HII Announces New Vice President of Columbia-Class Program

Global defense and technologies partner HII (NYSE:HII) announced today that Brandi Smith has been named vice president of the Columbia-class program at the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. Smith will succeed Charles Southall, who will retire July 1 after more than 35 years of distinguished service.

At HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, a new pier now under construction in the North Yard will be a crucial piece in the Columbia-Class Submarine Program, where Newport News plays a major supporting role. Construction began about a year ago on the pier, which is just north of Dry Dock 12. It will allow NNS to load Columbia submarine modules onto a barge for transport to General Dynamics Electric Boat, the prime contractor for the program. But that simple description doesn’t do justice to the complexity and breadth of this project. It’s been a rewarding experience for Aaron T. Kenny, the O41 facilities engineer overseeing the work. “We’re building the largest modules we’ve ever shipped out, and we’re utilizing a whole new design for something to carry these modules,” he said. “The engineering being done is amazing.”

Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has been awarded a contract modification from General Dynamics Electric Boat in support of construction on the first two Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines

Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) hosted a ceremonial first-cut-of-steel event today at its Newport News Shipbuilding division to mark the start of advance construction for the Columbia-class submarine program.

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (NYSE:HII) Newport News Shipbuilding division has lifted and mounted a 400-metric ton caisson unit into its new Joint Manufacturing Assembly Facility (JMAF).

Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding division was awarded a contract from General Dynamics Electric Boat worth up to $468 million to begin work on integrated product and process development for the U.S. Navy’s new Columbia-class submarines.