HII Hosts Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith
This month, HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division had the distinct honor of welcoming Gen. Eric Smith, the 39th commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, for an official visit. This visit took place at the shipyard, with Smith engaging in meaningful discussions with the leadership team and touring the facilities where critical naval vessels are being constructed.
Highlighting Shipbuilding Excellence
During this visit, Gen. Smith had the opportunity to observe the impressive work being undertaken by the shipbuilders at Ingalls. The shipyard is currently in the process of constructing two remarkable amphibious warships: Bougainville (LHA 8) and Harrisburg (LPD 30). Brian Blanchette, Ingalls’ Vice President of Quality and Engineering and the incoming President, expressed pride in the work being done by the shipbuilders, emphasizing their commitment to support both the Navy and Marine Corps.
Commitment to National Safety
Blanchette stated, "Every amphibious ship built at Ingalls showcases the unwavering dedication, skill, and patriotism of our team. Together, we deliver ships that ensure our nation’s safety and reinforce our commitment to those who serve." The opportunity to discuss the impact of this work with Gen. Smith was a proud moment for the team, aligning with their mission to build powerful naval assets.
Significance of the Recent Procurement Contract
This visit marked Gen. Smith's first since the Navy made significant announcements regarding the procurement of several new amphibious assault ships. These include an exciting multi-ship contract for the construction of three new San Antonio-class ships (LPD 33-35) and a modification to the ongoing contract for the upcoming America-class large-deck amphibious ship, the Helmand Province (LHA 10). This contract is seen as a pivotal step towards enhancing military capabilities, benefiting the Department of Defense and American taxpayers.
Cumulative Achievements in Shipbuilding
Since its inception, Ingalls has successfully delivered 13 ships of the San Antonio-class and 15 large-deck amphibious vessels to the U.S. Navy. Currently, the shipyard is focused on two major projects: the Bougainville (LHA 8) and Fallujah (LHA 9) are under production, alongside the Harrisburg (LPD 30) and Pittsburgh (LPD 31) Flight II LPDs. Furthermore, pre-construction activities are already underway for the 16th ship in the San Antonio class, the Philadelphia (LPD 32).
About HII
HII is a global leader in defense solutions with a mission to deliver some of the world's most powerful naval vessels and all-domain solutions. As the largest military shipbuilder in the nation, HII boasts over 135 years of experience in supporting U.S. national security. They provide crucial capabilities that extend far beyond shipbuilding, including cyber operations, unmanned systems, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and synthetic training.
The company is headquartered in Virginia and proudly employs a workforce of over 44,000 dedicated professionals. For more information about HII and their operations, please visit their official website.
Contact Information:
Kimberly K. Aguillard
228-355-5663
Kimberly.K.Aguillard@hii-co.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of Gen. Eric Smith's visit to HII?
The visit aimed to discuss naval construction and the ongoing projects at Ingalls Shipbuilding, highlighting the partnership with the Marine Corps.
What ships are currently under construction at Ingalls Shipbuilding?
Ingalls Shipbuilding is currently constructing the Bougainville (LHA 8) and Harrisburg (LPD 30) amphibious warships.
How many San Antonio-class ships has HII delivered?
To date, HII has delivered 13 ships of the San Antonio-class to the U.S. Navy.
What recent contract did the Navy announce?
The Navy announced a multi-ship procurement contract for three new San Antonio-class ships and modifications for the America-class ship.
What is HII’s mission?
HII's mission is to deliver powerful ships and solutions to strengthen national security and protect peace worldwide.
