruger has been named president at Austal USA, the shipbuilder that dominates the waterfront in Mobile. Kruger has been serving as interim president since the resignation of Rusty Murdaugh last August.
A marine engineer with 25 years of experience, Kruger joined Austal in 2022 as vice president of global services and support.
“I am honored to be chosen to lead the unparalleled shipbuilding team at Austal USA, who work together every day to deliver with excellence and integrity,” Kruger said. “I am thrilled and committed to lead Austal USA’s ongoing growth as one of the nation’s premier shipbuilders. Our growth in both surface ships and submarine module manufacturing is an incredible opportunity for us. As a team we will continue to deliver worldwide service and support capability while steadily advancing technology in support of our nation’s readiness needs.”
Before joining Austal, Kruger worked at General Dynamics on several key projects. At General Dynamics Electric Boat, she worked on the Virginia-class submarine program; with its Bath Iron Works, she led a team of 4,000 building Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. She also worked as director of the firm’s repair administration.
A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, she was commissioned in the U.S. Navy reserves in 1987. She also holds a master’s in marine engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
