HII Expands Shipbuilding Operations with New Site in Norfolk

In a strategic move by Huntington Ingalls Industries HII, the esteemed Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division proudly announced the initiation of production at their newly established site in Norfolk, Virginia. This additional campus is aimed at bolstering the shipyard's commitment to advancing effective and efficient shipbuilding methodologies.

Newport News Shipbuilding's Norfolk Expansion

The fresh Newport News Shipbuilding Norfolk Campus is nestled in the Lambert's Point region at Fairwinds Landing, residing on land leased from Fairlead. For several months now, diligent NNS shipbuilders have been actively assembling steel panels at this location. These panels are critical components, destined to comprise units of the formidable Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, the Enterprise (CVN 80).

The proactive step to innovate and rethink the shipbuilding process is exemplified through this expansion. Les Smith, the NNS vice president overseeing the Enterprise (CVN 80), Doris Miller (CVN 81), and future aircraft carrier programs, emphasized the freshly empowered workforce, combined with the new campus capacity, has already commenced delivering favorable outcomes. Smith anticipates a significant synergistic effect resulting from this well-calculated investment.

Benefits and Prospects for the Norfolk Site

Alongside facilitating the production of the Enterprise (CVN 80), the Norfolk site alleviates storage constraints faced at the principal Newport News yard, allowing for enhanced support to other vital programs, such as the manufacturing of nuclear-powered submarines. Furthermore, this development offers leeway for prospective expansion needs.

Substantial backing through coordinated efforts between HII investments and Navy funding has been paramount in making this new facility a reality. Celebratory events marking the inauguration of this site included NNS leadership, city officials from Norfolk, Navy dignitaries, and representatives from Fairlead.

Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers, Rear Adm. Casey Moton, highlighted this initiative as a testimony to what the Navy and industry team can accomplish when uniting efforts to inject novel efficiencies into shipbuilding programs, while making a lasting investment in the industrial base, workers, and supporting communities.

Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander lauded the collaborative efforts, denoting the critical role played by HII and its exceptional shipbuilders in fortifying national security and directing the course of defense for the future. The mayor also acknowledged HII's investment in Norfolk, which is anticipated to bring a wealth of in-demand job opportunities to the city.

NNS remains the sole entity in the United States capable of designing, constructing, and refueling nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, besides being one of the select shipyards equipped to build nuclear-powered submarines for the Navy. Currently, three Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers are undergoing construction: the John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), Enterprise (CVN 80), and Doris Miller (CVN 81).

HII, as a globe-trotting, all-domain defense provider, is committed to delivering formidable naval ships and comprehensive domain solutions that enhance the nation's ability to maintain peace and freedom worldwide. With a legacy spanning over 135 years in bolstering U.S. national security, HII's contributions traverse from ships to autonomous systems, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and synthetic training modalities. From its Virginia headquarters, HII's workforce boasts a robust count of 44,000 individuals.

Notable Market Influences

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