# Navy Seeks Higher Submarine Output

HII elected former CEO Mike Petters to its board as the Navy seeks to raise submarine production to at least one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class boats annually; reported output is roughly half the required tonnage. The signal also highlights HII’s federal work, including a potential seven-year, **$2.2 billion** GSA ASTRO task order supporting U.S. Southern Command and a **$3 billion** task order awarded in October 2024. Anduril plans a **$6.6 billion** component yard in Maryland to support the submarine supply chain.

- The production gap points to sustained demand for submarine components and industrial-base capacity. Contractors and suppliers may find opportunities in production support and supply-chain work, particularly around Newport News Shipbuilding and the planned Maryland facility.
- HII’s potential ASTRO task order and prior task order illustrate a separate pipeline of federal services work. Firms pursuing related requirements should assess their fit for ASTRO task orders and the surveillance, tracking, intelligence, logistics, and ISR work described in the signal.
- Petters’ board appointment adds former HII leadership experience as the company operates amid pressure to expand submarine output; procurement teams can factor the capacity challenge into supplier planning and delivery-risk assessments.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Navy (Navy)
- General Services Administration (GSA)
- U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)

### Vendors
- HII (Prime contractor and task order awardee)
- General Dynamics Electric Boat (Prime contractor)
- Anduril Industries (Planned component supplier)

### Sources
- [Former HII CEO Mike Petters Elected to Company Board](https://www.govconwire.com/articles/former-hii-ceo-mike-petters-board-elected) - GovCon Wire