HII Closes on Asset Acquisition to Expand Shipbuilding Capacity
January 27, 2025
Mrs. Alexandra Curry
Ship Sponsor
Alexandra Curry is originally from Slatington, Pennsylvania, a very small town in eastern Pennsylvania. Slatington is where she grew up, graduated from high school, and eventually met her future husband, Jim Curry.
Following college, Alexandra and Jim, her then fiancé, found themselves looking for job opportunities that the Slatington area could not provide. Harrisburg opened its arms and was chosen as the community to establish their roots, marry, pursue their careers, and eventually raise their children. Since small towns were where they found comfort, Middletown, right outside of the city of Harrisburg, felt like home.
Alexandra is a mother of two boys, Jimmy (11) and Jude (6). She oversees talent acquisition for Covered Insurance, a digital insurance marketplace located in Denver, Colorado. She spends her spare time enjoying moments with her husband and boys, renovating their colonial home, camping, and being with family and close friends.
Mrs. Jennifer Díaz
Ship Sponsor
Jennifer Díaz has dedicated her life to serving others, bringing her compassion and leadership to every role she undertakes. Born and raised in central Pennsylvania, just 50 miles from Harrisburg, Jennifer developed a deep sense of community and service from a young age by participating in organizations like the Girl Scouts and 4H. She is a proud alumna of Lycoming College, where she graduated in 2007.
Currently, Jennifer serves as the Director of Major Gifts for The Salvation Army in Philadelphia. In this role, she leverages her expertise and passion for philanthropy to support critical programs that uplift individuals and families in need.
Jennifer is also an active and committed volunteer within her community. She serves as Secretary for the Residents of Shawmont Valley Civic Association, contributes her time as a board member of the Philly Goat Project, and supports community initiatives through her work with the nonprofit Action Tank.
With a legacy of Naval service rooted in her family — her mother, Gail Switzer, devoted nearly 30 years as a Navy civilian with Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, her brother Noah served as a submariner, and her husband, Chris Díaz, a former Navy hospital corpsman with the Marines and now Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy — Jennifer embodies the spirit of dedication to others in both her professional and personal life.
Jennifer lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Chris, and their beloved dog, Upa. She is grateful to have helped raise her step-son, Rain.
Jennifer continues to inspire those around her with her unwavering dedication to making a difference.
Mrs. Monica Peters
Matron of Honor
Monica Peters grew up in a small Pennsylvania town called Slatington. She graduated from high school and had her first office job in that same little town. Eventually, she fell in love and married a high school classmate, Mike Peters. They bought a home there in Slatington, where they raised their two children Alexandra and Dylan who also graduated from their same high school.
For the last 27 years, Monica has been employed by Hobbie Professional Staff Management as the Payroll Administrator. Her hobbies include bicycling the trails and camping. Her favorite thing to do is to spend every spare moment with her family and cheering on their three grandchildren, Maddie, Jimmy, and Jude in everything they do.
Mr. Brian Blanchette
President of Ingalls Shipbuilding and Executive Vice President of HII
Brian Blanchette is executive vice president of HII and president of Ingalls Shipbuilding. Named to this position in January 2025, he is responsible for all programs and operations at Ingalls, including the U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault and surface combatant ship programs and the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter program.
Prior to his current role, Blanchette served as the Chief Technology Officer and Vice President, Quality and Engineering for Ingalls Shipbuilding. In this position, he oversaw the formulation, management, and oversight of the division’s quality program, research & development, ship design engineering, integrated logistics support (ILS), and planning yard programs.
Blanchette began his career at Ingalls Shipbuilding in 1996 as an associate naval architect with Research & Development. Over his 28-year tenure, he has held various positions in Engineering, Program Management, and Business Development, where he supported multiple international programs, served as the technical lead for Ingalls’ LCS proposal offering, was the ship design manager for multiple platforms, and was the ship program manager for Ralph Johnson (DDG 114). Most recently, he was director of Technical & Design Engineering, where he led his team in executing the DDG Flight III, LHA 8, and LPD 28, 29, and 30 design efforts while providing technical support across all ship classes during construction.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the University of Michigan and attended the Center for Corporate Education program at The College of William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business.
Active in his community, Blanchette serves on the executive committee of the Gulf Coast Business Council and board of directors for the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation and the Mississippi Economic Council. He also serves on the Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board for the Michael W. Hall School of Mechanical Engineering at Mississippi State University.
The Honorable Carlos Del Toro
78th Secretary of the Navy
The Honorable Carlos Del Toro was sworn in as the 78th Secretary of the Navy August 9, 2021. As Secretary, he is responsible for over 1 million Sailors, Marines, reservists, and civilian personnel and an annual budget exceeding $255 billion. His priorities include securing the training and equipment successful naval operations demand and addressing the most pressing challenges confronting the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps by strengthening maritime dominance, building a culture of warfighting excellence, and enhancing strategic partnerships.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Del Toro immigrated to the U.S. with his family as refugees in 1962. Raised in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City, he attended public schools and received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. Secretary Del Toro was commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer upon his graduation in 1983.
His 22-year naval career included a series of critical appointments and numerous tours of duty at sea – including First Commanding Officer of the guided missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84); Senior Executive Assistant to the Director for Program Analysis and Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense; and Special Assistant to the Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget – where he helped manage the budgets of DOD, the U.S. Department of State, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, and the Peace Corps.
After retiring at the rank of Commander, Secretary Del Toro founded SBG Technology Solutions, Inc. in 2004. As its CEO and President, he supported defense programs across a host of immediate and long-term Department of Navy issue areas, including shipbuilding, AI, cybersecurity, acquisition programs, space systems, health, and training.
He holds a Masters in National Security Studies from the Naval War College, a Masters in Space Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Masters in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University.
Secretary Del Toro and his wife have four children and multiple grandchildren.
General Christopher J. Mahoney, USMC
37th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
General Mahoney is a native of South Weymouth, Massachusetts, and graduated from Holy Cross in June 1987. He completed The Basic School (TBS) and Infantry Officer’s Course (IOC), at Quantico, Virginia, in 1988.
After flight training in Florida and Texas and his qualification as an A6-E Intruder pilot, General Mahoney deployed to the Indo-Pacific with VMA (AW)-224, The Bengals. He completed transition training to the F-18 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro and made multiple deployments with VMFA (AW)-224, VMFA-122 and VMFA (AW)-242 to the Indo-Pacific, Italy, and Iraq, based out of MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, and MCAS Miramar, California. Additionally, General Mahoney served a tour as an instructor at the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1 (MAWTS-1) at MCAS Yuma, AZ.
He has held command at the squadron, group and wing levels. He completed a Joint Force tour as Chief of Staff of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, and he served as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps (HQMC).
His General Officer duties include Deputy Commander, U.S. Marine Forces Pacific; Director of Strategy and Plans at HQMC; Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces, Japan; Commanding General, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing; and Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources, HQMC.
General Mahoney was sworn in as the 37th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps on November 3, 2023.
General Mahoney is a graduate of the Infantry Officers’ Course, Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI), the Marine Division Tactics Course (MDTC), and the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). He has over 5000 hours of flight time in the A-6, F-5, F-18, and the F-35 and is a qualified Forward Air Controller and parachutist. He attended the Australian Command and Staff College and the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base. He holds Masters Degrees from the University of Canberra, Australia and the Air University with the highest academic distinction.
Rear Admiral Thomas J. Anderson, USN
Program Executive Officer, Ships
Rear Adm. Anderson is a native of North Brunswick, New Jersey. He was commissioned in 1991 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Program at Boston University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Anderson’s tours as a surface warfare officer included USS Capodanno (FF 1093) and USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), where he coordinated the first two Chief of Naval Operations availabilities of the DDG 51 Class. Upon selection to the engineering duty community in 1996, he attended the Naval Postgraduate School where he earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He also completed the Total Ship Systems Engineering Curriculum and became a California State Licensed Professional Engineer.
Ashore, he has served in a variety of industrial, fleet, program office and headquarters assignments in ship design and construction, maintenance, budgeting, and requirements. His ashore assignments include: Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) executive assistant; Littoral Combat Ship Shipbuilding program manager (PMS 501); Office of the Chief of Naval Operations requirements officer (N86); chief engineer and post-delivery branch head for the DDG 51 Class (PMS 400D); and Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Atlantic, mine warfare type desk officer (N43).
As a flag officer, Anderson served as commander Naval Surface Warfare Center, Department of Defense executive manager for Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technology and Training, commander Navy Regional Maintenance Center (CNRMC) and Naval Sea Systems Command director Surface Ship Maintenance and Modernization (SEA 21).
Anderson most recently served as program executive officer, Ships, where he was responsible for Navy shipbuilding for surface combatants, amphibious ships, logistics support ships, support craft, and related foreign military sales. Anderson became the acting commander of NAVSEA Sept. 1, 2023. As the acting NAVSEA commander, he oversees a global team responsible for the development, construction, delivery and maintenance of the Navy’s ships, submarines and systems.
Mr. Karl Singleton
Chief Equity and Compliance Officer, City of Harrisburg, PA
Karl Singleton is a dedicated advocate for community advancement and equity, bringing over two decades of expertise in fostering relationships and championing initiatives that address systemic challenges. Since January 3, 2023, he has served as the Chief Equity and Compliance Officer for Harrisburg, the capital city of Pennsylvania, in his second mayoral administration cabinet appointment. Singleton’s commitment lies in cultivating professional environments that prioritize inclusivity, particularly for underrepresented populations, while ensuring initiatives are executed with integrity and accountability.
In his first role with the Harrisburg City Government from 2014-2018 as Senior Advisor to the Mayor, Singleton spearheaded initiatives aligned with President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative and the 21st Century Policing Recommendations. One of his notable achievements was establishing the Regional Disproportionate Minority Contact Committee, which united law enforcement leaders, educators, and community stakeholders to foster healthy and safe communities.
Singleton’s leadership extends beyond public office, having served on the boards of numerous organizations, including The Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Harrisburg (where he was President), and as a founding member of Impact Harrisburg and the Pennsylvania Diversity Coalition. Through the Coalition, he has been instrumental in preparing Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs) to access federal, state, and local resources, helping to pave pathways toward self-sufficiency and generational wealth.
His contributions to education include a decade-long tenure as an administrator at Sylvan Heights Science Charter School and positions as a reading and behavior intervention specialist in the Harrisburg area. He co-founded the Premier Arts and Science Charter School, emphasizing STEM career pathways, and has provided training on schoolwide positive behavior models in his consultancy role with the Harrisburg City School District.
A sought-after professional in areas of equity within education, housing, workforce development, and economic growth, Singleton’s influence is felt throughout Pennsylvania. His earlier roles, such as Co-Director of Clarion University’s Race Relations Program, Building Bridges, reflect his lifelong dedication to fostering cultural awareness and promoting open dialogue on diversity and inclusion. Karl Singleton’s unwavering focus on equity and community empowerment has made him a distinguished leader in addressing systemic disparities and driving meaningful change.
Captain Matthew Tardy, USN
Amphibious Warfare Program Manager, Program Executive Office, Ships
Captain Matthew L. Tardy was born and raised in South Holland, Illinois, and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1998 with a degree in Business Administration. Following graduation, he attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, where he earned his commission.
Captain Tardy was assigned to USS Dewert (FFG 45) where he was the Anti- Submarine Warfare Officer and Engineering Assistant and completed a SOUTHCOM Counter Narcotics deployment. In 2001, Captain Tardy was assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), where he was the Forward Propulsion Group Officer and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Captain Tardy reported to Naval Post Graduate School (NPS) in 2003, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Computer Science. Following NPS, Captain Tardy’s initial Engineering Duty Office tour was at the Southeast Regional Maintenance Center (SERMC) in Mayport, Florida, where he served as a Ship Repair Officer for FFG, DDG, and CV Selected Restricted Availabilities. In 2007, Captain Tardy reported to the FFG CLASSRON in Mayport, Florida, where he next assigned was as the Maintenance and Modernization Business Plan Officer. Captain Tardy next reported to the Supervisor of Shipbuilding Bath, in Mobile, Alabama, in 2008 as the Test Officer supporting delivery of USS Independence (LCS 2). Following LCS 2 delivery, he served as the Deputy PMR for the JHSV program in Mobile, Alabama.
In 2011, Captain Tardy reported to Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (CNSL) as the N43 Amphibious Class Type Desk Officer and Manager. While at CNSL, Captain Tardy volunteered for an Individual Augmentee assignment to the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, where he completed a year-long deployment to Djibouti, Africa, as the Engineering Operations Officer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Captain Tardy reported to the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast in 2013 as the LCS Program Manager’s Representative where he led the waterfront team in the delivery of USS Jackson (LCS-6) and USS Montgomery (LCS-8). In 2016, Tardy reported to Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) as the PMS 501 Freedom Variant Production Officer Principal Assistant to the Program Manager. In 2018, Captain Tardy reported to Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (DASN) for Ships as the Chief of Staff. Captain Tardy began serving as the Major Program Manager for Surface Ship Modernization at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) headquarters in April 2020.
In May of 2023, Captain Tardy assumed command of Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division. As the 40th commanding officer to lead the organization since its founding as the Experimental Model Basin in 1898, he led more than 2,800 employees providing the Navy with a broad range of technical products and support services related to surface and undersea platforms. In July of 2024, Captain Tardy assumed duties as the Major Program Manager for the Amphibious Warfare Program.
Captain Tardy is a member of the Acquisition Professional Community. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two gold stars), Meritorious Service Medal (two gold stars), Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three gold stars), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (one gold star).
Captain Randy Slaff, USN
Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast
CAPT Randy Slaff was born in Nashville, TN, and raised in Dallas, PA. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1999 with a degree in Naval Architecture. He then reported to USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51) for his first division officer tour as the Anti- Submarine Warfare Officer. During his tour aboard USS ARLEIGH BURKE, he earned his Surface Warfare Officer qualification. In 2001, CAPT Slaff reported to DESRON 26 as the Assistant Operations Officer, and earned his Tactical Action Officer qualification. Following his tour with DESRON 26, he reported ashore to the Surface Warfare Officer School in 2003 where he served as an anti-submarine warfare instructor and completed his Master Training Specialist Qualification. In 2007, he completed his master’s degree at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA, where he completed the Total Ship Systems Engineering Program and earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
CAPT Slaff’s initial Engineering Duty Office tour was at the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair in Bath, ME (SSBA), where he served as a Project Officer/Ship Superintendent for DDG 104, DDG 106, and DDG 1000. Following the completion of his Engineering Duty Officer Qualification in 2009, he assumed duties as the SSBA Production/Delivery Officer for both the DDG 51 and DDG 1000 programs and completed the delivery of USS WAYNE E MEYER (DDG 108). In 2010, CAPT Slaff reported to the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair Gulf Coast (SSGC) in Pascagoula, MS, where he was assigned as the DDG 1000 Program Manager’s Representative (PMR). While stationed at SSGC, CAPT Slaff was accepted as a member of the Acquisition Professional Community. Following his tour as SSGC DDG 1000 PMR, CAPT Slaff completed an IA deployment as the Deputy Force Engineer for Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa in Djibouti, Africa. In 2013, CAPT Slaff reported to PEO Ships as the Production Officer and Principle Assistant Program Manager for Post-Delivery, Test and Evaluation, and Fleet Introduction for the LPD Program (PMS 317). In 2016, CAPT Slaff reported to the Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast as the LHA Program Manager’s Representative and delivered USS TRIPOLI (LHA 7) in 2020. In October 2020, CAPT Slaff reported to Special Operations Command where he assumed duties as Program Executive Officer Maritime for Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, & Logistics (SOF AT&L). CAPT Slaff reported to SSGC in July 2023 and assumed duties as Commanding Officer.
CAPT Slaff’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards). He has been married to Maraya Slaff of Kingston, PA., since 2000. They have two children, Nicholas and Isabelle.
Commander Jeffrey Perry, CHC, USN
Command Chaplain, Bougainville (LHA 8)
Chaplain Perry was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps in September of 2003. The following summer, he reported to Naval Chaplains School, Newport, Rhode Island for Basic Chaplain Training, completing the Officer Induction School, Naval Chaplain Basic Course, Division Officer Capstone Course, and Amphibious Expeditionary Course. For the next three years, he remained a Chaplain Candidate while completing Seminary education and other religious organization requirements.
In July of 2007, Chaplain Perry ascended to active duty after completing two weeks of TEAMs at the Naval Chaplain Corps School, Newport, Rhode Island. His duty stations include Staff Chaplain, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan; Tactical Chaplain, USS Makin Island (LHD 8), San Diego, California; Tactical Chaplain, 1st Marine Division Camp Pendleton, 1st Battalion 4th Marines, 1st Battalion 11th Marines; Clinical Pastoral Education Resident, Navy Medical Center San Diego, California; Group Chaplain, Naval Hospital Pensacola, Florida; Command Chaplain, Strategic Communication Wing One, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma; Command Chaplain, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; and as Deputy Division Chaplain, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In March 2024, he began serving as the Command Chaplain, PCU USS Bougainville (LHA 8).
Chaplain Perry completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resource Administration in 2001 from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 2005, he received a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. In 2014, he earned a Master of Theology Certificate in Applied Theology from the University of Balamand, Lebanon. In 2016, he completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education and became board certified in Clinical Pastoral Care through the National Association of Veteran Affairs Chaplains. In 2019, he completed the Mental Health Integration of Chaplain Services through the Veteran’s Affairs Chaplain program.
Chaplain Perry is an ordained priest with the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America and is credentialed to serve as a chaplain.
Chaplain Perry has been married to his wife, Andrea (nee. Schnute) for 26 years, and they have eight children. He enjoys cycling, ultra-running, woodworking, and writing poetry.
Chaplain Perry’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four gold stars), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
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