Dear Shipbuilders,
At the end of this month, Herm Shelanski, vice president of Business Development and one of our most experienced leaders to come from the U.S. Navy, will be retiring. Herm joined NNS two years ago, providing critical insight, knowledge and strategic vision to help us further align with the needs and priorities of our evolving Navy customer. His contributions have helped shape our business for generations to come.

Prior to joining our team, Herm spent more than 38 years in the Navy, managing and leading organizations of increasing complexity and responsibility before retiring at the rank of vice admiral. Throughout his distinguished Navy career, he became known for his visionary leadership and strategic planning.His accomplishments included:

• Serving as the captain of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and leading a crew of 5,000.
• Serving as a strike group commander and leading 8,000 people and 15 ships, including a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and an airwing of 60 tactical aircraft.
• Leading a research division to evaluate emerging threats and technologies, culminating in the Navy’s 2014 Maritime Strategy and 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan.
• Serving as the Naval Inspector General working Navy-wide to create a culture of excellence, leadership, innovation and learning to promote efficiency, effectiveness and readiness.

During his tenure with NNS, Herm successfully incorporated his nearly four decades of operational Navy service into our strategic planning efforts. He added diversity of thought and experience to our team, and he will be missed. We are working together on a transition plan before he leaves.

Please join me in thanking Herm for his dedicated service and in wishing him the very best in his next chapter of retirement.

Respectfully,
Jennifer Boykin
President
Newport News Shipbuilding