HII Appoints Eric Chewning as EVP of Maritime Systems and Corporate Strategy

HII has appointed Eric Chewning as executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy. Chewning will lead HII's strategy for advancing maritime and technology development. In 2025, HII plans to double outsourced hours and acquire a new manufacturing facility in South Carolina. The company has also enhanced international partnerships with HD Hyundai and Babcock International and partnered with C3 AI for Industry 4.0 technologies.

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has appointed Eric Chewning as executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy, broadening his responsibilities to lead the company’s strategy around maritime and advanced technology development. Chewning’s expanded role advances HII’s years-long strategy to bolster U.S. maritime supremacy by strengthening shipbuilding and fielding new multi-domain warfighting capabilities [1].

Since joining HII in January 2023, Chewning has spearheaded efforts to expand the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base through acquisition, expansion of domestic and international partnerships, and leveraging advanced technologies in support of the U.S. Navy’s future fleet. In 2025, HII plans to more than double the number of outsourced hours with partners in multiple states and quadruple them over a two-year period. This outsourcing builds industrial base capacity, increases HII throughput, and improves adherence to U.S. Navy schedules [1].

HII has acquired an advanced manufacturing facility and assets in South Carolina, establishing Newport News Shipbuilding’s Charleston Operations to accelerate production of submarine modules and structural aircraft carrier units. This move directly addresses the U.S. Navy’s urgent need to accelerate production of nuclear-powered submarines and carriers [1].

HII has also expanded its network of strategic international partnerships. The joint venture with Babcock International, H&B Defense, is pivotal to Australia’s AUKUS-contracted nuclear-powered submarine program, ensuring HII’s expertise in nuclear propulsion is exported to key allies. Simultaneously, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries opens avenues for collaborative innovation in both defense and commercial shipbuilding [2].

In addition, HII has partnered with C3 AI to accelerate the deployment of Industry 4.0 technologies and apply artificial intelligence to accelerate shipbuilding production. These advancements aim to enhance efficiency and meet the evolving demands of the U.S. Navy and global maritime defense needs [3].

HII’s strategic reorganization and expansion position the company to capitalize on long-term maritime defense growth opportunities. The company’s recent financial outperformance and alignment with the $195B Navy shipbuilding budget further solidify its role as a key player in the sector [3].

References:
[1] https://hii.com/news/hii-taps-chewning-to-lead-maritime-systems-and-corporate-strategy/
[2] https://www.morningstar.com/news/globe-newswire/9520095/hii-taps-chewning-to-lead-maritime-systems-and-corporate-strategy
[3] https://www.ainvest.com/news/hii-strategic-reorganization-expansion-maritime-defense-blueprint-long-term-growth-2508/