HII Establishes New Leadership for Maritime Systems Strategy
HII has officially appointed Eric Chewning as the executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy. This newly created position represents a significant step for HII as it aims to enhance its strategic approach to maritime and advanced technology developments. Following years of commitment to ensuring maritime supremacy in the U.S., this move reflects a strong intent to bolster shipbuilding and multi-domain warfighting capabilities.
Eric Chewning, who joined HII in January 2023, brings a wealth of experience. Previously, he led industrial base policy for the U.S. Department of Defense. In his time at HII, Chewning has played a pivotal role in expanding the shipbuilding industrial base through strategic acquisitions, nurturing domestic and international partnerships, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to support the U.S. Navy’s upcoming fleet requirements.
Chris Kastner, HII’s president and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about Chewning's expanded responsibilities, stating, “HII is firmly committed to increasing shipbuilding throughput for the U.S. Navy. We are addressing this by enhancing performance within our shipyards and broadening the industrial base.” Kastner continued to emphasize that Chewning’s diverse expertise is vital for delivering essential capabilities to defense partners.
Chewning's Role in Future Maritime Capabilities
While division shipyard presidents are responsible for various operational aspects of shipyards, Chewning will collaborate closely with them. His focus is on steering the company's strategy for future maritime capabilities and fleet architecture. This includes the development of hybrid manned-unmanned operations, identifying strategic outsourcing partners to accelerate production, pursuing business opportunities for new maritime technologies, managing enterprise strategic alliances, and overseeing the innovative Dark Sea Labs technology group.
Progress Toward Enhanced Shipbuilding Capacities
As part of its goal to increase throughput, HII has made considerable advancements in numerous areas:
- HII is set to more than double outsourced hours this year through collaborations with partners across multiple states, quadrupling that figure over the next two years. Such outsourcing efforts are fundamental to bolstering the industrial base and ensuring adherence to U.S. Navy schedules.
- Additionally, HII has acquired an advanced manufacturing facility in South Carolina, which will facilitate the production of submarine modules and structural components for aircraft carriers through its Newport News Shipbuilding Charleston Operations.
- The company has formed strategic partnerships with international firms, including South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and the UK's Babcock International Group. Their joint venture, H&B Defense, is advancing Australia's nuclear-powered submarine initiative, incorporating local and U.K. companies into the supply chain to enhance allied industrial strength.
- Moreover, HII has intensified its domestic technological collaborations, notably with C3 AI, to expedite the ongoing deployment of Industry 4.0 technologies. This effort is crucial in utilizing artificial intelligence to streamline shipbuilding production processes.
About HII and Its Mission
HII stands as a global leader in defense, committed to delivering powerful ships and comprehensive solutions across all domains to ensure national security. With over 135 years of history as the largest military shipbuilder in the U.S., HII is dedicated to extending critical capabilities that range from sophisticated vessels to unmanned systems, cyber operations, ISR, AI/ML, and synthetic training technologies. HII employs a robust workforce of 44,000 professionals, all striving to protect global peace and freedom.
For those interested in learning more about HII’s ongoing projects and corporate vision, the following platforms offer comprehensive insights:
- Visit the HII website at HII.com.
- Connect with HII on Facebook: TeamHII.
- Follow HII on X at WeAreHII.
- Check out HII on Instagram: WeAreHII.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Danny Hernandez
Danny.J.Hernandez@hii-co.com
(202) 264-7143
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eric Chewning's new role at HII?
Eric Chewning has been appointed as executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy, where he will lead HII's strategy in maritime technologies.
What are the main goals of HII with this new leadership?
HII aims to bolster shipbuilding capabilities and enhance multi-domain warfare through strategic initiatives under Chewning’s leadership.
How is HII improving its shipbuilding processes?
HII is increasing outsourcing, expanding facilities, and forming strategic partnerships to enhance production capabilities and meet U.S. Navy schedules.
What partnerships is HII pursuing internationally?
HII has formed strategic partnerships with companies such as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Babcock International Group to strengthen maritime capabilities.
What technologies is HII focusing on?
HII is concentrating on advancing Industry 4.0 technologies and incorporating artificial intelligence to improve shipbuilding efficiency.
