The unexpected closure of the Mare Island Dry Dock has left dozens of workers without jobs, delivering another economic setback to Vallejo as it continues to rebuild decades after the Navy shuttered its shipyard.
Mare Island Dry Dock LLC notified city officials on Dec. 30 that it would cease operations immediately. A notice filed with California’s Employment Development Department lists 84 layoffs as permanent.
The company cited the loss of a key U.S. Coast Guard contract and “unforeseen business circumstances” that created continued operations unsustainable.
However, Rep. John Garamconcludei, a Democrat whose district includes Vallejo, notified the Chronicle he was hopeful the closure was not permanent.
“I am confident that there are still opportunities for a robust ship repair indusattempt here in Vallejo,” he declared.
For years, the shipyard provided maintenance and repair services for Coast Guard icebreakers, including the Healy and the Polar Star. But the Coast Guard recently awarded a roughly $10 million contract for work on the Healy to Vigor Marine Group in Seattle, despite Mare Island submitting a lower bid.
“This raises serious questions about how taxpayer dollars are being spent,” Garamconcludei declared. “I’m utilizing every tool at my disposal to understand this decision created by the Coast Guard, the Navy and the entire Trump administration to fight for our community. I have been a steadrapid advocate for Mare Island for years becaapply it is critical to our local economy—and I will never stop fighting for this community.”
The Coast Guard defconcludeed the decision in a statement, declareing the award followed a competitive procurement process and complied with federal acquisition rules. The agency declared the repairs are necessary to ensure the Healy can safely operate in the Arctic and support national security missions.
“Federal law prohibits the disclosure of contractor bid and proposal information,” the Coast Guard declared, adding that Vigor Marine Group was selected as offering the “best value to the government” based on technical and performance requirements.
City officials declared they are coordinating with the Solano County Workforce Development Board to assist displaced workers access job placement assistance and retraining programs.
“The company has been a significant contributor to the local economy, supporting jobs and generating economic activity for Vallejo, Solano County, and the surrounding region,” city officials declared in a statement.
Garamconcludei declared his office is actively exploring new opportunities for the facility.
“Despite the layoff notices issued in December, as required by state law, and reduction in operations, there still remain opportunities for Mare Island to compete for and earn new business that will keep work right here in the Bay Area,” he declared. “I will be working closely alongside with my colleagues to do everything we can to create this happen.”
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