As April wraps up, we’re sharing highlights you may have missed—from an exciting strategic partnership to employee milestones! It’s been a month of meaningful momentum, and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead.
Partnering with Metrex Valve
We are thrilled to work with Metrex Valve, a 2nd-generation family-
owned manufacturer based in CA that supplies best-in-class products
for the US Navy and other marine customers.
The addition of Metrex’s high-quality, made-in-America, electric, pressure, and thermostatic actuated valves enhances the JA Moody Navy portfolio with additional proven and reliable solutions for demanding marine environments.
Lexair Inc. Expands to Meet Growing Navy Ship Demand
Lexair Inc., a third-generation, family-owned small business, continues to strengthen its presence in the defense manufacturing sector. In 2023, the company acquired the K-Lok MIL-V-24624 and Navy Vent Valve product lines—available in stainless steel and aluminum—from Emerson. Since then, Lexair has made significant investments to enhance product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
With refined production processes and an unwavering focus on precision, Lexair has elevated the performance and reliability of these critical Navy components. The company’s dedication to excellence is evident in every detail.
In response to rising demand from the U.S. Navy, Lexair has recently expanded operations into a new, state-of-the-art facility located just across the street from its headquarters. Spanning over 40,000 square feet and set up for full assembly, this new space is dedicated exclusively to the Navy product line. The expansion positions Lexair to better support current and future Navy programs with increased capacity and continued quality assurance.
JA Moody is proud to serve as the exclusive sales channel for these Navy valve products. For a quote or additional information, please contact us at sales@jamoody.com.
P.S. To learn more about these products, download these cut sheets:
- Keystone® Aluminum Vent Valves
- Keystone® K-Lok High Performance Butterfly Valves (Type I & II)
- Keystone® K-Lok High Performance Butterfly Valves (Type III & IV)
- Keystone® Stainless Steel Vent Valves
In modern naval shipbuilding, where space is tight and every pound impacts performance, integrating smarter, more efficient components isn’t just a design preference—it’s a mission imperative. The Dilating Disk Valve (DDV), manufactured by Curtiss-Wright and already qualified for use, is a prime example of the kind of engineered innovation the Navy should be leaning into.
This isn’t a prototype or a promising concept—it’s a real, field-ready product that offers tangible benefits for both new ship construction and fleet modernization efforts.
Weight Savings That Add Up Across the Fleet
Naval vessels demand components that are rugged yet lightweight, and the DDV delivers.
With significant weight savings compared to legacy valve systems, Curtiss-Wright’s DDV contributes directly to improved ship efficiency, longer range, and increased payload flexibility.
Each assembly using the DDV versus traditional globe valve assembly provides more than a 10% weight saving…now calculate that weight savings over an entire system.
For ship classes that are already pushing the limits of displacement—especially those integrating new weapons, sensors, or propulsion systems—every pound saved is a pound that can be repurposed for mission-critical functions.
Compact Footprint: More Capability, Less Clutter
The DDV also features a smaller envelope than traditional valve designs, which is crucial aboard warships where space is at a premium. A more compact valve means easier installation, streamlined maintenance access, and improved layout options in engine rooms, machinery spaces, and other critical systems compartments.
This compactness supports the Navy’s push toward modular design and future-proofing, making the DDV especially well-suited for both new platforms and refits of legacy hulls.
Proven and Qualified: No Guesswork Required
What sets the DDV apart is that it’s not just efficient and compact—it’s also already qualified. This significantly reduces risk and accelerates adoption timelines.
In an environment where acquisition cycles can be long and complex, having a proven, ready-to-field solution from a trusted defense manufacturer like Curtiss-Wright is a major advantage.
Instead of spending time and resources on developing new valves from scratch, program offices can turn to the DDV as a reliable, cost-effective solution that meets both current and emerging operational requirements.
Meeting the Navy’s Modernization Mandate
The Navy is under increasing pressure to adapt quickly to evolving threats, incorporate new technologies, and reduce lifecycle costs. Solutions like the DDV don’t just tick boxes—they redefine what’s possible in system design. They support a shift toward leaner, smarter, and more adaptable platforms, in line with the Navy’s own modernization objectives.
Conclusion: A Smart, Strategic Upgrade
Adopting the Curtiss-Wright Dilating Disk Valve is more than a technical choice—it’s a strategic one. Lighter, smaller, already qualified, and backed by one of the most respected names in defense engineering, the DDV aligns perfectly with the Navy’s priorities of readiness, flexibility, and innovation.
If the Navy is serious about building and sustaining a 21st-century fleet, it should start by embracing the 21st-century components available, and Curtiss-Wright’s DDV fits that bill. Contact us today at sales@jamoody.com for additional information and details.
Download the DDV Data Sheet
Celebrating Our Amazing Team
We would like to take a moment to thank the following team members for their dedication and service:
- David Batten (6 years)
- Greg Buzan (5 years)
- Jose Ruiz (3 years)
- Charlie McAllister (1 year)
Congratulations, and thank you for all of your hard work and dedication!
To keep up with what JA Moody and Moody Marine Service are up to outside of our monthly newsletters, follow us on LinkedIn!