HII Hosts Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith at Ingalls Shipbuilding
PASCAGOULA, Miss. – HII (NYSE: HII) recently had the honor of welcoming General Eric Smith, the 39th commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, to its Ingalls Shipbuilding division. This visit provided an opportunity for Gen. Smith to engage with the leadership team and embark on a tour of the shipyard, specifically highlighting the impressive features of the Bougainville (LHA 8), an America-class amphibious assault ship.
Showcasing Ingalls Shipbuilding Expertise
During his visit, Gen. Smith noted, “The skills and dedication of our Ingalls shipbuilders were on full display during this visit, and I am proud of the critical role our team plays in supporting the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy mission,” shared Brian Blanchette, the president of Ingalls Shipbuilding. He emphasized that the amphibious programs are of utmost importance, reinforcing the company's commitment to deliver advanced ships tailored for the fleet.
The Importance of Amphibious Capability
This significant visit marked Gen. Smith's third tour at Ingalls Shipbuilding in his current position. He discussed the broader maritime strategy and expressed gratitude towards the Ingalls workforce for their dedication. “The construction of these ships is vital to our national interest,” Gen. Smith stated. He underscored that the workforce's efforts directly bolster the capabilities of the Navy and Marine Corps in exercising global power and serving as a naval expeditionary force.
Active Ship Construction at Ingalls
Ingalls Shipbuilding is currently bustling with activity, with two America-class amphibious assault ships, the Bougainville (LHA 8) and Fallujah (LHA 9), among the vessels under construction. Moreover, the facility is also working on three Flight II Landing Platform Dock (LPD) ships: the Harrisburg (LPD 30), Pittsburgh (LPD 31), and Philadelphia (LPD 32).
In addition, in the previous year, the U.S. Navy awarded Ingalls a contract for constructing additional San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships (LPD 33, LPD 34, and LPD 35) along with a modification for the fifth America-class ship, Helmand Province (LHA 10).
About HII
HII stands as a prominent global defense provider, executing its mission to deliver the world’s most formidable ships and all-domain solutions in support of national interests. With a rich history spanning over 135 years, HII is the nation’s largest military shipbuilder focused on advancing U.S. national security.
The company's capabilities encompass a range of technologies, from sophisticated vessels to unmanned systems, cyber operations, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and synthetic training solutions. HII, headquartered in Virginia, boasts a workforce of around 44,000 dedicated professionals.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding HII, reach out to Kimberly Aguillard at Kimberly.K.Aguillard@HII-co.com or call (228) 355-5663.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of Gen. Smith's visit to HII?
Gen. Smith visited HII to engage with the leadership at Ingalls Shipbuilding and to highlight the importance of the shipbuilding workforce.
What amphibious assault ships are currently under construction at Ingalls?
Ingalls is currently constructing the Bougainville (LHA 8) and the Fallujah (LHA 9).
How does HII contribute to national security?
HII plays a crucial role in national security by providing advanced naval vessels and technologies critical for military operations and defense capabilities.
What type of contracts has the Navy awarded to HII?
The Navy has awarded contracts for various amphibious ships, including the San Antonio-class and the America-class ships.
Who can I contact for more information about HII?
You can contact Kimberly Aguillard via email or phone for more information about HII.
