Eastern Shipbuilding Appoints New President for Washington Operations

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr., U. S. Coast Guard (Retired), as President of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc., Washington Operations.

Admiral Papp served as an Officer in the Coast Guard for nearly 40 years, completing his career as the 24th Commandant of the U. S. Coast Guard from 2010 to 2014. The Coast Guard is the largest component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He was a career cutterman, serving in six cutters, commanding four of them, including the Coast Guard’s square rigged sailing ship, USCG Barque EAGLE. As a flag officer, Admiral Papp served as Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area; as the Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard and Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Headquarters; as Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District; and as Director of Reserve and Training.

Upon retirement from the Coast Guard, he was called to duty at the U.S Department of State as the U.S. Special Representative for the Arctic, where he led U.S. international engagement on Arctic issues.

Admiral Papp will represent Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. in Washington. D.C. and will lead the strategic engagement in intergovernmental and industry operations.

This Washington Operations appointment is the first time the 41 year old shipbuilding company has established a permanent presence in the Nation’s Capital and it represents a significant step in the company’s growth and stature in the marine industry. “As we embark on a number of significant projects that are integral to the maritime security of our country and the continued growth of our company, we are proud to add Admiral Bob Papp to our Team,” stated Brian D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc., “His vast experience in both maritime security operations as well as navigating the challenges of intergovernmental operations will be invaluable and we welcome him to the ESG family.”

On October 10, 2016, the U.S. Coast Guard awarded the largest vessel procurement contract in Coast Guard history to Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. Eastern was selected to finalize its design and construct the first series of nine (9) Offshore Patrol Cutters to replace the Medium Endurance Cutters currently in service. The contract is initially for nine (9) vessels with options for two (2) additional vessels. The ultimate goal of this Coast Guard program is to build twenty-five (25) Offshore Patrol Cutters, having a potential total contract value in excess of $10 billion dollars. Initially, Eastern was awarded the detail design effort with an approximate value of $110 million dollars. Construction of the first vessel is expected to commence in 2018.

“The OPC will be the backbone of Coast Guard offshore presence and the manifestation of our at-sea authorities. It is essential to stopping smugglers at sea, for interdicting undocumented migrants, rescuing mariners, enforcing fisheries laws, responding to disasters and protecting our ports.”

– Adm. Paul Zukunft, Commandant of the Coast Guard