Navy, HII smoothing over Ford row

The Navy and Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) are sounding somewhat more united when it comes to preparing the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford for deployment. Navy Secretary Richard Spencer recently publicly criticized HII's senior management regarding the ship’s advanced weapons elevators, which were promised by July and still aren't completed. It was one of multiple technical challenges for the first-in-class ship. HII President/CEO Mike Petters addressed the issue Nov. 7 during a conference call about third-quarter earnings. Petters said he'd "spoken directly" with (SECNAV) and Assistant Secretary (James) Geurts, and we are aligned on the plan to get the ship ready for deployment as soon as possible.” SECNAV gave his endorsement. “Secretary Spencer agrees they are aligned and in a better place now,” said Cmdr. Sarah Higgins, his spokesperson. Geurts, Navy’s acquisition chief, recently told reporters he was pleased with the Ford’s progress during its last 90 days in the Newport News shipyard. (Source: Newport News [Va.] News 11/07/19) See previous story: https://gulfcoastshipbuilding.blogspot.com/2019/10/secnav-hii-misled-navy-ga-praised.html