W&O Supply, Inc. Celebrates Ceremonial First Cut of Steel for the Aircraft Carrier Doris Miller (CVN 81)
Virginia Beach, VA. – 25 August 2021: The US’ largest supplier of valves, pipes, and fittings to the maritime industry, W&O Supply, Inc., today celebrated the ceremonial first cut of steel for the US Navy’s newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Doris Miller (CVN 81). The ceremonial cut took place at Newport News Shipbuilding, Virginia, where the ship was constructed, with parts of the ship supplied and manufactured at Virginia Beach and Portsmouth, VA, as well as via W&O’s corporate headquarters in Jacksonville, FL.
W&O contributes fluid flow control material components and systems, consisting of pipe, valves, fittings, and engineered solutions and is the only global maritime valve supplier with distribution points that span the US, Asia and Europe with branch network locations around the world. The organization is one of over 2,000 aircraft carrier supplier companies across 46 states in the US who perform $8.8 billion worth of work.
This global industrial base continually invests in new equipment and technology, with a workforce of more than 92,000 in North America alone to design and build ships, like CVN 81, that evolve with national security strategy. W&O provides high-value consultancy, engineering and project-management services, in addition to class-society approved products. CVN 81 will be the fourth Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, currently under construction with suppliers across the country continuing to build this modern marvel of innovation and American manufacturing.
Phil Jiannine, W&O’s Director of Government Sales, commented: “We know that in times of crisis, aircraft carriers are the tip of the spear. All of us at W&O are proud to do our part to make sure this magnificent fighting machine, named after such a dedicated American, gets the quality material and workmanship it deserves.”
- ENDS -
EDITOR’S NOTES
About the Ship’s Name
Doris Miller is the first U.S. Navy aircraft carrier named for an African American and the first carrier named in honor of a sailor for actions while serving in the enlisted ranks. Miller is credited with heroic actions while serving aboard the Newport News-built West Virginia (BB 48) during the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Miller’s bravery earned him the Navy Cross.
About the Ford-Class
The Ford-class features new software-controlled electromagnetic catapults and weapons elevators, a redesigned flight deck and island, and more than twice the electrical capacity of the preceding Nimitz-class carriers. Ford-class carriers are designed to be the centerpiece of the nation’s security strategy and support and protect the global economy through the protection of sea lanes around the world. Doris Miller’s keel is scheduled to be laid in 2026 and delivered to the Navy in 2032.
ABOUT W&O Supply
W&O is one of the largest suppliers of actuated valves, valves, engineered products, pipe and fittings to the marine market. W&O is the only global maritime products supplier with distribution points that span the US, Asia and Europe through a branch network, headquartered out of Jacksonville, Florida.
Contact Information:
Kimberly A. Hegg
Director, Marketing & Communications
W&O Supply
+1 904-899-4808
Dan Hunt
BLUE Communications
+44 7584 662 757