Guest Episode: Rebuilding the Fleet x HII

Friends,

This week, we are spotlighting a new podcast in the defense community, Rebuilding the Fleet.

This new pod covers all things Maritime Autonomy and shipbuilding, featuring repeat guest Austin Gray.

This episode is a discussion between Austin and HII’s Executive Vice President Eric Chewning, a former investment banker, management consultant at McKinsey, and senior advisor to the Secretary of Defense.

All part of our efforts to promote solid content from the next generation of defense disruptors. Have a listen and if you enjoy, we encourage you to follow along and subscribe.

Key Topics of Conversation

* Workforce Innovation and Outsourcing Strategy: HII’s ambitious plan to scale outsourced work from 2 million to 3 million hours annually, and rebuilding of the sub-tier industrial base across America

* Unmanned Systems Leadership: HII’s position as the world’s largest UUV producer, the evolution of the Lionfish program and autonomous launch and recovery capabilities for the Remus vehicle family

* Industrial Base and International Partnerships: Analysis of the Korea-Hyundai partnership and how to balance domestic production with international cooperation

* Technology Integration Challenges: assessing the state of AI implementation in legacy manufacturing environments and change management challenges in traditional shipbuilding operations

* Workforce Development Excellence: HII’s Apprentice School programs and strategies for attracting talent from other industries to maritime

* Defense Policy and Budget Outlook: FY26 defense program priorities, evolution of Navy unmanned surface vessel (USV) strategy, and long-term implications for naval force structure and capabilities

Subscribe to Rebuilding the Fleet at https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingTheFleet

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.valleycrossers.com