Published April 6, 2022

Hunt Valve Awarded $2M Contract by Newport News Shipbuilding for Ford Class Carrier Essential Parts

“In light of the post-pandemic supply chain challenges and uncertainty about the war in Ukraine, NNS is being extremely prudent by stocking the parts necessary,” said FMD CEO George Whittier.


Photo credit: Pixabay

Fairfax Morse Defense (FMD) has been awarded a contract by Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) to provide essential parts through Hunt Valve, a VMA member, for the Ford Class aircraft carriers CVN 78–CVN 81. The contract, valued at approximately $2 million, covers parts that will be delivered during the second and third quarters of 2022. Hunt Valve, which was acquired by Fairbanks Morse Defense in 2021, manufactures valves and electromechanical actuators for naval defense applications.

This contract reinforces FMD’s position as a key supplier to its core naval defense customers. Having traditionally been a naval engine supplier, Fairbanks Morse Defense has expanded into a single-source product and service solutions provider for the entire vessel. Over the last 18 months, the defense contractor has been acquiring a number of companies and currently offers a large array of best-in-class marine technologies, OEM parts and turnkey services for the entire vessel to ensure Navy and Coast Guard fleets are always mission ready.

“Every ship and every shipyard play a crucial role in advancing American interests and countering our rivals at sea. Fairbanks Morse Defense and our sub-brands are deeply committed to supporting our country’s critical naval operations with American-made OEM parts throughout the ship,” said FMD CEO George Whittier. “In light of the post-pandemic supply chain challenges and uncertainty about the war in Ukraine, NNS is being extremely prudent by stocking the parts necessary.”

Baker Hughes Optimize Service banner - proactively manage valve maintenance with VLM Cloud
VMA Valve Industry Buyers Guide banner - find U.S. and Canadian valve companies for your project
VMA Valve Forum 2026 banner - April 13-15 The Woodlands Texas annual event
Valve Careers banner - connect top talent with top positions at valvecareers.vma.org
Baker Hughes Optimize Service ad - track valve maintenance and identify spare parts with VLM Cloud