HII Expands Distributed Shipbuilding Network with Advanced Tech for Generational Demand
At the Sea-Air-Space 2026 expo, HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson outlined plans to expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity by increasing distributed shipbuilding work across partner companies nationwide and deploying advanced technology solutions to meet generational demand. Wilkinson also emphasized workforce growth and retention to support expanded naval construction programs.
1. Expo Presentation and Strategic Focus
At the U.S. Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Exposition 2026, Kari Wilkinson, HII executive vice president and president of Newport News Shipbuilding, reinforced the company’s commitment to strengthen the U.S. maritime industrial base. She participated in a panel on shaping strategic requirements and long-term planning to sustain maritime dominance.
2. Distributed Shipbuilding Initiative
Wilkinson detailed HII’s distributed shipbuilding model, which allocates a growing share of construction work to partner companies across the country. This approach aims to accelerate production timelines and directly invest in the domestic manufacturing base by leveraging the expertise of hundreds of qualified shipbuilders nationwide.
3. Workforce and Technology Investments
To meet a generational demand for naval vessels, HII is ramping up recruitment and retention programs to bolster its 44,000-strong workforce. The company is also deploying advanced technology solutions—such as autonomous maritime systems and AI-driven design tools—to enhance efficiency and maintain competitive edge in naval construction.