Fincantieri Hosts Discussion of U.S. Navy’s Next 250 Years

Fincantieri Marine Group, the American subsidiary of one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups Fincantieri, hosted an event in honor of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary on October 15 at the Army and Navy Club in the nation’s capital.

The event featured remarks by George Moutafis, CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group, as well as a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Steven Wills of the Center for Maritime Strategy. The panelists included Brent Sadler of Heritage Foundation, former Wisconsin Congressman Mike Gallagher of Palantir, and former National Security Council Senior Director Ian Bennit.

“While we celebrate the first 250 years of our U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, it is just as important to look to the future and discuss what it will take to ensure another 250 years of success,” said Moutafis. “Fincantieri is uniquely positioned to continue being a significant maritime partner of the Navy and Marine Corps, especially when innovation and emerging technologies come to play.”

Fincantieri Marine Group, having established a system of shipyards in the U.S., and with decades of experience on small surface combatants and complex shipbuilding, recognizes that the path to the future includes innovation on both crewed and unmanned vessels, as well as innovation on shipbuilding, like shipyard digitalization and other initiatives.

The panel discussion touched on many relevant topics like the existential geopolitical challenges of China and what that will require from the maritime services in the next few years, the Administration’s drive to shore up American shipbuilding, and the need to increase awareness of the importance of the maritime domain as a driver in the national security and economic sectors.

Moutafis concluded his remarks by mentioning his pride to support the U.S. military. “It’s with great pride that we get to represent a portion of the industrial base, knowing that we provide the maritime means through which the Navy and Marine Corps deliver lethality, diplomacy, and humanity on and below the water’s surface globally.”