CNO Evaluates Service Excellence Initiatives at HII Newport News Shipbuilding

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti visited Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) in Newport News, Virginia, on July 31, 2024, to review ongoing Quality of Service (QoS) initiatives with Navy and shipyard leadership.

Last year, the Navy signed a Joint Memo to enhance the support and resources available to Sailors. During her visit, Franchetti received updates on the shipyard’s major programs, infrastructure investments, and QoS enhancements.

“It’s great to hear from our Sailors here in the Newport News shipyard that our Quality of Service initiatives are making a difference,” said Franchetti. “I appreciate the candid conversations and hard work to remove barriers that have occurred this past year.”

She visited the triad of the USS Columbus (SSN 762) to discuss QoS improvements and a new contract incentive that has facilitated the construction of two new buildings at the pier. One building will house berthing and a galley, and the other will serve as a work center for service members on board the submarines undergoing Engineering Overhauls, such as USS Columbus and USS Boise (SSN 764).

Franchetti was also briefed on the design and planning of a new parking garage, expected to create over 2,000 new spaces at NNS by 2026. Additionally, she reviewed plans for a Carrier Refueling Overhaul Workcenter (CROW) facility, which will provide approximately 80,000 square feet of multi-use space for Sailors and shipyard workers. A 24/7 micro market designed to offer quality food options to Sailors was also highlighted.

The tour included a visit to Huntington Hall, where renovations are ongoing. Upgrades include new furniture, modern televisions, kitchen equipment, and an enhanced air conditioning system in the gym, which will soon be available 24/7.

“These upgrades to our existing facilities are making Newport News a better place to work and live for our Sailors,” said Franchetti. “This is just the beginning of Quality of Service improvements, and I am committed to ensuring this work continues here and then scales out to other Fleet concentration areas for the next generation of Sailors.”

Vice Adm. Scott Gray, who chairs the QoS Cross Functional Team, reports directly to Adm. James Kilby, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, on the team’s efforts to establish and implement QoS standards at Newport News Shipbuilding.