HII Outreach Program Recruits High School Graduates for Shipbuilding Careers
Plus, Newport News defense facility acquired for $22.75 Million; Summer movie series and more...
HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) has welcomed more than 50 high school graduates to shipbuilding careers through its WAVES program (Workforce Attraction Via Experienced Shipbuilders) coordinated with 14 schools across Virginia. The program embeds experienced NNS tradespeople, called scouts, into high schools with technical career education curriculums.
Scouts visit monthly, building relationships with career counselors while offering students mentorship, tutoring support, and information about career opportunities at HII. NNS hosted its first “Welcoming Ceremony” for the incoming class, recognizing students’ accomplishments and introducing them to the shipyard and their new colleagues. The event marked a formal transition from classroom recruitment to active employment. “WAVES bridges the gap between education and hands-on experience, equipping students with knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to excel in their chosen fields,” said Xavier Beale, NNS vice president of human resources.
The initiative reflects HII’s broader effort to build a skilled workforce pipeline directly from local schools as America’s largest shipbuilder faces growing demand to support U.S. Navy shipbuilding, as HII announces.
Business
Gladstone Commercial Acquires Newport News Defense Facility for $22.75 Million Gladstone Commercial (Nasdaq: GOOD) has purchased a 153,890-square-foot industrial property in Newport News, Virginia for $22.75 million. The facility is fully leased on a long-term net lease to a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), the largest shipbuilder in the United States and a key supplier to the U.S. Navy. The acquisition was funded through internally generated cash flow, requiring no new equity issuances. The company says it retains ample liquidity via cash reserves and its credit line to pursue further industrial acquisitions. Executives highlighted the property’s strategic value, noting its role in HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division and general manufacturing operations. CEO Buzz Cooper emphasized the deal reflects Gladstone’s disciplined approach to growing its portfolio with well-located industrial assets while boosting both cash and straight-line rents. Gladstone Commercial is a REIT focused on net-leased industrial and office properties across the U.S. As of March 31, 2026, its portfolio comprised 151 properties in 27 states, totaling approximately 17.7 million square feet.
Ferguson CEO Establishes Stock Sale Plan Ferguson Enterprises (NYSE: FERG) has announced that President and CEO Kevin Murphy has entered into a Rule 10b5-1 stock sale plan covering shares tied to equity awards granted between 2023 and 2025. Under the plan, Murphy may sell up to 65% of net shares received upon vesting of his RSU and performance awards. The first sale may occur no earlier than 90 days from the announcement, with the plan set to expire December 8, 2026. The arrangement is a standard tool that allows corporate insiders to divest compensation-related shares on a predetermined schedule, providing a legal safe harbor against insider trading concerns. Ferguson, headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, maintains dual U.S. and UK listing obligations, prompting the additional EU Market Abuse Regulation disclosure. (Business Wire)
Public Safety
Newport News Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Pornography Isaiah Al’Von Holloman, 21, of Newport News pleaded guilty in January 2015 to receiving child pornography. An FBI investigation linked file-sharing activity to his residence, where a search warrant uncovered more than 600 images and hundreds of videos. Holloman admitted to downloading and distributing the material via a peer-to-peer network using false identities. (U.S. DOJ, EDVA)
Community Services
THRIVE Peninsula Expands Summer Hours to Serve Growing Community Needs THRIVE Peninsula reportsexpanded service hours beginning in June to reach more families experiencing food insecurity and housing instability across the Peninsula. The Market will remain open until 7pm on Tuesdays throughout the summer months, complementing previously extended weekday hours that now include Monday and Thursday evening access.
City Opens Grant Applications for Nonprofit Community Support Organizations The City of Newport News reports that the application window for its Community Support Agency Grant Program will open in October 2026 for fiscal year 2028 funding. This program provides monetary grants to qualified nonprofit organizations that serve residents of the city and help improve community quality of life. The city seeks to fund nonprofits offering services in health, safety, education, disease prevention, nutrition, leisure activities, and literacy programs. Eligible organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits under Virginia and federal law, provide measurable direct services to Newport News residents, and demonstrate they have exhausted other funding sources before requesting city support. Grant funds cannot support programs that duplicate existing city, state, or federal services, nor can they be used to advocate particular political or religious viewpoints.
Recreation & Events
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center Presents Summer Movie Series The Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center announces a summer movie series featuring free screenings every Tuesday at 2:00 PM in the Ella Fitzgerald Theater. The program begins June 16 and includes family-friendly films such as Zootopia 2, Wicked: For Good, and The Super Mario Galaxy movie. Residents interested in attending can visit DowningGross.org to view the complete film lineup and purchase tickets. The center is located at 2410 Wickham Avenue in Newport News. All screenings are free to attend.
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