HII Taps Chewning to Lead Maritime Systems and Corporate Strategy

Rhea-AI Summary

HII (NYSE: HII) has appointed Eric Chewning as executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy, expanding his role to lead the company's maritime and advanced technology development strategy. Since joining in January 2023, Chewning has focused on expanding the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base through strategic initiatives.

Key achievements in 2025 include: doubling outsourced hours with plans to quadruple over two years, acquiring an advanced manufacturing facility in South Carolina, expanding international partnerships with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Babcock International Group, and enhancing technology partnerships with C3 AI to implement Industry 4.0 technologies in shipbuilding.

Positive

• Strategic expansion through acquisition of advanced manufacturing facility in South Carolina
• On track to double outsourced hours in 2025 and quadruple over two years
• Formation of key international partnerships with HD Hyundai and Babcock International
• Technology partnership with C3 AI to implement AI and Industry 4.0 solutions

Negative

• None.

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) has named Eric Chewning to a new position, executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy, broadening his responsibilities to lead the company’s strategy around maritime and advanced technology development. Chewning’s expanded role advances HII’s years-long strategy to bolster U.S. maritime supremacy by strengthening shipbuilding, and fielding new multi-domain warfighting capabilities.

Since joining HII in January 2023, and with experience including leading industrial base policy for the U.S. Department of Defense, Chewning has spearheaded efforts to expand the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base through acquisition, expansion of domestic and international partnerships, and leveraging advanced technologies in support of the U.S. Navy’s future fleet.

“HII is firmly committed to increasing shipbuilding throughput for the U.S. Navy. We are doing that both by improving performance within our shipyards and expanding the industrial base,” said Chris Kastner, HII president and CEO. “Eric’s unique experience and skill sets continue to support our mission of delivering the capabilities our defense customers urgently need.”

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-taps-chewning-to-lead-maritime-systems-and-corporate-strategy/.

While division shipyard presidents retain responsibility for shipyard operations including program execution, Chewning works alongside them in leading the company’s strategy for future maritime capabilities and fleet architecture, including development of hybrid manned-unmanned teaming strategies; identifying outsourcing partners to accelerate throughput; driving business pursuits for new maritime capabilities; managing enterprise strategic partnerships; and overseeing enterprise strategy, and the Dark Sea Labs advanced technology group.

Among the areas of progress in 2025 toward increased throughput:

• HII is on track to more than double the number of outsourced hours this year with partners in multiple states, and to quadruple them over a two-year period. This outsourcing builds industrial base capacity, increases HII throughput, and improves adherence to U.S. Navy schedules.
• HII acquired an advanced manufacturing facility and assets in South Carolina, establishing Newport News Shipbuilding’s Charleston Operations to accelerate production of submarine modules and structural aircraft carrier units.
• HII expanded its network of strategic international partnerships including South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and British defense company Babcock International Group. H&B Defense, a HII-Babcock International joint venture, is accelerating the development of Australia’s sovereign capability for a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine program. This includes incorporation of Australian and U.K. companies into the HII supply chain to strengthen the resiliency of the allied maritime industrial base.
• HII expanded domestic technology partnerships including with C3 AI, to accelerate deployment of Industry 4.0 technologies and apply artificial intelligence to accelerate shipbuilding production.

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:

Danny Hernandez
Danny.J.Hernandez@hii-co.com
(202) 264-7143

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9f45f59-8964-40da-a9e6-985f4e6ca386

FAQ

Who is Eric Chewning and what is his new role at HII (NYSE: HII)?

Eric Chewning has been appointed as executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy at HII, leading the company's strategy for maritime and advanced technology development. He joined HII in January 2023 and has experience leading industrial base policy for the U.S. Department of Defense.

What are HII's major expansion initiatives in 2025?

In 2025, HII is doubling outsourced hours with plans to quadruple over two years, acquired a South Carolina manufacturing facility, expanded partnerships with HD Hyundai and Babcock International, and partnered with C3 AI for Industry 4.0 implementation.

How is HII (NYSE: HII) improving its shipbuilding capabilities?

HII is improving shipbuilding capabilities through increased outsourcing, establishing Newport News Shipbuilding's Charleston Operations, forming international partnerships, and implementing AI and Industry 4.0 technologies through C3 AI partnership.

What international partnerships has HII formed in 2025?

HII has expanded partnerships with South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and British defense company Babcock International Group, including the H&B Defense joint venture for Australia's submarine program.

What is the significance of HII's partnership with C3 AI?

The partnership with C3 AI aims to accelerate the deployment of Industry 4.0 technologies and apply artificial intelligence to enhance shipbuilding production efficiency.