Rep. Conaway Tours Newport News Shipbuilding
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) hosted Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas, for a tour of the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. The visit provided an opportunity for Conaway to meet shipbuilders and see the progress being made across Newport News’ ship construction programs.
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Conaway introduced legislation last fall to increase the number of operational U.S. Navy aircraft carriers mandated by law from 11 to 12.
“I enjoyed touring the Newport News Shipbuilding division today,” Conaway said. “Great progress is being made, and the shipbuilders’ commitment to quality and cost-reduction is evident across all of the shipyard’s programs. With the gaps in carrier presence in the Persian Gulf and the increasing threat of our adversaries, these shipbuilders’ work couldn’t be more important. I plan to continue my efforts to increase the number of operational carriers in our fleet so that our Navy is able to meet its commitments at home and abroad.”
Conaway toured aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and experienced the Rapid Operational Virtual Reality tool that enables construction teams to collaborate, consider improvements and troubleshoot onsite. The congressman also received a construction update on the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the Virginia-Class Submarine program, the refueling and complex overhaul of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and the inactivation of USS Enterprise (CVN 65).
“It is clear that Congressman Conaway understands the importance of stability in our business and the capabilities of our aircraft carriers and submarines,” said Newport News President Matt Mulherin. “Today gave him the chance to meet the people behind our products and better understand the precision and complexity of their work. We appreciate Congressman Conaway’s continued support and his efforts to re-establish our nation’s defense as a top priority.”
In addition to his service on the House Armed Services Committee, Conaway serves on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and chairs the House Committee on Agriculture. He is serving his sixth term in the House of Representatives and represents Texas’ 11th congressional district.
