Aery Aviation said Tuesday that the Federal Aviation Administration has withdrawn a civil penalty of about $15.7 million that the agency proposed against the company in December. In a news release, the Newport News-based company said the FAA withdrew the entire penalty letter issued Dec. 22, 2025. According to Aery, none of the proposed penalty will be assessed, the FAA made no finding of violation, and the matter is closed. The release said the FAA’s formal notice called pursuing the case “not in the interest of justice.”
When the FAA announced the proposal on Dec. 22, it put the amount at $15,744,352.50 and alleged unsafe operations using unairworthy aircraft. The agency alleged Aery installed banner- and target-tow equipment on Learjets without required maintenance or documentation, and operated 431 flights between July 2021 and April 2022 without required airworthiness certificates. It also alleged 945 flights with the equipment installed and no waiver. The FAA said most flights were near Newport News-Williamsburg Airport’s Class D airspace and alleged the operations were careless or reckless and endangered lives or property.
Aery said in its release that it contested the proposed action from the start, maintained it did nothing wrong and argued the facts and law did not support the penalty. The company said it gave the FAA documents addressing factual, aircraft, operational and jurisdictional issues. Scott Beale, Aery’s president, said the company is pleased the FAA withdrew the penalty after considering the evidence, and that public announcement of the proposal created uncertainty for employees, customers and others. Aery said it will continue to focus on its defense, government, medical, engineering, maintenance, modification and commercial aviation businesses.
Government
State Corporation Commission schedules public hearings on energy merger.
The State Corporation Commission will hold three in-person hearings on the proposed $67 billion merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy, plus three days of phone testimony. One hearing will occur October 7 at Christopher Newport University in Newport News. If approved, the merger would create the largest regulated utility in the country. Written testimony deadline will be November 9.
Education
Huntington Middle School student brings optimism and positive attitude daily
Seventh grader Liam Evans at Huntington Middle School is recognized for his leadership and positive influence on classmates. The student ambassador received a principals’ award, participated in Black History Month activities, and plans to join the PBIS team this year. Evans also participates in track, drama and chorus while volunteering at his church.
Thrust Flight opens sixth US location at Newport News
Thrust Flight has launched its first East Coast campus at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport in partnership with Hampton University. The facility supports flight training for Hampton students while offering programs to the public, featuring Piper aircraft equipped with Garmin G1000 avionics and planned Aircraft Powerplant mechanic training.
Military
Navy takes preliminary acceptance of future carrier
The Navy accepted the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) from Newport News Shipbuilding on September 29, following successful Acceptance Trials in August. The carrier is approximately 99 percent complete with all major systems finished. Preliminary acceptance allows the ship and crew to conduct at-sea testing while the shipbuilder completes final systems testing ahead of formal delivery in Spring 2027. The Navy postponed delivery of USS John F. Kennedy from July 2025 to March 2027, a 20-month delay attributed to arresting gear certification and weapons elevator issues that similarly affected USS Gerald R. Ford. Kennedy incorporates design improvements including modular construction reducing labor by five to ten percent, simplified steel construction, and a less expensive radar system saving approximately 180 million dollars, according to 19FortyFive.
HII awarded 5 billion dollars for carrier overhaul
The Navy awarded shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries more than $5 billion to perform the mid-life refueling and complex overhaul of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier at Newport News Shipbuilding. Work is expected to conclude by November 2031 and will include refueling the nuclear reactor, upgrading propulsion and combat systems, and modernizing thousands of compartments throughout the vessel.
USS Idaho submarine completes first deployment in six months
The USS Idaho, commissioned in April 2026, returned to Groton, Connecticut on September 28 after completing its first Sixth Fleet deployment. Built by General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII Newport News Shipbuilding, the Virginia class submarine sailed over 19,000 nautical miles while operating in the U.S. European Command area, making port calls in Norway and Georgia.
Weapons Station Yorktown youth visit Newport News Police Department headquarters.
Military-affiliated children from Naval Weapons Station Yorktown’s Youth Center toured Newport News Police Department headquarters on September 8, interacting with Chief Steve Drew. The visit was documented by the Navy and released via DVIDS.
Naval Captain Hannah Kriewaldt retires after 27 years
St. Joseph native Captain Hannah A. Kriewaldt retired from the U.S. Navy after 27 years of service, concluding her tenure commanding SUPSHIP Newport News in Virginia. The 1999 Naval Academy graduate led over 600 professionals overseeing nuclear aircraft carrier and submarine construction and modernization programs.
Weapons Station Yorktown youth center honors September 11 legacy
Military affiliated children at Weapons Station Yorktown’s Youth Center received a $2,500 Boys and Girls Club of America grant to honor the September 11 legacy through educational programming and first responder outreach. Youth created thank you cards and packed lunch totes for Newport News police and York County firefighters, delivering them in person during facility visits that allowed children to learn about law enforcement and emergency services.
Development
Long-term lane closures begin on I-64 in Hampton and Newport News
Starting September 29, contractor crews will close the inside lane between LaSalle Avenue and Denbigh Boulevard overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. as part of Hampton Roads Express Lanes construction. The lane will reopen when Express Lanes operations begin, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Business
Costco to open new warehouse location in Newport News, Virginia
Costco announced plans to open a new store in Newport News as part of a broader expansion including 33 locations nationwide. According to the New York Post, the company will open 14 stores with identified locations, while remaining 2027 locations have not yet been announced.
Public Safety
Newport News man charged after interstate chase and crash
A Newport News man was charged after state police attempted to stop his blue pickup truck on I-64 near Fort Eustis Boulevard on September 27. The vehicle struck a white van during the pursuit, which ended near exit 255B. Zackary R. Boham, 35, faces charges including reckless driving, felony elude, DUI, and felony hit and run. No injuries were reported.
Recreation & Events
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater coming to Ferguson Center
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform at Ferguson Center for the Arts, located at 1 Avenue of the Arts in Newport News, Virginia on April 27. The renowned dance company will bring its celebrated performances to the local venue.
Virginia Arts Festival to perform at Diamonstein Concert Hall.
The Virginia Arts Festival is scheduled to perform at Diamonstein Concert Hall in Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the venue.
Band Expo to feature eighth grade and high school musicians
The Newport News Public Schools Band Expo will take place Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Todd Stadium, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. The free community event will feature eighth grade musicians and high school marching bands, with concessions available and a clear bag policy in effect.
Dr. Seuss’s Cat In The Hat to come to Newport News
Dr. Seuss’s The Cat In The Hat Live On Stage will perform at Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News on Tuesday, March 23, 2027 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available through AXS.