Photo Release — Newport News Shipbuilding Hosts Groundbreaking for 19th Habitat for Humanity Build Project

Rhea-AI Summary

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has initiated a new collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg, marking its 19th build project since 2002. The groundbreaking event, adhering to COVID-19 protocols, featured future homeowners Mickeia Hunter and her sons. Built on donated land, the three-bedroom, 1,200-square-foot home aims to provide a secure living environment for the Hunters. HII emphasizes its commitment to community building alongside its extensive military shipbuilding operations, highlighting the significance of family and stability in this endeavor.

Positive

• Continuation of community partnership with Habitat for Humanity since 2002, enhancing corporate social responsibility.
• Construction of a new home for a family in need, demonstrating HII's commitment to building secure living environments.

Negative

• None.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division today hosted the groundbreaking for a new home that will be built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg.

Adhering to COVID-19 protocols, a private gathering was held at the site of the 19th build project to be undertaken by Habitat and shipyard volunteers since the collaboration began in 2002. Attending the socially distanced event were Newport News Shipbuilding representatives, Habitat staff and the future homeowners, Mickeia Hunter and her sons, 18-year-old Cinque and 7-year-old Nehemiah.

“It’s been nearly 20 years now that our shipbuilders have partnered with Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg to build these homes that provide families a place where they can feel protected and secure,” said Xavier Beale, vice president of trades for Newport News, who is the executive sponsor of the project.

“At Newport News Shipbuilding, we know a thing or two about building with security in mind, and like the ships we’ve built for over a century, these homes are built with our hands and our hearts,” Beale said. “We look forward to working with Habitat and the Hunter family to build a home they can be proud of.”

A photo accompanying this release is available at: https://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/file/nns-habitat-groundbreaking.

The three-bedroom, 1,200-square-foot home will be built in the city’s Southeast community on land donated by the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

“Mickeia Hunter's father, Mickey Pittman, just retired from the shipyard, so the family sees it as fate that the shipyard is partnering on this project,” said Janet V. Green, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. “The Hunters are a particularly close-knit family that have overcome so much adversity, and still have the drive and dedication to move forward and improve their circumstances. In their new home, the Hunters hope to continue their strong bond as a family and create new memories for decades to come.”

Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg is a non-profit organization serving the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg and the counties of Charles City, James City, New Kent and York. For more information, visit www.HabitatPGW.org.

Huntington Ingalls Industries is America’s largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services to partners in government and industry. For more than a century, HII’s Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. HII’s Technical Solutions division supports national security missions around the globe with unmanned systems, defense and federal solutions, and nuclear and environmental services. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII employs more than 42,000 people operating both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit:

• HII on the web: www.huntingtoningalls.com
• HII on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HuntingtonIngallsIndustries
• HII on Twitter: www.twitter.com/hiindustries  
• HII on YouTube: www.youtube.com/huntingtoningalls
• HII on Instagram: www.instagram.com/huntingtoningalls

Contact:

Duane Bourne
Duane.A.Bourne@HII-co.com
(757) 380-3581 

FAQ

What is the partnership between Huntington Ingalls Industries and Habitat for Humanity?

HII is collaborating with Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg to build homes for families in need, marking its 19th project since 2002.

Where is the new home being built by HII?

The new home is being built in Newport News, Virginia, on land donated by the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

Who are the future homeowners of the new HII-built home?

The future homeowners are Mickeia Hunter and her two sons, Cinque and Nehemiah.

How large is the home being built by HII for Habitat for Humanity?

The home is a three-bedroom structure with a total area of 1,200 square feet.

What is the significance of HII's involvement in building homes?

HII's involvement underscores its commitment to community engagement and building secure environments, aligning with its long-standing history in shipbuilding.