The University of Alabama and U.S. Navy Partner to Build Maritime Workforce Through ‘Build Giants Alabama’ Initiative
9/3/2025 7:20:00 AM | General
Crimson Tide Athletics platform will showcase maritime career opportunities to millions
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama announced today a significant partnership with the U.S. Navy's Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program to expand workforce development opportunities across Alabama and strengthen America's shipbuilding industrial base.
"This partnership allows The University of Alabama to connect our students and communities with high-demand careers that serve both Alabama's economy and our nation's security," said Peter Mohler, president of The University of Alabama. "Our role as the state's flagship institution helps create pathways that strengthen industries vital to our future. Build Giants Alabama provides opportunities for Alabama residents to prepare for meaningful careers while contributing to the defense of our nation."
As part of the initiative Build Giants Alabama, Crimson Tide fans will notice the program's logo featured on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium during all home football games this fall as well as in-venue messaging featuring former Alabama head football coach Nick Saban on the importance of the Build Giants Alabama initiative. The visibility highlights a larger effort to connect Alabama's statewide talent with a critical workforce development program for the state and the country.
"Partnering with the U.S. Navy's Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program creates a unique and impactful opportunity to support our state and our nation," said Alabama director of athletics Greg Byrne. "We're proud to team up with and shine a spotlight on the Build Giants Alabama initiative as it assembles its workforce in this vital industry for current and future generations."
A New Model for Workforce Development
The Build Giants Alabama initiative combines high-visibility outreach with educational opportunities to meet workforce needs in Alabama and across the maritime industrial base. Key components include:
- Career engagement programs such as job fairs, student ambassador efforts and mentorship sessions with Navy leaders and industry experts
- Educational initiatives including curriculum development with UA faculty, collaborative projects linking trades and engineering students, and K–12 STEM outreach
"America needs more skilled workers to build and sustain the Navy our nation needs," said Matthew Sermon, Direct Reporting Program Manager of the MIB Program. "The University of Alabama's influence, reach and commitment to education make it an ideal partner to help attract, train and inspire the next generation of shipbuilders and innovators."
Strengthening Alabama and America
The partnership directly supports the Navy's need for 25,000 new trades workers annually to build submarines, surface ships, and unmanned vessels. It complements Alabama workforce initiatives, including the Alabama Community College Maritime Training Program, which will train more than 1,400 workers in ship fitting, pipe fitting and welding.
By leveraging UA's statewide influence and the cultural reach of Crimson Tide Athletics, Build Giants Alabama represents a new approach to workforce development – meeting potential workers where they are and creating sustainable career pathways that advance both Alabama's economy and America's maritime strength.
"We're excited to contribute to this groundbreaking program with Crimson Tide Athletics and the U.S. Navy to drive awareness of this incredible partnership," said Jim Carabin, Vice President and General Manager of Crimson Tide Sports Marketing. "Integrating Build Giants Alabama branding and activations into Alabama Athletics events will fuel growth for this vital program and connect with Crimson Tide fans across the state and the country."
About The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state's flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides a forward-thinking environment and over 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state's largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
About the Maritime Industrial Base Program
The U.S. Navy's Maritime Industrial Base Program leads workforce development, supply chain growth, and advanced manufacturing initiatives to ensure America has the industrial capacity to build and sustain the Navy's fleet. For more information, visit https://www.secnav.navy.mil/rda/mib/Pages/default.aspx
About BuildGiantsAlabama.com
Funded by the U.S. Department of the Navy, BuildGiantsAlabama.com connects job seekers with maritime career opportunities across Alabama, offering career pathways, training resources, and recruitment events.
