Exciting News to Share

Published December 4, 2024

Shipbuilders,

Over the last several years, we have worked toward solutions to help Newport News Shipbuilding increase capacity and accelerate performance in support of our nation’s defense.

I’m pleased to share one of those solutions with you today. NNS has entered an agreement to purchase facilities and equipment from W International, a South Carolina-based company that currently fabricates metal components for U.S. Navy ships.

With this purchase, W International will become a part of NNS and operate as NNS’ Charleston Operations. Work at this impressive facility will continue to include Columbia– and Virginia-class submarine modules as well as various aircraft carrier units.

Matt Needy, NNS vice president and chief transformation officer, will serve as general manager of NNS’ Charleston Operations and relocate to Charleston. With Matt’s move, Tim Sweitzer will serve as acting CTO. Rex Spakes, who currently serves as NNS director of ship operations for the Columbia-class program, will also relocate to South Carolina as operations director, reporting to Matt.

Matt brings 33 years of shipbuilding experience with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence to our new Charleston Operations. After multiple visits to the facility, I’m confident that these leaders will maximize the ongoing improvement efforts from NNS with this very capable facility to support our role in meeting customer commitments.

We look forward to welcoming the South Carolina team to the NNS family!

Respectfully,
Jennifer Boykin
President, Newport News Shipbuilding