Chris Kastner, HII CEO and president, touched on themes of focus, resilience and achievement during an after-work event in December sponsored by the Learning Expanding Achieving Results Networking (L.E.A.R.N.) employee resource group.

Kastner highlighted major achievements that Newport News Shipbuilding, Ingalls Shipbuilding, and Mission Technologies accomplished in 2024. He discussed the challenges ahead. Finally, he explained strategies to accelerate growth, expand margins and reduce operational risk while refocusing on the customer and deckplate.

“We just have to be resilient and focus on the fundamentals,” he said. “We need to focus on the deckplate.”

Michael Miller (K46) appreciated that sentiment, saying, “I loved how he said that. I think he got the message right.”

The second half of the event opened the floor up to questions from the audience and honored the 2024 L.E.A.R.N. Recognition Class. To view Kastner’s presentation and additional event photos, visit the L.E.A.R.N. site. If you have topic ideas for future L.E.A.R.N. events, email [email protected].