HII Moves Enterprise (CVN 80) for First Time, Enabling Construction of Two Aircraft Carriers at Once

Rhea-AI Summary

HII's Newport News Shipbuilding division has successfully moved the mid-body hull section of the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN 80), enabling concurrent assembly of two aircraft carriers in the same dry dock. The operation involved flooding the dock with over 100 million gallons of water for Enterprise's first float. The shipyard plans to begin assembling Doris Miller (CVN 81) in early next year, marking a historic first for simultaneous construction of two Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. Enterprise is notably the first aircraft carrier designed and built entirely using digital tools, with visual work instructions on laptops and tablets replacing traditional paper drawings.

Positive

• First-ever concurrent construction of two Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers in same dry dock
• Implementation of innovative digital design and construction methods
• Successful execution of CVN 80/81 two-ship contract modification from 2019

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Industry Analyst

The concurrent construction of two Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers represents a significant operational milestone for HII, demonstrating enhanced production efficiency and capacity. This achievement, enabled by the $15.2 billion two-ship contract modification from 2019, showcases HII's unique position as the sole manufacturer of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers for the U.S. Navy. The digital-first design and construction approach for Enterprise (CVN 80) marks a technological leap that should improve build efficiency and reduce costs. This development strengthens HII's competitive moat and provides clear revenue visibility through the mid-2030s. The company's ability to execute such complex projects while modernizing its facilities and processes indicates strong operational execution and positions it well for future defense contracts.

Manufacturing Process Expert

The successful implementation of digital design and construction methods for Enterprise marks a revolutionary shift in shipbuilding practices. Using visual work instructions on portable devices instead of traditional paper drawings significantly enhances workflow efficiency, reduces errors and enables better quality control. The shipyard's infrastructure upgrades, allowing simultaneous construction of two carriers, demonstrates impressive production optimization. This modernization effort should translate to improved margins through reduced labor hours, better resource allocation and streamlined processes. The successful float test and transfer operation also validates the engineering capabilities and precision of HII's manufacturing systems.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Nov. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has successfully transferred the mid-body hull section of Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN 80), allowing the shipyard to begin the concurrent assembly of two Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers in the same dry dock.

The evolution began Thursday, Oct. 31 with the controlled process of slowly filling the dry dock with more than 100 million gallons of water, marking the first time CVN 80 has been floated. It was then transferred to the west end of the dry dock, where construction on the ship will continue.  

Early next year, the shipyard expects to commence assembling Doris Miller (CVN 81) in the east end of the dry dock, marking a historic first that two Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers will be under construction in the dry dock at the same time. The dual construction of Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81) is enabled by the successful implementation of the CVN 80/81 two-ship contract modification awarded in 2019 and modifications made to the dry dock by NNS with investment by HII and the U.S. Navy.

Photos and a video accompany this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-moves-enterprise-cvn-80-for-first-time-enabling-construction-of-two-aircraft-carriers-at-once/.

“It is only fitting for this Enterprise, CVN 80, to be part of a historic first at NNS, considering the previous Enterprise, CVN 65, was the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, proudly built here at the shipyard,” said Les Smith, NNS vice president Enterprise (CVN 80), Doris Miller (CVN 81) and future aircraft carrier programs. “Thousands of dedicated shipbuilders are working with urgency on these aircraft carriers that we know will play a vital role in the Navy’s fleet.”

NNS is the only shipyard capable of designing, building and refueling nuclear-powered aircraft carriers for the Navy. Enterprise is the first aircraft carrier designed digitally and built digitally using visual work instructions on laptops and tablets rather than paper drawings.

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

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c8c59113-50a5-478e-815d-088d32e86254

FAQ

When did HII move the Enterprise (CVN 80) aircraft carrier for the first time?

HII moved the Enterprise (CVN 80) on October 31, 2024, by flooding the dry dock with over 100 million gallons of water for its first float.

What makes the Enterprise (CVN 80) construction unique for HII?

Enterprise (CVN 80) is the first aircraft carrier to be designed and built entirely digitally, using visual work instructions on laptops and tablets instead of paper drawings.

When will HII begin construction of Doris Miller (CVN 81)?

HII plans to begin assembling Doris Miller (CVN 81) in early 2025, marking the first time two Gerald R. Ford-class carriers will be under construction in the same dry dock.