VALDOSTA — The City of Valdosta, Lowndes County, and members of Georgia congress gathered on September 21 to observe Blue Ops Day, celebrating the one-year anniversary of Blue Ops, a branch of the Red Cat company. The event, held at the company’s warehouse on Gil Harbin Industrial Boulevard, showcased Blue Ops' latest technology and its commitment to manufacturing uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) in South Georgia.
Blue Ops specializes in building boats alongside Hinckley Yachts, with its primary focus on the Variant Seven, an uncrewed surface vessel designed to carry payloads and operate remotely without a crew. The celebration brought together leadership from across the city and county, state politicians, higher-ups from Red Cat and Blue Ops, and notable individuals from the Valdosta community.
The ceremony began with an invocation from Pastor Robbie Foster of Northside Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Blue Ops Senior Vice President Sandy Spaulding spoke about the company's origins and its establishment in Valdosta. He highlighted the acquisition of the Gil Harbin Industrial Boulevard warehouse from Regal Marine, which closed its doors in 2025. Blue Ops immediately took over the building and rehired multiple former Regal Marine staff members. Spaulding emphasized the importance of the local facility, stating that "the factory is the weapon," and is where the company would set its stakes down.
Following remarks from company management, Managing Vice President John Donahue presented the company's forward plan to guests. According to Donahue, Blue Ops intends to increase its production significantly, aiming to build five boats per week by the end of the year, which translates to one boat per workday. This production goal will be achieved through both standard laminated and 3-D printed methods, with both requiring assembly and subsequent sea trials before approval for use.
The RSVP-only event included a catered breakfast, presentations, and proclamations from local and state leadership. Several Georgia congressmen addressed the attendees, underscoring the project's significance for the state. These included Rich McCormick (Congressional District Seven), Austin Scott (Congressional District Eight), and State Senator Russ Goodman (State Senate District Eight). Senator Goodman concluded his remarks by announcing a proclamation from Governor Brian Kemp, which designated September 21 as Blue Ops Day across the state of Georgia.
Mayor Scott Matheson and Commissioner-At-Large Bill Slaughter then presented a similar proclamation for the city and county of Valdosta. After all speakers had concluded, Niki Ogletree, President and CEO of the Valdosta-Lowndes Development Authority, performed the christening of the Variant Seven. Ogletree named the vessel "The Azalea City" and officially christened it by breaking a bottle of champagne over its hull. The celebration concluded with a toast to the crew and leadership from Sandy Spaulding.
