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Gulf Craft acquired by Saronic

Saronic on Wednesday announced the acquisition of Gulf Craft, a Louisiana-based shipbuilder, to accelerate its growth into autonomous shipbuilding.
Through this acquisition, Saronic says it gains a strategically located shipyard on the Gulf Coast that will serve as the prototyping and production hub for its medium unmanned surface vessel fleet — starting with Marauder, Saronic’s 150-foot Autonomous Surface Vessel.
With over 60 years of experience delivering traditional manned ships and unmanned vessels for commercial and defense applications, the acquisition of Gulf Craft provides Saronic with the infrastructure and skilled workforce needed to develop, rapidly iterate, and scale production of Saronic’s MUSVs today and into the future, Saronic said in a press release.
The move is expected to result in 500 new jobs by the end of the decade.
“Today marks a significant milestone in Saronic’s expansion into autonomous shipbuilding and lays the foundation for our vision of our larger, next-generation shipyard, Port Alpha,” said Saronic CEO Dino Mavrookas. “We don’t wait — we build for what our customers need, when they need it. While we actively search for a home for Port Alpha, this acquisition gives us the immediate capacity to meet urgent customer needs for larger autonomous vessels and the flexibility to scale to address emerging commercial and defense applications of these advanced systems.”
“The investment of Saronic in Louisiana’s shipbuilding industry will grow our economy, create high-quality jobs, and bolster America’s maritime strength,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. “By revitalizing our industrial base right here in Louisiana, we are taking a critical step toward building our own supply chains and countering foreign competitors like China. All of this is essential to our national security. We are grateful to Saronic for their commitment to this industry and our great state.”
Marauder is a 150-foot MUSV purpose-built to support a wide range of missions for the U.S., its allies, and commercial customers. With a payload capacity of 40 metric tons, the autonomous ship is designed to travel up to 3,500 nautical miles or loiter for 30 days or more, epending on mission requirements.
Marauder will provide a comprehensive capability at a fraction of the cost of legacy manned solutions.
Marauder is designed to be fully unmanned and will integrate the same proven autonomy stack used across Saronic’s existing family of ASVs.
The vessel incorporates Saronic’s vertically integrated approach, disciplined engineering philosophy, and strong domestic supplier network.
The acquisition adds nearly 100 acres to Saronic’s footprint, supporting both immediate MUSV development and production as well as capacity for significant expansion. Saronic plans to invest more than $250 million directly into the shipyard, which will encompass large facility upgrades that will enable it to apply a first-principles approach to shipbuilding. This includes modernizing infrastructure, acquiring new machinery, and updating the facilities while focusing on building a production system engineered for speed, scalability, and quality. These upgrades will support a rapid capacity ramp-up, enabling Saronic to deliver up to 50 unmanned ships per year.
In addition to bringing on skilled shipbuilders, welders and electricians, Saronic anticipates creating new roles for engineers, technologists, and naval architects to develop and scale production of its MUSVs.
“Louisiana plays a vital role in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, and with this acquisition, we are excited to be a part of the region’s continued industry revitalization,” said Mavrookas.
“The shipyard’s location, deep expertise, and turnkey facilities are ideally suited to allow Saronic to expeditiously develop, test, and produce its first MUSV model and advance our mission to deliver the full range of ASVs needed to support the U.S. Navy’s hybrid fleet.”
“Louisiana is home to a robust maritime and defense industrial base. Saronic’s investment furthers the state’s position as a leader in the production of unmanned vessels, which are critical for the success of future Department of Defense missions,” said Congressman Clay Higgins, Louisiana’s 3rd District.
Saronic’s acquisition of Gulf Craft delivers immediate production capacity and establishes a foundational pillar for the company’s growing shipbuilding enterprise. As part of its long-term vision, Saronic intends to invest over $2.5 billion to develop Port Alpha — the world’s most advanced shipyard, designed to produce hundreds of unmanned vessels annually and create thousands of new jobs.
This strategic company expansion aligns with national efforts to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base. By investing in next-generation infrastructure, advanced production models, and a skilled workforce, Saronic is helping to drive the resurgence of a historically vital industry that underpins American maritime dominance and national security. Critically, these efforts mark a meaningful step toward narrowing the shipbuilding gap with China.
For more information about Saronic, please visit: https://www.saronic.com.
“The investment of Saronic in Louisiana’s shipbuilding industry will grow our economy, create high-quality jobs, and bolster America’s maritime strength,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. 
“By revitalizing our industrial base right here in Louisiana, we are taking a critical step toward building our own supply chains and countering foreign competitors like China. All of this is essential to our national security. We are grateful to Saronic for their commitment to this industry and our great state.”
Marauder is a 150-foot MUSV purpose-built to support a wide range of missions for the U.S., its allies, and commercial customers. With a payload capacity of 40 metric tons, the autonomous ship is designed to travel up to 3,500 nautical miles or loiter for 30+ days, depending on mission requirements. Marauder will provide a comprehensive capability at a fraction of the cost of legacy manned solutions.
Marauder is designed to be fully unmanned and will integrate the same proven autonomy stack used across Saronic’s existing family of ASVs. The vessel incorporates Saronic’s vertically integrated approach, disciplined engineering philosophy, and strong domestic supplier network.
Investing in the Future of U.S. Shipbuilding in the Era of Autonomy
The acquisition adds nearly 100 acres to Saronic’s footprint, supporting both immediate MUSV development and production as well as capacity for significant expansion. Saronic plans to invest more than $250 million directly into the shipyard, which will encompass large facility upgrades that will enable it to apply a first-principles approach to shipbuilding. This includes modernizing infrastructure, acquiring new machinery, and updating the facilities while focusing on building a production system engineered for speed, scalability, and quality. These upgrades will support a rapid capacity ramp-up, enabling Saronic to deliver up to 50 unmanned ships per year.

Cameras play role in murder suspect arrest

A new camera system helped Morgan City and Berwick officers and St. Mary deputies apprehend two suspects in a Winn Parish murder.
The Morgan City Police Department recently implemented a new Flock camera system.
Arrested were:
•Christian Campbell, 22, Seay Road, Goldonna, arrested at 3:09 p.m. April 10 on charges of possession of stolen things ($5,000-$25,000), first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, theft of a motor vehicle ( $5,000-$25,000) and obstruction of justice (Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office.)
•Amaney Labouve, 19, Ardoin Cove, Welch, arrested at 3:21 p.m. April 10 on charges of possession of stolen things ($5,000-$25,000), accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and failure to report the commission of certain felonies (Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office).
Late April 9, the MCPD received notifications that a stolen vehicle from Winn Parish was in the area.
Morgan City police investigators learned the occupants, Campbell and Labouve, may be involved in a murder investigation in connection with the stolen vehicle.
Investigators notified the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s office and the Berwick Police Department who assisted in attempting to locate the vehicle.
On the evening hours of April 10th officers responded to notifications that the vehicle returned to the area. Officers conducted a stop on the vehicle, both Campbell and Labouve were occupants and arrested without further incident.
The Winn Parish Sheriff’s deputies, including Winn Parish Sheriff Josh McAllister, proceeded to Morgan City to collaborate with local investigators.
Campbell and Labouve were booked and processed for possession of stolen things. Each is held on a $1 million bond.
On Tuesday, the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Department issued additional warrants for Campbell and Labouve in connection with a homicide from Winn Parish. Both subjects are awaiting transport back to Winn Parish for further court proceedings.
Since the installation and implementation of new Flock Safety cameras, the Morgan City Police Department has had much success using its resources to fight crime, the department said.
Campbell and Labouve were wanted in the death of Randell Kelley, 55, who was found dead in his home in the Brewton Mill community April 9.

CAFFERY REAUX

Caffery Reaux, 78, a native and resident of Morgan City, died Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Legacy Nursing & Rehabilitation of Morgan City.
Memorial visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Church of Christ in Morgan City. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.
He is survived by sons, Brian Reaux of Morgan City and Steven Reaux of Aurora, Colorado; stepchildren, Bobby Jones of Morgan City and Tuwana Ray of Patterson; brother, Alroy Reaux Sr. of New Iberia; sisters, Patricia Reaux of Morgan City and Kerry Reaux of Lafayette; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, daughter and brother.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

JOSEPH NATHAN FAVORS

Joseph Nathan Favors, 66, a native of Jefferson and resident of Patterson, died Sunday, April 6, 2025.
Memorial visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Jones Funeral Home Chapel in Morgan City.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Lawrence Favors; sisters, Dorothy Douglas of Patterson and Ruby Guillory of Welch; children, Quentisa Morris of Morgan City, Joseph Favors Jr., Alicia Favors, Nathan Favors, Magraff Favors, Jacob Favors and Colby Favors, all of Eunice, Aimee Bertrand and Kristie Bertrand, both of Patterson; and a host of grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

IOLA HARRIS

Iola Harris, 85, died Sunday, April 13, 2025.
Memorial visitation will be Saturday from 11 a.m. until services at 1 p.m. at New Zorah Baptist Church in Morgan City. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.
She was preceded in death by parents and sister.
MK Dixon Funeral Home of Baldwin is in charge of arrangements.

DAVID ROYAL BROWN

David Royal Brown, 60, of Morgan City, died Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Memorial visitation will be Saturday from noon until services at 2 p.m. at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church in Morgan City. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Iona Brown; sons, David Brown Jr. of Raceland and Devion Brown of Houma; two grandsons; mother, Genevieve Brown; and brother, John Brown III of Conyers, Georgia.
He was preceded in death by his father, paternal grandfather and maternal grandparents.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

BONNIE THERESA LANDRY MASHBURN

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in St. Pius X Catholic Church for Bonnie Theresa Landry Mashburn, 80, who passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 13, 2025.
Fr. James Brady JCL, Pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church, will be Celebrant of the Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Lectors will be Julie Andrus Underwood and Michelle Mashburn Arabie. Gift-bearers will be her grandchildren, Katelyn G. Perry, Drake C. Vincent, and Malorie J. Vincent.
Mrs. Bonnie, a resident of Broussard, was the daughter of the late Lloyd Andrew Landry and the former Elise Catherine Rentrop.
She is survived by her daughter, Kim M. (Buster) Graham; grandchildren, Katelyn G. (Jake) Perry, Drake C. (Julia) Vincent, and Malorie J. Vincent; great-grandchildren, Audrey Rose Perry and Elijah Joseph Perry; siblings, Brent J. (Cathy) Landry, Craig J. Landry, and Patricia L. Foreman; "bonus-daughter-she-couldn't-get-rid-of", Julie Andrus Underwood; and godchildren, Claire T. Landry and Bradley A. Freer.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Benny Don Mashburn; daughter, Katherine J. Mashburn; parents, Lloyd and Elise Landry; and siblings, Rodney J. Landry and Helen L. Aucoin.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home - Bertrand on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM on Tuesday evening in the funeral home with eulogies immediately following the Rosary. Visiting hours will continue Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 10:00 AM until 1:20 PM.
Pallbearers will be Drake Vincent, Brent Landry, Craig Landry, Doug Beynon, Marshall Landry, and Nicholas Landry.
The family would like to thank Dr. Wayne Cestia, Dr. John Chapman, and Dr. Stephen Kantrow, as well as her care-givers, Carol Gallien, Monika Gallien, and Raquita Sam, for their compassionate care.
The family requests any charitable donations and memoriam giving be made to:
[Team Gleason ALS Foundation]https://teamgleason.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate
PO BOX 24493
New Orleans, LA 70184
Personal condolences may be sent to the family of Bonnie L. Mashburn at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com
Bonnie L. Mashburn and her family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA.

Higgins, Carter team up on shrimp imports bill

In a step they say is needed to protect American consumers from contaminated shrimp and other food imports, two congressman who represent this area have reintroduced the Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act of 2025. 
They're U.S. Reps. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, and Troy Carter, D-New Orleans.
This bipartisan legislation, supported by the Southern Shrimp Alliance, closes a dangerous loophole in current law by authorizing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to destroy imported food products that pose a significant public health concern and removes the option to re-export dangerous products, the congressmen said.
The FDA tests only 0.4% of imported shrimp, and when contamination is detected—such as banned veterinary drugs, harmful pathogens like salmonella or listeria, or spoiled or filthy conditions — importers are given the option to destroy or re-export it within 90 days. This re-export option has created a significant vulnerability in our food system and discourages foreign exporters from ensuring that the food they are shipping to the United States is safe.
Low inspection rates at the border, coupled with the return of exported goods found to be unsafe for consumption, allow exporters to play the percentages in shipping contaminated product to the U.S. market with the knowledge that the worst outcome is the FDA handing back the shipment. 
The Southern Shrimp Alliance has documented how containers of contaminated shrimp rejected by U.S. authorities were re-exported only to be shipped back to the United States through different ports—a practice known as “port shopping.”
Closing the re-export loophole aligns U.S. practices with those of other major markets for shrimp, like the EU, where destroying rejected products is normal practice.
“Imported shrimp and seafood products that are potentially dangerous for consumers need to be destroyed,” said John Williams, executive director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance. “Giving these products back to the foreign shipper does little to incentivize them to address the problem prior to shipping it to this country.  We thank Representatives Higgins and Carter for leading a bipartisan effort to get rid of a ridiculous limitation on the FDA’s authority and improve the safety of this country’s food supply.”
The bill will also help level the playing field for American producers who adhere to strict safety standards while competing with imports that may circumvent these requirements.
“This legislation will protect Louisiana’s health and support our seafood economy,” said Carter. “By granting the FDA the necessary authority to destroy food products that fail to meet our strict health and safety standards, we are closing a dangerous loophole that has allowed contaminated seafood to enter our markets. This bill protects consumers from potential health risks and upholds the integrity of our food supply chain, while supporting Louisiana fishermen and seafood processors.”
Refusal data from the EU, Japan and U.S. all demonstrate that shrimp farmed and exported from India and Vietnam — which supplied about half of the total volume of U.S. non-breaded frozen shrimp imports in 2024 —present unique risks of antibiotic contamination.
“Billions of pounds of uninspected seafood continue to enter our country, causing major health concerns,” said Rep. Higgins. “We must prioritize the health and safety of the American people by holding foreign shipments to the same high standards that our U.S. producers face. In my opinion, foreign products don’t even come close to the quality of Louisiana seafood. This legislation provides the FDA with the authority to destroy illegal seafood imports and ensures that contaminated products don’t reach American markets.”
Last year, the FDA refused 81 entry lines of shrimp because of antibiotics, the most since 2016. A majority of these entry line refusals involved shrimp exported from India (31) or Vietnam (18). 
The remaining 32 entry lines of shrimp refused for banned antibiotics by the FDA in 2024 were for shrimp exported from China (18), Bangladesh (6), Ecuador (2), Thailand (2), Hong Kong (1), Japan (1), Malaysia (1), and Indonesia (1).   
Review the Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act of 2025 here: https://troycarter.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/troycarter.house.gov/fil...
Read press release from Rep. Higgins, “Higgins, Carter Introduce Legislation to Combat Contaminated Foreign Seafood,” here:  https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2025/04/16/higgins-carter-introduce-legisl...
Learn more about the FDA’s current treatment of imports refused entry into the United States here: https://www.fda.gov/industry/fda-import-process/import-refusals

Task force will deliver ideas for hydrogen production here

Louisiana's Clean Hydrogen Task Force is preparing to deliver recommendations to lawmakers and Louisiana's congressional delegation, following a series of hearings focused on positioning the state as a leader in clean hydrogen production.
The Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources is currently considering recommendations to make to the task force, who will then inform other legislators and Louisiana's federal delegation.
Final draft of recommendations is expected to be delivered by September or October 2025, according to Matthew Reonas from the state's natural resources agency.
The task force is exploring solar energy's role and federal partnerships to accelerate growth, aiming to solidify Louisiana's position in the global hydrogen economy, according to Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources.
The task force's most recent session reviewed survey results to shape future discussions, focusing on production methods, market infrastructure, cost competitiveness, and policy support. Topics also included solar energy's role in hydrogen production and community and federal engagement to address environmental and public impacts.
The latest session included more industry perspective, from domestic and international leaders. One presentation highlighted decentralized microgrids to bolster Louisiana's energy resilience, particularly during hurricanes, by localizing power and reducing outages, according to Kirk Moore from AKA Energy Systems.
Louisiana is poised to lead in clean hydrogen and projects have already begun bearing fruit for the state. Ascension Parish is ground zero, with two major ammonia projects worth nearly $12 billion and more than 2,000 jobs.
Statewide, 40 projects promise 26,000 jobs and $60 billion in capital, with applications spanning energy, manufacturing, and exports.
Louisiana's infrastructure, workforce, and access to shipping routes make it a prime hub.
Community engagement and environmental transparency are also critical, with projects emphasizing local job creation and dialogue to build public trust.

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