Solomon Shipyard Takes Its Navy Modernization Vision to the Pentagon

On September 22, 2026, Jon Solomon traveled to the Pentagon for a pivotal meeting with senior U.S. Navy and Department of the Navy representatives. The purpose was clear: to introduce Solomon Shipyard’s vision for transformation and its potential role in strengthening America’s maritime industrial base.

Jon Solomon visits the Pentagon

The meeting marked a significant step forward — bringing the shipyard’s modernization plan directly to the Navy leaders responsible for acquisition, shipyard modernization, and defense industrial base development.

What this article covers:

  • Who attended the Pentagon meeting and their roles
  • Solomon Shipyard’s vision for modernization and expansion
  • The proposed $50 million investment and what it would deliver
  • What happens next

Who Was in the Room

The meeting brought together key decision-makers from across the Navy’s acquisition and modernization infrastructure.

Captain Jesse Black, U.S. Navy

Captain Black serves as Program Manager of the Shipyard Modernization Office (SMO) at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). He is also the first Program Manager of this newly established office — making him a central figure in how the Navy approaches domestic shipyard development.

Mr. Andrew Magliochetti

Mr. Magliochetti serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for the Defense Industrial Base (DASN DIB). His office oversees efforts to strengthen and expand the industrial capacity that supports U.S. naval operations.

Lieutenant A. G. “Trey” Seabrooke, U.S. Navy

Lieutenant Seabrooke represents the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition (ASN RDA) — a key office in evaluating and advancing new defense manufacturing capabilities.

The Vision: A Modern Shipyard for the U.S. Navy

At the center of the discussion was Solomon Shipyard’s proposal to renovate and expand its existing facility into a modern manufacturing operation capable of supporting the construction of ship modules and other components for future U.S. Navy vessels.

The vision addresses a critical need: additional domestic manufacturing capacity for the Navy and the broader U.S. military. Several factors make Solomon Shipyard well-positioned to fill that role:

  • Strategic location that supports efficient logistics and naval access
  • Existing infrastructure that provides a strong foundation for modernization
  • Planned facility improvements designed to meet Navy manufacturing standards
  • The ability to add domestic capacity at a time when the defense industrial base is under pressure to grow

The Investment: Approximately $50 Million

The preliminary estimated investment required to complete the proposed renovation and modernization of Solomon Shipyard is approximately $50 million. This figure reflects the scope of transformation needed to bring the facility up to the standards required for Navy shipbuilding support — including updated manufacturing capabilities, facility layout improvements, and the infrastructure needed to produce ship modules and components at scale.

Why This Meeting Matters

The Pentagon visit accomplished something important: it put Solomon Shipyard’s vision in front of the right people. The Navy officials in the room aren’t just aware of the proposal — they are directly responsible for the areas it touches.

  • Captain Black leads the office tasked with modernizing U.S. shipyards.
  • Mr. Magliochetti oversees the defense industrial base that Solomon Shipyard aims to strengthen.
  • Lieutenant Seabrooke works within the acquisition office that would help evaluate and advance proposals like this one.

Introducing the vision at this level is a meaningful step toward a formal partnership. The meeting was productive, creating a foundation for deeper collaboration between Solomon Shipyard and Navy leadership.

What Comes Next

The September 22 meeting is not the end of the conversation — it’s the beginning. A follow-up meeting is expected to be scheduled in the near future. At that meeting, Solomon Shipyard plans to present:

  • A detailed business plan outlining the path forward
  • A facility layout reflecting the proposed modernization
  • A comprehensive modernization strategy aligned with Navy priorities
  • Proposed manufacturing capabilities and how they support future vessel construction

This next step will give Navy leadership the full picture of what Solomon Shipyard can deliver and how the investment would translate into real capacity for America’s maritime defense.

Key Takeaways

  • Jon Solomon met with senior U.S. Navy representatives at the Pentagon on September 22, 2026.
  • The meeting focused on Solomon Shipyard’s vision to become a modern manufacturing facility supporting U.S. Navy shipbuilding.
  • Attendees included the first Program Manager of the Shipyard Modernization Office, the DASN for the Defense Industrial Base, and a representative from ASN RDA.
  • The proposed renovation and modernization carries a preliminary estimated investment of approximately $50 million.
  • A follow-up meeting is expected soon, where a detailed business plan and modernization strategy will be presented.

Follow Solomon Shipyard’s Progress

Solomon Shipyard is moving forward with a clear vision and the right conversations already underway. The proposed modernization represents a significant opportunity — for the shipyard, for the defense industrial base, and for America’s naval readiness.

Stay informed as this story develops. Contact Solomon Shipyard to learn more about our modernization plans and what this partnership could mean for U.S. Navy shipbuilding.

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