CNO Visits Fincantieri Marinette Marine Shipyard

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday tours Fincantieri Marinettte Marine Shipyard with leadership from the shipyard. During the visit, CNO also received briefs on a range of topics, including the Navy’s new Constellation-class Guided-Missile Frigate and Large Unmanned Surface Vehicle development. *U.S. NAVY / Cmdr. Nate Christensen*

WASHINGTON — Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday traveled to Marinette, Wisconsin on March 23, to visit Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard, the Navy said in a release.

During the visit, CNO toured the facility and received briefs on a range of topics, including the Navy’s new Constellation-class Guided-Missile Frigate and Large Unmanned Surface Vehicle development.

“One of the most important reasons I am here in Wisconsin is to remind the thousands of men and women working in and around the shipyard that their work is important to our Navy and to our nation” said Gilday. “While Wisconsin seems far from our oceans, its connection to the U.S. Navy remains strong.”

The CNO said an important reason for his visit was to better understand design efforts of the Constellation-class frigates.

“This class of ships is going to be a workhorse in the fleet, and I don’t want anyone to forget the fact that our Sailors are depending on the quality of work done here,” said Gilday. “The ships need to leave Marinette ready for the fight, and that’s what we intend to do. I’m excited to see the FFG ships come to life over the months and years come.”

Dario Deste, president and CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group, echoed similar sentiments.

“We know that the Constellation-class frigates are going to be important for tomorrow’s Navy,” said Deste. “It’s great to have the CNO here in Wisconsin, walking the shipyard, meeting our team and seeing the pride and commitment we have in our work.”

During the visit, the CNO had the chance to meet with shipyard workers and said he was impressed by the innovation and dedication shipyard workers have shown to keeping production lines on track, especially amidst the pandemic.

“To the entire workforce here in Marinette who are responsible for helping us generate warfighting readiness, you have my profound thanks,” said Gilday. “Your innovation and dedication to keeping production lines on track is greatly appreciated, as is your commitment to readiness, which is critical for us to be able to protect our nation.”