Butcher to Head American Ship Building

American Ship Building Co. said Vice Admiral Paul Butcher will replace George Steinbrenner as chairman and chief executive.

Butcher, 60, retired from the Navy earlier this month. He was chief of staff and deputy commander-in-chief of the U.S. Transportation Command during Operation Desert Storm.

“Much of the credit for our country’s great mobilization--called the largest undertaking of its kind in recent history--is due to the efforts of TRANSCOM,” said a spokesman for the Tampa, Fla.-based ship construction, conversion and repair business.

Butcher’s appointment will take effect during the company’s annual meeting in June.

“We are very excited to have Admiral Butcher join American Ship,” said Steinbrenner, a part owner of the New York Yankees.

“In November, 1988, the board of directors requested me to assume the duties of chairman, president and chief executive officer until I felt the company had come about and was on course toward profitability and a significant place in the nation’s industrial military base.

“There were many problems to be dealt with, and I think we have accomplished the goals that were set in 1988. Now, I personally feel it is time for a change, time to turn the reins over to this new leadership team,” Steinbrenner said.

Alan Nierenberg will remain chief operating officer, the company said.