About the Company

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) stands as America’s largest military shipbuilder, operating three major divisions that form the backbone of U.S. naval power. Newport News Shipbuilding handles all aircraft carrier construction and refueling operations, while partnering with General Dynamics Electric Boat on submarine programs. The Ingalls division in Mississippi serves as the nation’s largest provider of surface combatants, including destroyers and amphibious vessels. Meanwhile, their Mission Technologies division, based in McLean, Virginia, has emerged as the world’s largest producer of unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs), having delivered over 750 systems globally through their Lionfish program and Remus family of vehicles.

About the Guest

Eric Chewning brings a unique blend of private sector expertise and defense policy experience to his leadership role at HII. His background spans investment banking, management consulting at McKinsey & Company, and critical Pentagon positions focused on industrial base policy and serving as an advisor to the Secretary of Defense. From workforce development to technological innovation and international partnerships, Eric is driving the conversation around the future of American shipbuilding.

Key Topics of Conversation

* Workforce Innovation and Outsourcing Strategy: HII’s ambitious plan to scale outsourced work from 2 million to 3 million hours annually, and rebuilding of the sub-tier industrial base across America

* Unmanned Systems Leadership: HII’s position as the world’s largest UUV producer, the evolution of the Lionfish program and autonomous launch and recovery capabilities for the Remus vehicle family

* Industrial Base and International Partnerships: Analysis of the Korea-Hyundai partnership and how to balance domestic production with international cooperation

* Technology Integration Challenges: assessing the state of AI implementation in legacy manufacturing environments and change management challenges in traditional shipbuilding operations

* Workforce Development Excellence: HII’s Apprentice School programs and strategies for attracting talent from other industries to maritime

* Defense Policy and Budget Outlook: FY26 defense program priorities, evolution of Navy unmanned surface vessel (USV) strategy, and long-term implications for naval force structure and capabilities

Learn more about HII: https://hii.com/

Follow Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-chewning-0500733/

Follow Austin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinelliottgray/

Follow Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tglinatsis/

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