NEWPORT NEWS—HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division recently announced the promotion of three seasoned leaders to the senior leadership team, filling roles becoming available by upcoming retirements.
Rob Check will assume the role of vice president of in-service aircraft carrier (refueling and complex overhaul or RCOH) programs; Thomasina Wright will assume the role of vice president of fleet support programs; and Les Smith will take over as vice president of Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81) aircraft carrier programs. The promotions will take effect on July 1.
“To fill these critical roles, I am selecting leaders who embody the values of learning and continuous improvement and are committed to strengthening our operating system,” said NNS President Jennifer Boykin in a press release. “Purposeful development of our leadership pipeline has always been core to NNS, and these leaders reflect this commitment.”
Todd West, NNS vice president of in-service aircraft carrier programs; Gary Fuller, NNS vice president of fleet support programs; and Ron Murray, NNS vice president of quality, have all announced plans to retire in the coming months.
“These leaders began their careers in the 1980s, when shipbuilding and hiring was at an all-time high,” said Boykin. “Their 113 years of combined shipyard experiences, knowledge, and dedication leave a lasting impact on our team and business.”