Photo caption: An Amphibious Combat Vehicle attached to Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, approaches the well deck of USS Portland (LPD 27). The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship was built by HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nadia James)

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Oct. 24, 2025

HII’s Weekly News Digest is compiled every Friday by the Corporate Communications team to summarize and highlight news stories of significance to the company.

Ingalls Authenticates Thad Cochran (DDG 135) Keel: WLOX reported on Thursday that HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division hosted a keel authentication ceremony for Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Thad Cochran (DDG 135). The ship is named after the late Sen. Thad Cochran, who represented Mississippi from 1978 to 2018. Prior to his time in public office, Cochran served in the U.S. Navy. Thad Cochran (DDG 135) is one of five Flight III destroyers currently under construction at Ingalls and represents the next generation of surface combatants for the U.S. Navy. To date, Ingalls has delivered 35 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including the first Flight III ship USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125). Ingalls is also constructing Ted Stevens (DDG 128), which recently completed its first builder’s sea trials and is currently underway for its second trials; Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129); George M. Neal (DDG 131) and Sam Nunn (DDG 133).

HII Expands 3D Printing Capabilities At NNS: WorkBoat reported on Monday that HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division has ordered two custom metal 3D-printing systems worth about $4.5 million from Australia-based AML3D Limited. The large-scale ARCEMY X systems are designed for heavy-capacity manufacturing and include a 24,000-pound positioner to support production of complex metal components. The new equipment is expected to be installed and operational by mid-2026. The Maritime Executive reported on Wednesday that the systems will help NNS reduce production time and material waste while offering an alternative to traditional manufacturing methods. The investment marks the ninth and 10th ARCEMY systems supporting the U.S. Navy’s maritime industrial base, and the second and third built for heavy-duty applications. AML3D CEO Sean Ebert said demand for advanced metal additive manufacturing continues to grow across U.S. defense shipbuilding, adding that the technology is helping strengthen industrial capacity and improve efficiency in critical naval programs.

Trump Signals Support For AUKUS Agreement: Politico reported on Monday that President Donald Trump is insisting the U.S. move “full steam ahead” on the trilateral AUKUS agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom. The president gave his support Monday at a White House meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, where leaders sought to reset the tone of the relationship after weeks of speculation about the pact’s future. Defense News reported on Monday that, per the agreement, the U.S. will deliver three Virginia-class fast-attack submarines to Australia in the 2030s, followed by a new class of five nuclear-attack submarines in the 2040s. USNI News reported on Monday that in September, the Australian government announced an $8 billion investment into a shipbuilding facility in Western Australia that could support a rotational force of U.S. and British nuclear-powered submarines as part of the AUKUS pact.

Pent-Up Demand Helps Defense Industry Weather Shutdown: CNBC reported Tuesday that defense and aerospace companies have raised their outlooks for the year, citing stronger demand despite economic uncertainty and tariffs. During their third quarter earnings calls this week, GE Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, RTX and Lockheed Martin each beat third-quarter Wall Street profit estimates. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Lockheed Martin and RTX benefited from surging third-quarter demand for jet fighters, missile systems and other ammunition, prompting them to raise their 2025 profit and sales targets. Northrop Grumman also boosted its adjusted profit target as executives said the U.S. government shutdown that started this month has yet to threaten the company’s bottom line. The defense industry’s bullish outlook reflects the growing list of potential contracts that Defense Department officials have yet to issue. The Pentagon was already months behind schedule in distributing the roughly $150 billion in spending from the president’s massive budget-reconciliation law passed in July. The federal shutdown worsened those delays. Lockheed Chief Executive Jim Taiclet said the company continues to invest “aggressively” in digital technologies and physical production capacity to meet demands. Inside Defense reported Tuesday that Northrop CEO Kathy Warden said Congress must pass a fiscal year 2026 budget or a continuing resolution by mid-November, or some contracts and funding may be delayed and affect Northrop.

HII And HD Hyundai Advance Global Shipbuilding Partnership: MarineLink reported on Monday that HII hosted senior leaders from HD Hyundai Industries for a three-day visit to Ingalls Shipbuilding to advance the goals outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed in April. The visit included tours of the shipyard and demonstrations of Ingalls’ robotic technologies and modern production systems. Leaders from both companies exchanged insights of shipbuilding technology and discussed future commercial and military opportunities. Naval News reported on Tuesday that Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette said the engagement showcased the shipyards investments in innovation and the expertise of its workforce. Eric Chewning, HII executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy, said the partnership will help ensure throughput at Ingalls and strengthen the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base. The two companies aim to align their expertise and resources to accelerate innovation and enhance manufacturing efficiency.

Ingalls Will Benefit From $5.7 Million Skills Grant: WLOX reported on Wednesday that Mississippi will utilize a $5.7 million U.S. Department of Labor grant exclusively on training shipbuilders. The grant reimburses employers for training in high-demand and emerging industries, addressing critical workforce needs in fields such as welding, marine electrical work and manufacturing. The state’s leadership will use the funding to help major employers, such as HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, expand training programs. SuperTalk Mississippi reported on Tuesday that companies eligible to receive the funding anticipate a need to fill 2,500 new positions annually while also addressing turnover and upskilling current employees. The grant will be provided to employers through the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

HII’s Weekly News Digest is produced by HII’s Corporate Communications team and posted to Homeport every Friday.

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