This month marks 10 years since Samson joined the CROFTON fleet.

For half a century, Samson has been a familiar sight on the waterways of Coastal Virginia. Built by Tidewater Construction in 1976 to handle breakbulk and oversized cargo, this 350-ton crane with a 180-foot boom has played a role in some of the region’s most notable marine construction and recovery projects.

Long before joining the CROFTON fleet, Samson had already built an impressive resume, including her 1994 role in the Coleman Bridge replacement.

The first photo shows Samson’s very first lift as part of the CROFTON team: a 240-ton lift completed on Father’s Day 2016. You’ll notice her boom hadn’t yet received the red, white, and blue paint scheme that would quickly make her one of the most recognizable sights on our waterways.

The second photo shows Samson nearly a decade later, being pushed by the Huntsman during the Baltimore Bridge response in 2024.

Congratulations to CROFTON Field Engineer David Gourley on being named one of the six inaugural recipients of the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation’s Victor Figueroa Volunteer of the Year Scholarship yesterday!

Funded by the Bill Crow Memorial Endowment Fund, this scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and a commitment to excellence while pursuing careers that will strengthen the Virginia ship repair and maritime community.

David is currently studying Civil Engineering Technology at Old Dominion University and is working toward his goal of becoming a Civil/Field Engineer. When asked about his future, David shared:
“My dream is to channel my lifelong passion and my renewed sense of purpose into a career within the Virginia maritime community.”

We are proud to have David as part of the CROFTON team and excited to see all that he will accomplish in the years ahead. Congratulations, David, on this well-deserved recognition!

It was an honor to join The Mariners’ Museum and Park for the reopening celebration of Martha’s Way!

This project transformed a section of the James River waterfront into a safer, more accessible experience for visitors, featuring a 450-foot timber walking bridge, scenic overlooks, and enhanced connections to the museum’s beautiful natural surroundings.

For more than 400 years, the James River has played a vital role in Virginia’s maritime story. We’re proud to have helped create a space where visitors can safely enjoy its beauty and appreciate its history for generations to come.

Thank you to The Mariners’ Museum and Park for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful waterfront improvement.