HII Hosts Secretary of the Navy at Newport News Shipbuilding

Rhea-AI Summary

HII (NYSE: HII) welcomed Secretary of the Navy John Phelan for his first visit to Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division since his March confirmation. During the visit, Phelan toured the shipyard's facilities, focusing on nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers construction.

The tour showcased the construction progress of multiple vessels, including the Enterprise (CVN 80) in dry dock and John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) undergoing final outfitting. Phelan observed the serial-module-production for both Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines, and participated in electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) testing on Kennedy.

The visit was joined by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Representatives Bobby Scott, Rob Wittman, and John McGuire. NNS, with over 26,000 employees, stands as Virginia's largest industrial employer and is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy.

Positive

• One of only two U.S. shipyards capable of building nuclear-powered submarines
• Largest industrial employer in Virginia with 26,000+ workforce
• Multiple major naval contracts in progress (Enterprise, Kennedy, Columbia and Virginia-class vessels)
• Implementation of advanced technology including EMALS

Negative

• None.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) hosted the secretary of the Navy at its Newport News Shipbuilding division Wednesday for a tour of the shipyard, meetings with company leadership, and direct interactions with shipbuilders and sailors.

It was the first visit to NNS by Secretary of the Navy John Phelan since confirmation to the position in March.

“The work being done in Newport News is essential to American seapower,” Phelan said. “These incredible workers are not just building ships, they’re building our future, securing our way of life, and ensuring peace through strength.”

“We are honored to have Secretary Phelan in the shipyard and show him what our shipbuilders do,” NNS President Kari Wilkinson said. “Shipbuilding is complex and difficult work and requires a commitment to purpose. We appreciate Secretary Phelan’s leadership, perspective and insight as we work relentlessly to be strong partners in strengthening and expanding American shipbuilding.”

Photos accompanying this release are available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-hosts-secretary-of-the-navy-at-newport-news-shipbuilding/.

The tour covered the construction lifecycle for nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers, including conversations with the shipbuilders who are building and delivering ships critical to the national defense. Phelan saw firsthand how NNS is leveraging technology and state-of-the-art facilities to execute serial-module-production for both Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines. The group was able to experience these submarines in various stages of construction, from early construction to final assembly and test.

Phelan also toured construction progress on two aircraft carriers, including Enterprise (CVN 80) in the dry dock, as well as John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), undergoing final outfitting and testing at NNS. While on Kennedy, he met with sailors, toured the flight deck, and participated in topside testing of the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS).

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Congressman Bobby Scott, D-Va., Congressman Rob Wittman, R-Va., and Congressman John McGuire, R-Va., joined Phelan for a portion of the visit.

With a workforce of more than 26,000 people, NNS is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. The shipyard is one of two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy and designs, builds, refuels and defuels nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

As the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

• HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/
• HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII
• HII on X: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII
• HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII

Contact:
Todd Corillo
Todd.T.Corillo@hii-co.com
(757) 688-3220

FAQ

What major naval vessels is HII currently constructing at Newport News Shipbuilding?

HII is constructing Enterprise (CVN 80), John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), and both Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines.

How many employees does HII's Newport News Shipbuilding division have?

Newport News Shipbuilding employs more than 26,000 people, making it Virginia's largest industrial employer.

What unique capabilities does HII's Newport News Shipbuilding possess?

NNS is one of only two shipyards in the U.S. capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines, and it also designs, builds, refuels and defuels nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

What new technology is HII implementing in the John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier?

The John F. Kennedy features the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) which underwent topside testing during Secretary Phelan's visit.