PR for Fincantieri Donations & Goodwill

In 2023, Jacksonville-based Fincantieri Marine Repair (FMR) made significant contributions to support U.S. military organizations and preserve naval history. The company pledged $50,000 to the Jacksonville Naval Museum as part of its new role as Hangar Sponsor, funding renovations and upgrades to the museum’s retired warship, the USS Orleck. FMR also provided a specialized crane and volunteered a team of veteran employees to lift a historic QH-50 Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter (DASH) onto the ship’s flight deck, enhancing the museum’s historical display. The museum plans to dedicate its renovated hangar in honor of Fincantieri’s support.

In addition, FMR donated a dozen desktop computers with new hard drives to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, enabling staff at the organization’s Springfield, Va., headquarters to process veteran benefits, scholarships, membership applications, and reports more efficiently.

Jacksonville Naval Museum President Daniel K. Bean emphasized the impact of Fincantieri’s contributions, noting that positioning the rare 1960s-era DASH helicopter aboard the USS Orleck significantly increases the museum’s historical value. Similarly, Military Order of the Purple Heart’s Carder Ferguson highlighted the donation’s importance in helping the organization fulfill its mission of supporting wounded veterans.

CEO Ryan W. Smith of Fincantieri Marine Repair stated that supporting veterans and local naval institutions aligns with the company’s values and benefits the broader community, employees, and customers.

Through these initiatives, Fincantieri Marine Repair demonstrates its commitment to preserving naval heritage and enhancing veteran services, even amid challenging economic times.

BluSiren, formerly A.WordSmith, promoted the goodwill story to industry and local press, resulting in several significant pick-ups.