The Journey of Ashley Cordiale: From Sea to Shipyard
As an estimator, Ashley Cordiale plays a pivotal role in ensuring jobs are scoped, priced, and prepared with precision. Her skills were honed starting with her maritime education followed by hands-on experience sailing at sea.
Originally from Long Island, Cordiale set her sights on the maritime industry early in life. “I went to SUNY Maritime in the Bronx and studied engineering,” she said. “I worked for four years to earn my Coast Guard license, so I figured I might as well sail on it.”
During her time at sea, Cordiale spent five years as an engineer with the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) aboard various vessels. Her experiences on ships like USNS Robert E Peary, USNS Washington Chambers, and USNS Zeus provided her with invaluable hands-on experience across different systems and operations.
While sailing offered her valuable experiences, Cordiale eventually longed for a more stable life ashore. This led her to Detyens Shipyard, a renowned shipyard based in Charleston, SC, where she transitioned from sea to shipyard with ease.
From Engineering to Estimating
Today, Cordiale’s role at Detyens involves scoping and pricing a wide variety of ship repair jobs. Her background as an engineer gives her a unique advantage in understanding the intricacies of the vessels she works on.
Her transition into the estimating role was guided by mentorship, highlighting the importance of learning from experienced professionals in the industry.
One of Cordiale’s memorable projects involved SpaceX’s autonomous drone barge, Just Read the Instructions, showcasing her ability to tackle complex and unique challenges in the ship repair industry.
Memorable Projects and Challenges
Ship repair is an industry full of unknowns, especially with older vessels. Cordiale emphasizes the importance of clear communication to mitigate risks and ensure successful project outcomes.
Whether pricing government or commercial jobs, Cordiale approaches each project with rigor and attention to detail, adapting to the varying demands of different clients.
The Detyens Difference
Cordiale credits Detyens’ collaborative environment for her effectiveness in her role. The accessibility to experienced professionals and subcontractors on-site streamlines the estimating process and fosters a culture of learning and support.
With her deep experience and engineering background, Ashley Cordiale is a rising star in the world of ship repair. Her unique journey from the sea to the shipyard brings valuable insights and expertise to every project she undertakes.