Ever wondered what it takes to strengthen a nation’s naval power? HII is making big moves, appointing Eric Chewning to spearhead its maritime systems and corporate strategy. This isn’t just a personnel change; it’s a bold step to revolutionize shipbuilding and integrate cutting-edge defense technology, expanding the industrial base. What could this mean for the future of global maritime security?
HII, a global leader in defense, has significantly bolstered its executive leadership by appointing Eric Chewning to the pivotal new role of executive vice president of Maritime Systems and Corporate Strategy. This strategic move underscores the company’s proactive approach to deepening its commitment to U.S. maritime supremacy and spearheading advanced technology development across all its operations. Chewning’s expanded responsibilities are central to navigating the evolving landscape of global defense, reinforcing the nation’s naval capabilities through innovation and robust strategic planning.
Since joining HII in January 2023, Chewning has brought a wealth of experience, including previous leadership in industrial base policy for the U.S. Department of Defense. His tenure at HII has been marked by dynamic efforts to expand the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base, a critical component of national security. These initiatives have encompassed strategic acquisitions, the cultivation of domestic and international partnerships, and the crucial integration of advanced technologies to support the future fleet of the U.S. Navy.
The company’s dedication to enhancing shipbuilding throughput for the U.S. Navy is a cornerstone of its mission. Chris Kastner, HII president and CEO, articulated this commitment, stating, “HII is firmly committed to increasing shipbuilding throughput for the U.S. Navy. We are doing that both by improving performance within our shipyards and expanding the industrial base.” This highlights a dual-pronged approach that combines internal operational excellence with external strategic expansion to meet urgent defense needs.
In his broadened capacity, Chewning collaborates closely with division shipyard presidents, guiding the overarching corporate strategy for future maritime capabilities and fleet architecture. His portfolio includes pioneering the development of hybrid manned-unmanned teaming strategies, identifying key outsourcing partners to accelerate production throughput, and driving new business pursuits for advanced maritime capabilities. This strategic oversight also extends to managing enterprise strategic partnerships and directing the cutting-edge Dark Sea Labs advanced technology group.
HII’s proactive outsourcing strategy is already yielding significant results, projecting to more than double outsourced hours this year and quadruple them over a two-year period with partners across multiple states. This vital outsourcing builds crucial industrial base capacity, directly enhancing HII throughput and improving adherence to stringent U.S. Navy schedules, ensuring timely delivery of essential defense technology.
Further demonstrating its commitment to expanding capabilities, HII acquired an advanced manufacturing facility and assets in South Carolina. This strategic move established Newport News Shipbuilding’s Charleston Operations, specifically designed to accelerate the production of critical submarine modules and structural aircraft carrier units, thereby strengthening the overall shipbuilding ecosystem.
The company has also strategically expanded its network of international partnerships, forging alliances with key players like South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and British defense company Babcock International Group. A joint venture, H&B Defense, with Babcock International, is actively accelerating Australia’s sovereign capability for a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine program, integrating Australian and U.K. companies into the HII supply chain to fortify the allied maritime industrial base.
Domestically, HII has intensified its technology partnerships, notably with C3 AI, to rapidly deploy Industry 4.0 technologies and apply sophisticated artificial intelligence solutions to accelerate shipbuilding production. These collaborations are pivotal in leveraging cutting-edge innovation to enhance efficiency and maintain HII’s competitive edge in the defense sector.
As a global, all-domain defense provider, HII’s mission is unequivocally centered on delivering the world’s most powerful ships and comprehensive all-domain solutions to serve the nation. With a history spanning over 135 years, HII consistently advances U.S. national security by providing critical capabilities ranging from ships to unmanned systems, cyber solutions, ISR, AI/ML, and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia with a robust workforce of 44,000, HII continues to create strategic advantages for its customers, safeguarding peace and freedom worldwide.
