On April 21st, 2023, General Jacqueline Van Ovost visited the USNS Watkins, which is currently located at Bayonne Drydock. General Van Ovost is a United States Air Force General who is currently serving as the 14th Commander of the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM). She was nominated to this post in 2021 by President Biden.
General Van Ovost was escorted around the yard by General Manager Kevin Sullivan, General Manager Bob Magas and Contract/Risk Manager Ryan Patrick Woerner. General Van Ovost displayed a commitment to addressing the current and future issues facing the ship repair industry. She also stressed how important Bayonne Drydock, and other industry partners are to the success of the United States military. After the facility tour, General Van Ovost boarded the USNS Watkins to tour the vessel and meet the ship’s crew.