Newport News Shipbuilding Expands Operations in Goose Creek

News Summary

Newport News Shipbuilding has commenced operations at its new facility in Goose Creek, South Carolina, dedicated to producing modules for submarines and aircraft carriers. The site, covering nearly 50 acres, aims to enhance production capabilities and create jobs. A workforce training program supports local engagement, while the facility plans to expand operations to meet rising Navy ship demands. This initiative also supports local economic growth through significant investments in education and community initiatives.

South Carolina – Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) based in Virginia, has officially begun operations at its facility in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Launched approximately 60 days ago, this new site spans nearly 50 acres and features around 500,000 square feet of manufacturing space dedicated to the construction of modules for submarines and aircraft carriers.

In a significant milestone for the facility, it is set to dispatch its first structural unit to Newport News headquarters in Virginia within the next two days, marking a critical step in the production process for U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. Newport News Shipbuilding is the exclusive builder of these carriers and one of only two companies contracted to construct submarines for the nation.

Facility Functions and Employment Growth

The primary focus of the Goose Creek facility is to support the main production operations based in Virginia, enhancing the manufacturing capacity for Virginia-Class and Columbia-Class submarines. This includes the production of habitability modules, auxiliary machine rooms, and weapon modules. Currently, the site employs 475 workers, with plans for significant workforce expansion as operations ramp up.

To prepare new employees for their roles, the facility implements a workforce training program that includes a 12-week onboarding course where participants receive full-time benefits. Since its inception in October 2021, the program has graduated approximately 1,200 students, with local schools, including Goose Creek High School and Berkley High School, offering curricula aimed at facilitating student transitions into these training programs.

Community Engagement and Local Economy

The establishment of the Goose Creek facility has fostered community involvement through events such as signing letters of intent for students to join Newport News Shipbuilding. This engagement serves to strengthen ties between the company and the local community while providing students with career opportunities. Additionally, the facility’s commitment to sourcing materials entirely from the U.S. results in an annual expenditure of around $500 million on local suppliers in the Lowcountry region.

Beyond operational development, Huntington Ingalls Industries contributes an estimated $110 million annually to educational initiatives, scholarships, and retirement investments for its workforce, reinforcing its commitment to the local economy.

Future Developments and Industry Demand

As Newport News Shipbuilding endeavors to reach full production capacity by 2027-2028, the facility plans to expand its capabilities beyond welding to include fully outfitted modules for military vessels. Furthermore, a new building by Leonardo DRS, which will provide naval technology solutions, is currently under construction adjacent to the HII campus, with an expected completion date in 2026.

The growing demand for Navy ships is at an unprecedented high, necessitating the expansion of shipbuilding operations and workforce development in the region. This expansion aligns with HII’s long-term strategy of enhancing its capabilities while leveraging South Carolina’s existing manufacturing workforce and educational partnerships to contribute to national defense efforts.

In summary, Newport News Shipbuilding’s expansion in Goose Creek not only supports military operations but also strengthens local educational initiatives and economic growth, positioning the region as a crucial player in the U.S. defense manufacturing landscape.

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