HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding Awarded Advanced Planning Contract for Zumwalt-Class Ships
Press Release
January 6, 2023
HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division was awarded a $10.5 million contract today for the modernization period planning of Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) and USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001). “Ingalls is honored to have been selected to deliver this new capability with our Navy and industry partners,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson said. “Our shipbuilders stand ready to do what is necessary to enable our fleet in the protection of peace around the world.” HII has invested nearly $1 billion in the infrastructure, facility and toolsets at Ingalls Shipbuilding enabling the work of Ingalls’ shipbuilders, improving product flow and process efficiency, and enhancing product quality.
Ingalls Shipbuilding Appoints Kimberly Nastasi to Vice President, Integrated Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
Press Release
January 11, 2023
HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Ingalls Shipbuilding division promoted Kimberly Nastasi to vice president of the newly formed integrated communications and stakeholder engagement department. This new department will enhance communication and engagement with key stakeholders inside and outside of the shipbuilding community. As vice president of integrated communications and stakeholder engagement, Nastasi will report to Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson and will be responsible for leading internal and external efforts in marketing and communications, special events, community relations, corporate stewardship and government affairs. This role will include new and essential engagement programs designed to involve shipbuilders in continuing the legacy of Ingalls Shipbuilding.
Ingalls gets new contract, adds new vice president
Gulf Live
Warren Kulo | January 12, 2023
It was another busy week for Ingalls Shipbuilding as the Pascagoula shipyard announced the awarding of a $10.5 advanced planning contract, as well as the addition of a new vice president. The U.S. Navy awarded Ingalls the contract to begin planning for the modernization of Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) and USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001). “Ingalls is honored to have been selected to deliver this new capability with our Navy and industry partners,” said Ingalls president Kari Wilkinson. “Our shipbuilders stand ready to do what is necessary to enable our fleet in the protection of peace around the world.”
2023 Class of Presidential Leadership Scholars Announced
Press Release
January 12, 2023
Today, the Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program announced the 60 Scholars who will form the program’s eighth annual class. PLS serves as a catalyst for a diverse network of established leaders brought together to collaborate and make a difference in the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson… Mary Martha Henson, Deputy Director, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, Ocean Springs, MS.
OK Boomer: What Today’s Young Shipyard Workers Want
Defense One
Marcus Weisgerber | January 10, 2023
In the battle to woo skilled employees, tech companies have long offered unusual perks: foosball tables, free food, yoga classes, and more recently, the option to work remotely. But what does the Gen-Z shipyard worker want? Well, chicken sandwiches and wireless internet access, to start. That’s according to Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson whose 11,500 workers in Pascagoula, Mississippi, build U.S. Navy destroyers, amphibious assault ships, and amphibious transport docks
Pascagoula-Gautier School District will switch to new ‘flex schedule’ for 2023-24 school year
WLOX
January 11, 2023
Starting in the fall, students and teachers in Pascagoula and Gautier will switch to a flex calendar. The school district’s Board of Trustees made it official at Tuesday night’s meeting. The plan would implement a nine-weeks-on, two-weeks-off schedule, similar to what’s already being done in the Gulfport School District. During the two-week breaks, called intersessions, there will be opportunities for extraacademic support and enrichment. Teachers would head back to school in July, and students would finish the school year at the end of May. No holidays would be taken away, and students would still go to school 180 days a year. Teachers would attend 187 days a year, just like in previous years.
HII’s Ingalls seeks stability in amphibs, ‘absolutely’ eyeing second frigate yard competition
Breaking Defense
Justin Katz | January 11, 2023
Having spent more than $1 billion modernizing its Pascagoula shipyard over the past five years, an HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding executive says the company is focused on seeing stability in the amphibious shipbuilding budget as well as the potential second yard for the Constellation-class frigate program. Kari Wilkinson, executive vice president for Ingalls Shipbuilding, told reporters here at the Surface Navy Association’s annual symposium on Tuesday that her shipyard is “fully modernized” and ready to take on whatever work the Navy awards it.
Gov. Reeves wants to see more Mississippi students entering “lucrative, blue-collar professions”
WLBT
January 6, 2023
South Mississippi is home to many industrial companies, including the state’s largest employer, Ingalls Shipbuilding. And while most have teams dedicated to getting the word out about career training opportunities, like the Ingalls Apprentice School, there are still many students across the state that may not get that message. Reeves hopes more career coaches can change that. “These coaches are helping connect Mississippi students with the wealth of career and technical education opportunities that exist after high school,” Reeves wrote. “In school, many students are focused on the present, so it becomes all the more important that we help to shepherd our students into meaningful careers beyond graduation.”
Cadence Bank launches ‘Funding Your Dreams’ initiative, hosts workshop for homebuyers
WLOX
Lauren Martinez | January 12, 2023
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) – Thinking about buying a home or launching a business in the near future? A South Mississippi bank is helping achieve those dreams. Dozens of banks provide assistant programs to help prospects accomplish their homebuying goals. That includes Cadence Bank, which launched the Funding Your Dreams Initiative. “As a co-sponsor for this event, the Coastwide Dr. Martin Luther King Committee knows the importance of having your finances in order,” said Allytra Perrman, co-chair of the Coastwide Dr. Martin Luther King Committee. “The last campaign that Dr. King worked on before he passed away was a poor people’s campaign. That campaign was focused on economic empowerment.
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce plans for 2023
WXXV
Brooke Parker | December 30, 202
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is planning to expand their reach in 2023. The chamber plans to lean into its purpose by continuing to help small, local businesses through grants, ribbon cuttings, and promotions. They hope to grow their memberships in order to help more businesses. For 2023, they are looking into the future by expanding their P-3 program: Passion. Purpose. Paycheck. P-3 promotes outreach to parents and their children about career opportunities in Jackson County through events like ‘The Path that Pays.’ Director of Outreach and Advocacy Jaylon Morris said, “It lets them know that they don’t necessarily have to move or leave Jackson County or South Mississippi, for that matter, in order to sustain a wonderful life and have a wonderful living in Jackson County. So, we want to see that continue to thrive along with our local leaders here and partners here, in Jackson County, and the capitol for that matter.”
NOAA to host job fair in Pascagoula
Gulf Live
Warren Kulo | January 6, 2023
NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations will be hosting a hiring event in Pascagoula on Jan. 26. NOAA will be seeking professional mariners to work aboard NOAA’s ocean research ships. NOAA staff will be on hand to answer questions and expedite the hiring process for qualified applicants. Among the positions available are those in deck, engine, steward and electronic departments.
America’s First Female Cryptanalyst Is Having a Ship Named In Her Honor
War History Online
Jesse Beckett | January 4, 2023
Mississippi shipbuilder Ingalls Shipbuilding has begun work on a new Legend-class cutter for the US Coast Guard. This new National Security cutter (NSC) is named for cryptanalyst Elizebeth Smith Friedman, marking the first ship named after this historically significant figure. “Our workforce has invested more than a decade of effort, creativity and resolve to make the Legend-class National Security cutter production line incredibly efficient and strong,” said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson in a press release. “We are pleased to achieve this milestone and will continue to look for any additional opportunity in our processes and approaches to provide the most affordable and capable ships to our customers.”
John Ledbetter sworn in as Jackson County’s interim sheriff
WLOX
January 3, 2023
Jackson County now has an interim sheriff. John Ledbetter was sworn in Tuesday morning after being appointed to the position by the county’s Board of Supervisors. In his former role as chief deputy for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Ledbetter has been running the day-to-day operations of the department since former sheriff and newly elected U.S. Congressman Mike Ezell stepped aside. Ezell is expected to be sworn in Tuesday afternoon as Mississippi’s 4th District Congressman after a new Speaker of the House is elected.
Oath and Investiture of Jackson County Judges
WXXV
Ansley Brent | January 3, 2023
A day of recommitment for the current and commitment for the new! Hundreds of people gathered at the Jackson County Courthouse to witness the oath and investiture of familiar faces and some new ones. Jackson County judges who took the oath for the first time include Circuit Court Judges Keith Miller and Calvin Taylor, Chancery Court Judge Ashlee Cole, and County Court Judge Stacie Zorn.
Moss Point Police Department makes strides in hiring officers after staffing crisis
WLOX
Jennifer Lott | January 3, 2023
“Crisis averted:” That’s the message out of Moss Point as the city’s police chief said they now have the manpower needed to adequately patrol the city. “It’s dangerous community,” Chief Brandon Ashley said in the summer. “We’re working to try to resolve that and rid that and reduce some of the crime, but I need resources.” Chief Ashley shared that disconcerting news in June, admitting there were not enough cops on the force to adequately patrol the city.