There’s no doubt Alabama has become one of the most valuable players in national defense, and the FBI is taking notice.

Birmingham FBI, along with several other field offices, stopped by Austal USA last week in Mobile to learn about the role private industry plays in national security.

The timing isn’t coincidental. Austal is in the middle of a massive expansion, building submarines and warships for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, while deepening ties with Alabama-rooted partners like the Poarch Creek Indians and the Alabama Community College System.

As Austal’s footprint grows within Alabama, so does the risk, which is exactly why multiple field offices made the trip.

“Protecting critical infrastructure depends on strategic collaboration and a focus on regional priorities. By partnering with the private sector, law enforcement can share intelligence, strengthen resilience and work collectively to safeguard the systems and services our communities rely on every day,” Michael Kochanowski, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI Birmingham told Yellowhammer News.

“We are grateful to Austal for their partnership, commitment to public safety, and continued engagement in efforts to strengthen the security and resilience of our region.”

Alabama put a star on itself by becoming indispensable to the country’s defense supply chain. The FBI is here to make sure that star doesn’t become a target.