Huntington Ingalls Industries

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

Company type	Public
Industry	Military shipbuilding and defense technology
Predecessor	Northrop Grumman (shipbuilding division)
Founded	March 31, 2011 (2011-03-31) in Newport News, Virginia, United States
Headquarters	Newport News, Virginia , United States
Area served	United States, global defense sector
Key people	Christopher D. Kastner (CEO)
Products	Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines, surface combatants, amphibious assault ships, National Security Cutters, defense technology solutions
Website	www.huntingtoningalls.com

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII) stands as the foremost military shipbuilder in the United States and offers specialized services to both government entities and industry collaborators. Positioned at No. 375 on the Fortune 500 list, HII was created on March 31, 2011, following a divestiture from Northrop Grumman.

The company is structured around three primary segments: Newport News Shipbuilding located in Virginia, Ingalls Shipbuilding based in Mississippi, and Mission Technologies.

In April 2022, the organization adopted the shortened name HII to signify its growth beyond traditional shipbuilding into a broader spectrum of global defense technology solutions.

History

Huntington Ingalls Industries came into existence on March 31, 2011, as a spin-off from Northrop Grumman’s shipbuilding operations situated in Newport News, Virginia; Pascagoula, Mississippi; and Avondale, Louisiana (the latter facility closed in 2014).

Since its formation, HII has strategically broadened its market presence and service offerings through acquisitions such as UniversalPegasus International, S.M. Stoller Corporation, Camber Corporation, Novonics, the Engineering Solutions division of the Columbia Group, G2 Inc., Alion Science and Technology, and Fulcrum IT Services.

The company introduced its third division in 2016—initially named Technical Solutions and now known as Mission Technologies—to expand its portfolio of professional and government services. Mission Technologies operates out of McLean, Virginia, with a network exceeding 100 locations worldwide.

The name Huntington Ingalls Industries pays tribute to its founding figures: Collis Potter Huntington, who established the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, and Robert Ingersoll Ingalls Sr., founder of Ingalls Shipbuilding.

On October 10, 2024, China imposed sanctions targeting HII and CEO Christopher D. Kastner due to their role in arms transactions with Taiwan, highlighting geopolitical challenges affecting the company’s international activities.

Divisions

• Newport News Shipbuilding, located in Newport News, Virginia, specializes in constructing nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the U.S. Navy, as well as managing refueling, extensive overhauls, and carrier decommissioning.
• Ingalls Shipbuilding, based in Pascagoula, Mississippi, concentrates on producing surface combatants for the U.S. Navy, amphibious warfare vessels, and National Security Cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Mission Technologies provides comprehensive support to U.S. unified combatant commands, Navy fleet operations, USAF and Air National Guard training programs, along with expertise in software development, cybersecurity solutions, unmanned systems operations, intelligence analysis, Department of Energy nuclear projects, nuclear fabrication services, and oil and gas industry support.

Ingalls Shipbuilding

Established in 1938 by Robert Ingersoll Ingalls Sr. along the Pascagoula River in Mississippi, Ingalls Shipbuilding initially produced commercial ships before transitioning into contracts with the U.S. Navy during the 1950s. Employing more than 11,000 individuals, it is Mississippi’s largest manufacturing employer and significantly contributes to Alabama’s economic development. Over an 85-year history, Ingalls has supplied amphibious vessels, destroyers, and cutters to both the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. It remains the leading provider of U.S. Navy surface combatants while concurrently building four distinct ship classes.

Since April 2021, Kari Wilkinson has served as executive vice president of HII and president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, managing all programs and operations including amphibious assault ships and surface combatant projects.

Newport News Shipbuilding

Founded in 1886 and based in Newport News, Virginia, this division stands as the only U.S. entity responsible for designing, constructing, and refueling nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. It is also one of just two facilities capable of building nuclear-powered submarines. With a history spanning over 800 vessels delivered to both the U.S. Navy and commercial customers, Newport News Shipbuilding generates roughly $5.8 billion in yearly revenue.

Since 2017, Jennifer Boykin has held the position of president as well as executive vice president of HII, marking her as the first female leader in the shipyard’s history.

Facilities

HII operates key facilities throughout the United States, including:

• Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Virginia – nuclear aircraft carriers, submarines, refueling and overhaul services
• Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi – surface combatants for the Navy, amphibious assault vessels, Coast Guard cutters
• Virginia Beach, Virginia – fleet support and training operations
• San Diego, California – fleet repair and support services
• Huntsville, Alabama – modeling, simulation, training programs, professional services
• Fairfax, Virginia – information technology and cybersecurity solutions

Former facilities

• Gulfport, Mississippi (research and development in composites, composite parts)
• Tallulah, Louisiana (component manufacturing and subassemblies; closed 2011)
• Waggaman, Louisiana (closed 2011)
• Avondale Shipyard, New Orleans, Louisiana (amphibious ships and auxiliaries; closed October 2014)

Projects

In 2023 alone, HII secured contract awards totaling $5.4 billion, which expanded its backlog to nearly $49 billion.

Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers

As the exclusive U.S. designer and builder of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, HII is advancing the Gerald R. Ford class—the next generation of carriers featuring cutting-edge technologies that provide enhanced flexibility, survivability, greater power output, and reduced crew size. The company aims to deliver ten carriers to the U.S. Navy at five-year intervals beginning in 2015.

In 2019, HII was awarded a $15.2 billion block contract covering detailed design and construction for two carriers: Enterprise (CVN-80) and Doris Miller (CVN-81).

Aircraft Carrier Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH)

Newport News Shipbuilding is the only U.S. shipyard authorized to perform refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) on aircraft carriers—a vital multi-year undertaking that includes nuclear reactor refueling alongside extensive modernization efforts. This process takes place once over a carrier’s 50-year service life and is considered one of the most intricate engineering projects worldwide.

HII has completed RCOH on six Nimitz-class carriers—USS Nimitz, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Carl Vinson, USS Theodore Roosevelt, USS Abraham Lincoln, and USS George Washington—and is presently conducting this work on the seventh vessel, USS John C. Stennis.

Aircraft carrier decommissioning

Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) specializes in the decommissioning of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. In 2018, NNS finalized the deactivation of Enterprise (CVN 65), recognized as the world’s inaugural nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the sole vessel of its class, a process initiated in 2013.

Columbia-class submarines

NNS plays a vital role in the Columbia-class submarine initiative, responsible for fabricating six modular sections per submarine under a contract with General Dynamics Electric Boat. These 561-foot-long submarines are intended to replace the aging Ohio-class fleet and serve as a crucial element of the United States' strategic nuclear deterrence triad. Key attributes include a reactor designed for the vessel’s entire lifespan, electric drive propulsion, and armament with 16 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles.

Leveraging experience gained from the Virginia-class program, NNS contributes to the construction of 12 Columbia-class submarines in partnership with Electric Boat by manufacturing significant components such as the bow, stern, auxiliary machinery room, superstructure, and weapons modules.

Virginia-class attack submarines

Newport News Shipbuilding is among only two U.S. shipyards qualified to design and produce nuclear-powered submarines, currently engaged in building the sophisticated Virginia-class attack submarines. These vessels fulfill contemporary Navy standards with improved firepower, stealth capabilities, and agility, capable of submerged speeds exceeding 25 knots and missions lasting up to three months.

NNS produces these submarines through a collaborative agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat. Historically, NNS designed and constructed 29 of the total 62 Los Angeles-class submarines.

America-class amphibious assault ships

The USS America (LHA 6), delivered in April 2014 and commissioned later that same year, serves as the lead ship of a new class succeeding USS Tarawa (LHA 1). Ingalls Shipbuilding completed the subsequent vessel, Tripoli (LHA 7), which was delivered in February 2020 after its christening in September 2017.

In June 2017, Ingalls received a $3.1 billion contract for the construction of Bougainville (LHA 8), with work commencing in October 2018 and keel laying occurring in March 2019.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers

On September 27, 2018, Ingalls Shipbuilding was awarded a $5.1 billion multi-year contract to build six additional DDG-51 destroyers featuring the Navy’s Aegis Combat System. Fabrication of the first Flight III vessel, Jack H. Lucas (DDG-125), began on May 7, 2018. To date, Ingalls has delivered 31 ships to the U.S. Navy and currently has four more under construction. The Paul Ignatius (DDG-117) is slated for commissioning on July 27 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Amphibious ships

HII manufactures amphibious warships from both the LPD 17 San Antonio class and LHA America class, engineered for enhanced survivability and operational versatility. These ships support complex joint military operations ranging from high-intensity combat to humanitarian missions.

LPD San Antonio-class

Ingalls Shipbuilding is responsible for constructing all vessels in the San Antonio class, which represents the latest generation of Navy amphibious assault ships. Ships numbered LPD 17 through LPD 28 have been delivered, including USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), which was handed over in March 2022.

In March 2023, Ingalls secured a $1.3 billion contract modification covering detailed design and construction for LPD 32—the sixteenth ship in this class and third within the Flight II variant series.

LHA 6 America-class

The America-class LHAs represent an upgraded iteration of the proven Wasp-class LHD amphibious assault vessels, functioning as key components within the U.S. Navy's amphibious ready groups and Marine Corps Air-Ground Task Forces. Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of HII, has delivered two ships in this class: the lead ship America (LHA 6) in April 2014, followed by Tripoli (LHA 7) in February 2020.

U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutters

Ingalls Shipbuilding manufactures Legend-class National Security Cutters (NSCs) for the U.S. Coast Guard, designed to replace the older Hamilton-class high-endurance cutters. The program aims to produce 11 vessels, with nine completed so far, including the ninth cutter, Stone (WMSL 758), delivered in November 2020. Contracts for the tenth and eleventh NSCs were awarded in December 2018 at values of $468.75 million and $462.13 million respectively; however, the contract for the eleventh cutter was terminated in June 2025 due to delays in delivery.

Unmanned Systems

HII specializes in developing cutting-edge unmanned systems for defense, marine science, and commercial sectors, serving customers across more than 30 nations. The company provides comprehensive services encompassing design, autonomy solutions, manufacturing, testing, operations, and lifecycle support for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Its REMUS series of UUVs are leading autonomous marine robotic platforms equipped with sophisticated sensors for a wide range of data acquisition missions.

Mission Technologies Contracts

In August 2023, HII’s Mission Technologies division secured its largest award to date with a $1.4 billion task order under the Joint Network Engineering and Emerging Operations (J-NEEO) program.

Additional major contracts include:

• $1.3 billion to support Personnel Recovery Enterprise Services and Solutions (PRESS) for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)
• $995 million to provide Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) for U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA)
• $242 million awarded for shore-based training, engineering, and development support (SBEDS) to the U.S. Navy

Vertical Launch Support

In April 2024, Mission Technologies received a contract focused on research and development to enhance capabilities of the Mk 41 and Mk 57 vertical launching systems (VLS) deployed on U.S. Navy surface combatants. This effort also includes outfitting the first Zumwalt-class destroyer (DDG 1001) with a universal electronics module tailored for the Mk 57 VLS.