Mike Toner News

As it becomes abundantly clear that a major injection of dollars is not imminent for the U.S. Naval shipbuilding sector, industry leaders met recently to mull ideas on getting more for less. Several hundred people gathered at a recent Plenary Session of the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) to hear shipbuilding industry executives and Navy brass discuss how to produce more ships for the same dollar. Both agreed they must work together to achieve this goal. "We are not making it in terms of a 300-ship Navy," said Vice Admiral Pete Nanos, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command. He explained that without an infusion of cash or the dramatic implementation of new technology and business processes, the U.S.

Northrop Grumman Corporation's Newport News sector is teamed with Electric Boat to build the first four ships of the Virginia-class. Texas is the second ship of the class and the first one that will undergo final assembly and delivery at Newport News in 2005. The keel that will be laid for Texas is part of the stern section of the ship. The keynote speaker for the ceremony will be U.S. Sen. John Warner of Virginia. Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kent Kresa, Northrop Grumman Newport News President Tom Schievelbein, Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner, Secretary of the Navy Gordon England, U.S. Sen. Boat President Mike Toner. Ceremony attendants will include both Northrop Grumman Newport News and Electric Boat employees who are building Texas, U.S.

Northrop Grumman Corporation's Newport News sector hosted a keel laying ceremony for the second Virginia-class submarine, Texas (SSN 775). Laura Bush is the Ship's Sponsor and served as the keel authenticator for the ceremony. Mrs. Bush authenticated the keel by chalking her initials onto a metal plate. Her initials were then welded and the plate will be permanently affixed to the submarine. "A mighty American submarine deserves a mighty American name," she said. Virginia-class. Texas is the second ship of the Virginia-class. "Skilled professionals will forge the newest alloys and technology into one of the most sophisticated ships in the world," said Mrs. Bush. The keynote speaker for the ceremony was U.S. Sen. of Virginia. Newport News President Tom Schievelbein, Virginia Gov. Mark R.

General Dynamics announced the appointment of Michael W. Toner, 59, as executive vice president of the Marine Systems group, reporting to the chairman and CEO. He succeeds John K. Welch, who has announced his retirement; Welch had led the Marine Systems group since January 2000. Toner will also continue in his present position as president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. "John Welch served General Dynamics with energy and skill, and we wish him well in his retirement," said Nicholas D. Chabraja, General Dynamics chairman and CEO. "Mike Toner has the operational experience to ensure that Marine Systems delivers value to our shareholders, and ships of the superb capability and quality that our customers expect," Chabraja said.