MGBW E-News 8.19.25: Meet the Global Services Crew, MGBW Awarded MARAD Grant, and Lunch & Learn Recap!

August 19, 2025

MGBW E-News 8.19.25: Meet the Global Services Crew, MGBW Awarded MARAD Grant, and Lunch & Learn Recap!

Meet the Global Services Crew!

MGBW’s newest division, Marine Group Global Services was awarded a contract to manage the WILLIAM D. EVANS, one of MGBW’s longest running customers. Global Services provides maintenance and all crew operations to keep this sternwheeler running smoothly and safely in Mission Bay. As a result, MGBW is pleased to welcome aboard the following crew to our team:

Jose Jimenez, Port Engineer
Anthony Virissimo, Captain/Maintenance
David Moore, Captain
Mike Poltorak, Captain
Aaron “Kyle” Smith, Captain
Jacob Roden, Captain
Oscar Sanchez, Deckhand
Shane Mullan, Deckhand

Heading up the program is former MGBW mechanic and First Mate of EL REY – Brian “Pat” Bilbray. In addition to his extensive maritime experience on charter yacht EL REY, Pat previously worked for MGBW as a marine plumber prior to his election to the Imperial Beach City Council at only 25 years old. With his diverse skillset, Pat is by far the best choice to lead the William D. Evans crew on the next leg of their journey!

And a special shout out to Jacob Roden, who put in the classroom hours and sea time to work his way up from a Deckhand to Senior Deckhand to now Captain. A San Diego native, Jacob joined William D. Evans crew four years ago before transitioning to Global Services earlier this year. He is currently completing his economics degree from SDSU while simultaneously teaching himself how to sail and fixing up his 25 ft sailboat in Mission Bay. Keep making us proud, Jacob!

With Pat at the helm and a solid crew behind him, the WILLIAM D. will end the charter season with a bang before she makes her way back to our shipyard at the start of the year.

MGBW Awarded MARAD Small Shipyard Grant

Marine Group Boat Works (MGBW) was recently awarded $248,402.50 from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) as part of the Small Shipyard Grant Program. This marks the fifth time MGBW has received a MARAD grant demonstrating the continued federal support for MGBW’s leadership in shipyard modernization and workforce development.

MGBW plans to strategically utilize this grant to support the purchase and installation of a metal cutting machine for the New Construction department. Over the past decade, MGBW has processed over a million pounds of aluminum plate per year — a number that is expected to rise significantly due to the New Construction contracts we have secured.

By investing in this advanced equipment, MGBW will achieve a substantial increase in overall efficiency and reduce construction delays to current customers including the U.S. Navy. This project aligns with MGBW’s ongoing commitment to expanding its repair capabilities, growing the New Construction department, and enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

Interested in learning more about how this grant will be beneficial to us? More Info. Here!

Lunch & Learn Recap: Wellness Workshop on Healthy Aging

We had a wonderful turnout for our Healthy Aging workshop last week! Employees had the opportunity to learn best practices for reducing pain through stretching, with multiple guided stretches incorperated into the curriculum. We gained insight into how to increase awareness of our daily posture in order to reduce pain and improve longevity.

Our October 2 Healthy Holiday Cooking Demo is just around the corner, so keep an eye out for the signup because we know spots will fill up quickly for this fun event!