VALDOSTA — Kelly Loeffler, the 28th administrator of the United States Small Business Administration, and state Sen. Russ Goodman visited Valdosta on October 1 to learn about Blue Ops, a local major manufacturing business. The visit highlighted the company's production of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and Valdosta's strategic significance for military purposes and economic development.
Blue Ops, operated by Red Cat, specializes primarily in building USVs. The company's most recent model, the Variant Seven, was unveiled on September 21 during Blue Ops Day. These vessels are currently leased to the U.S. for military use, with many reportedly deployed overseas in Ukraine.
Administrator Loeffler's visit began with a facility tour where Blue Ops President Barry Hinckley and Managing Vice President John Donahue guided her through the manufacturing process. They detailed how machinery is made and assembled, including both the standard methods for building boats and their newest method, which involves 3-D printing parts before assembly and testing.
Loeffler noted Valdosta's important location for military purposes due to its unique position and proximity to resources. She described South Georgia as powerful from industrial, military, and strategic perspectives, citing its closeness to the shore, military bases, and a “built-in base of skilled workers.” Loeffler also underscored the impact of local small businesses, defined as having 500 workers or less, using Blue Ops as an example. The company is creating dozens of USVs monthly with well under 500 employees on the factory floor.
She further explained that small businesses like Blue Ops often have robust training programs that develop the next generation of workers, thereby creating good-paying jobs and careers within the community.
State Sen. Russ Goodman weighed in on the capabilities of the city's workforce, commending the efforts of Blue Ops and its employees, as well as other small businesses. As a South Georgia farmer, Goodman drew a parallel between food independence and national defense. He stressed that just as the region should not rely on other countries for its food, it should also avoid dependence on foreign nations for the means, materials, and munitions required to defend itself, characterizing the work at the Blue Ops factory as central to this self-reliance.
The visit by Administrator Loeffler and Senator Goodman highlighted Valdosta's increasing role as a center for advanced manufacturing that directly contributes to national security interests, while simultaneously generating significant economic opportunities through skilled employment and local business growth.
