HII Hosts Secretary Of The Navy And Top Naval Leaders At Ingalls Shipbuilding
Ingalls Shipbuilding is at the forefront of the U.S. Navy’s modernization efforts, as highlighted by recent remarks from John C. Phelan, the 79th Secretary of the Navy. During a visit to the shipyard, Phelan praised the dedication of the shipbuilders, emphasizing their crucial role in national security. HII’s President and CEO, Chris Kastner, also acknowledged the urgent need for naval vessels and outlined the company’s commitment to expanding its capabilities to meet this demand.
Commitment to Maritime Supremacy
During his visit, Secretary Phelan expressed gratitude to the shipbuilders at Ingalls Shipbuilding, stating, “The shipbuilders I met today are on the front lines of American strength.” He underscored that the skill and innovation of these workers are essential for maintaining maritime dominance. Kastner echoed this sentiment, thanking the Navy leadership for their support and highlighting HII’s efforts to enhance shipbuilding capacity. The company has invested significantly in its shipyards, focusing on partnerships, workforce retention, and improving shipbuilder proficiency to meet the Navy’s urgent requirements.
Ingalls Shipbuilding is actively engaged in the early engineering and design phases for the Navy’s next battleship, part of the ambitious “Golden Fleet” initiative aimed at modernizing naval capabilities. Additionally, the shipyard has been selected to design and construct the future small surface combatant (SSC) platform, utilizing the established design of the Legend-class national security cutter. This strategic focus reflects HII’s commitment to delivering advanced naval vessels that meet the evolving demands of maritime operations.
Investing in the Future of Naval Power
During the visit, Phelan, along with other Navy leaders, engaged with HII and Ingalls management to review current shipbuilding programs and observe cutting-edge manufacturing technologies that enhance production efficiency. They toured the America-class amphibious assault ship Bougainville (LHA 8), currently under construction, and the recently delivered Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128). These interactions underscored the Navy’s and Marine Corps’ commitment to aligning their operational needs with HII’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
Smith, another key leader present, remarked on the significance of the work being done at Ingalls Shipbuilding, stating, “These workers should be proud to know they are directly contributing to America’s Naval Expeditionary Force.” He emphasized that the ships produced here will play a vital role in projecting American power globally, with Marines ready to respond to crises. HII has invested over $1 billion in infrastructure and advanced tools at Ingalls Shipbuilding, ensuring the shipyard is prepared to deliver next-generation capabilities while continuing to produce destroyers and amphibious assault ships.
