Forging the Future: Secretary of Labor Visits HII's Historic Shipyard

In a powerful testament to America's industrial might and its commitment to a highly skilled workforce, U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer recently embarked on a comprehensive tour of HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division. This pivotal visit underscored the indispensable role of advanced talent development in safeguarding national security and fueling economic prosperity.

The Secretary's itinerary was designed to offer an immersive look into the heartbeat of American shipbuilding.

She delved into the vast expanse of a dry dock where the majestic aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) is undergoing its complex Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH), a critical process that extends the life of these floating cities. The sheer scale and precision required for such an endeavor left a lasting impression, highlighting the monumental task undertaken by thousands of dedicated craftspeople.

A significant focus of her visit was HII’s innovative approach to workforce development.

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer explored the state-of-the-art facilities of The Apprentice School, a cornerstone of talent cultivation that has been shaping master shipbuilders for over a century. She toured its Advanced Manufacturing Lab, witnessing firsthand how cutting-edge technology and hands-on training converge to equip apprentices with the skills demanded by 21st-century shipbuilding.

Her tour also included a deep dive into the production of the advanced Columbia-class submarines, America’s next generation of strategic deterrence.

During her engagements, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer met with HII leadership, key figures from The Apprentice School, and, most importantly, the apprentices and experienced shipbuilders themselves.

These interactions provided invaluable insights into the daily lives, challenges, and aspirations of the men and women who are literally building the future of the U.S. Navy.

Reflecting on her visit, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer passionately stated, "The investments HII and The Apprentice School are making in their workforce are essential to our national security and to the economic well-being of the region.

Apprenticeships are an effective earn-as-you-learn model for American workers to gain new skills and for employers to develop talent pipelines for critical industries like shipbuilding. It was inspiring to see firsthand how these programs are fostering a highly skilled workforce, building the Navy ships of tomorrow.” Her words resonated deeply, emphasizing the vital connection between skilled labor and national defense.

Julia Jones, HII’s Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, echoed this sentiment, adding, "We deeply appreciate the Secretary’s visit to learn more about our talent development efforts and the innovative programs that enable us to build our nation’s aircraft carriers and submarines.

We are particularly proud of our 21st-century apprenticeship programs that deliver hands-on training to our diverse workforce, providing critical skills that strengthen our national security and the future of shipbuilding.” Her statement highlighted HII's enduring commitment to its most valuable asset: its people.

Matt Needy, President of Newport News Shipbuilding, also expressed his gratitude, stating, "We were honored to host Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and showcase our dedicated shipbuilders and the advanced training they receive.

Their expertise and commitment are vital to maintaining our naval fleet and ensuring the continued strength of our national defense. This visit highlights the critical connection between a skilled workforce and our nation’s ability to defend its interests worldwide.”

As the sole builder of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and one of only two facilities constructing nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S.

Navy, Newport News Shipbuilding stands as a beacon of American industrial prowess. HII, as America’s largest shipbuilder, continues to be at the forefront of innovation, ensuring the nation's maritime superiority for decades to come. This visit by Secretary Chavez-DeRemer not only celebrated the remarkable achievements of these shipbuilders but also solidified the collaborative vision for a future where a robust, skilled workforce is the bedrock of national strength and security.