Custom Platforms Boost Navy Patrol Boat Readiness at Coronado

LAS VEGAS, NV – March 30, 2026 – In a significant move to enhance the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy's coastal assets, Las Vegas-based S.A.F.E. Structure Designs has successfully delivered a series of custom-engineered maintenance stands to Naval Base Coronado. The new platforms are specifically designed to support the demanding upkeep schedules of the Navy's versatile patrol boat fleet, promising to improve both the safety of technicians and the efficiency of critical repair and overhaul operations.

The deployment marks a key step in modernizing the ground support equipment used by naval maintenance teams. These stands provide a stable, highly accessible working environment for personnel tasked with servicing the complex hull and superstructure systems of vessels that are cornerstones of maritime security and coastal defense missions.

Addressing Critical Gaps in Naval Maintenance

The arrival of this specialized equipment comes as the Department of the Navy grapples with the persistent challenges of fleet sustainment. With many naval assets facing aging components and a high operational tempo in demanding maritime environments, the efficiency and safety of maintenance routines have become a top priority. Patrol craft, in particular, are subject to frequent and intensive use, necessitating regular access for everything from routine service to complete overhauls.

Traditional maintenance procedures can create efficiency bottlenecks, leading to extended downtime for essential vessels. Furthermore, improvised or outdated access solutions can pose significant safety risks to technicians. The Navy has been actively seeking solutions to streamline these processes, reduce sustainment costs—which often exceed a platform's initial acquisition cost—and ultimately increase the availability of its fleet. S.A.F.E. Structure Designs' new platforms are engineered to directly address these long-standing issues by creating a safer, more integrated, and adaptable maintenance environment.

Engineering for the Modern Warfighter

The innovation behind the new stands lies in their mission-focused design, which tailors the equipment to the specific needs of naval technicians. According to the company, the platforms are fully adjustable, a crucial feature that allows them to accommodate multiple patrol boat configurations and varying hull geometries. This modularity eliminates the need for multiple dedicated platform systems, saving valuable space and resources within the crowded confines of a naval maintenance facility.

Key features highlight a deep understanding of the maintenance workflow. The stands provide enhanced, stable access to critical areas across the vessel's hull and superstructure, reducing the complexity and physical risk of tasks performed at height. Integrated tool-trace storage systems are also built into the platforms, promoting accountability and ensuring that mission-critical tools are readily available, which can drastically reduce the time spent on any given task.

"Designing equipment that supports the U.S. Navy's maintenance teams is something we take seriously," said Johnny Buscema, President and CEO of SAFE Structure Designs, in the company's announcement. "These platforms were engineered to fit each vessel precisely while creating a stable and safe working environment for technicians performing critical service and overhaul operations. Our goal is to deliver equipment that improves both safety and efficiency for the warfighters and maintenance teams who rely on it."

A Proven Partner in Defense Modernization

While this delivery to Naval Base Coronado is a notable achievement in maritime support, S.A.F.E. Structure Designs is no stranger to high-stakes defense projects. The company has built a considerable reputation as a trusted partner to the Department of Defense, delivering a wide array of custom support equipment for aviation and expeditionary platforms. This extensive track record demonstrates a proven capability to solve complex engineering challenges under stringent military specifications.

Previously, the company was awarded a contract to design and manufacture a specialized maintenance crane for the presidential aircraft fleet, including Air Force One. It has also been a major supplier to the U.S. Army National Guard, delivering full wrap-around maintenance platforms for UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters across the country. Its portfolio includes custom solutions for the U.S. Air Force's F-16 Fighting Falcon and T-38 Talon programs, as well as contracts to support the U.S. Coast Guard's MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters and Leonardo C27J Spartan aircraft. This diverse background, spanning fixed-wing, rotary, and now naval assets, underscores the firm's adaptability and engineering expertise.

Bolstering the Domestic Defense Industrial Base

The successful deployment of these American-made stands also highlights the strategic value of the domestic defense industrial base. By sourcing critical support equipment from U.S. manufacturers, the Department of Defense ensures a secure and resilient supply chain, free from the geopolitical vulnerabilities that can accompany foreign procurement. This approach fosters close collaboration between military end-users and engineering teams, allowing for the development of highly customized solutions that precisely meet the evolving needs of the warfighter.

Companies like S.A.F.E. Structure Designs represent an agile and innovative segment of the defense industry, capable of responding to specific operational needs with tailored engineering. The long-term impact of such investments extends beyond immediate readiness improvements. By making maintenance safer and more efficient, these platforms contribute to reduced injury rates, lower lifecycle sustainment costs, and ultimately, greater availability of naval assets for their primary missions. By investing in the foundational elements of maintenance and safety, the Navy ensures that its frontline assets and the personnel who support them are prepared for any mission on the horizon.