Carrier Overhaul Program News

Global defense and technologies company HII announced Thursday that Brandi Smith has been named vice president of the Columbia-class program at the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. Smith will succeed Charles Southall, who will retire July 1 after more than 35 years of distinguished service.The U.S. Navy has identified the Columbia class as its No. 1 acquisition priority. Twelve Columbia-class boats will replace the fleet of Ohio-class nuclear ballistic submarines and take over the role of the nation’s sea-based strategic deterrent…

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced Brandi Smith has been named program director of the Newport News Columbia-class submarine program.Smith will be responsible for leading the company’s construction activities for the U.S. Navy’s new class of ballistic-missile submarines, as well as maintaining strong relationships with General Dynamics Electric Boat and Navy customers. She will report to Jason Ward, Newport News vice president for Columbia-class submarine construction.Smith began her career at Newport News in 2002 as an engineer in the carrier overhaul program.

Northrop Grumman's Newport News sector announced that Bob Gunter, senior vice president, Aircraft Carrier Program, has assumed the management for the Carrier Overhaul Program. responsible for carrier overhaul operations at Newport News. environment," says Newport News President Tom Schievelbein. third of the company's business. USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in Norfolk , the overhaul and refueling of the USS Dwight D. refueling of both the ship’s reactors, as well as significant modernization work. aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) scheduled for 2004. Gunter, 45, joined the company in 1983. He holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in Engineering from Virginia Tech and is a resident of Virginia Beach.