Newport News Shipbuilding taps in-service aircraft carrier programs VP

Todd West to succeed Chris Miner, who is retiring after 37 years

Published October 7, 2020 by Sydney Lake

Newport News-based Huntington Ingalls Industries announced Tuesday that Todd West has been promoted to vice president of in-service aircraft carrier programs for the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, succeeding Chris Miner, who will retire Dec. 1 after more than 37 years with America’s largest military shipbuilder. 

“Chris’ passion and commitment have been defining attributes throughout his shipbuilding career,” Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin said in a statement. “He is a trusted leader who is well respected by his peers in Newport News, across the Navy and throughout the shipbuilding industry. As he begins this new chapter, Chris’ legacy will continue to be felt through the people he’s led, the ships he’s helped to build and the relationships he’s forged.”

In 1983, Miner began his shipbuilding career as a test engineer in the Los Angeles-class submarine program and has since held a number of leadership positions. He played an integral role in the company’s reestablishment of its submarine construction program, according to a company statement, and also led  delivery of three aircraft carrier refueling and complex overhauls and one Virginia-class submarine.

West will assume Miner’s role on Nov. 1 and will lead the planning and execution of aircraft carrier refueling, complex overhauls and aircraft carrier fleet support. He will also oversee the West Milton, New York research and development facility, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, that supports the U.S. Navy’s nuclear propulsion program. He will report to Navy Programs Vice President Matt Needy.

With 35 years of experience, West currently serves as the USS George Washington (CVN 73) program director. He earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Old Dominion University.

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