Huntington Ingalls appoints top nuclear submarine leadership in Australia

US nuclear submarine constructor Huntington Ingalls Industries has announced the appointment of Tim Brown as vice president of operations and Terry Nichols as the managing director for two HII business areas in Australia.

Brown and Nichols will work from HII’s Canberra office, and both will report directly to Michael Lempke, president of Mission Technologies’ Nuclear and Environmental Services business group and the leader of HII’s Australia operations working to advance the goals of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States AUKUS trilateral partnership on behalf of HII.

Brown, as vice president of operations for HII Nuclear Australia Pty Ltd., will lead HII’s efforts in support of AUKUS for Pillar 1, which will enable Australia to acquire, support, and maintain a nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarine fleet and the necessary ancillary infrastructure, workforce development, and supplier uplift activities.

Nichols, as the managing director for HII Australia Pty Ltd., will be responsible for leveraging HII’s extensive expertise in advanced cyber and electronic warfare, artificial intelligence, autonomy and undersea capabilities, C5ISR operations, and nuclear shipbuilding expertise in support of AUKUS Pillar 2, according to a statement.

Michael Lempke, president of Mission Technologies’ Nuclear and Environmental Services, HII said: “Today marks a significant milestone to support and guide AUKUS efforts in Australia on behalf of HII.

“Their leadership will be crucial as we strengthen alliances, enhance capabilities, and drive innovation in partnership with the Australian Defence Force customers to make both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 of AUKUS a success. Together, we are set to forge a future that supports global security and technological advancement.”

Brown, a native of Brisbane, and a 33-year veteran of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), has extensive knowledge and experience of Australia’s submarine programme and defence and industry strategy.

He is a mechanical engineer who primarily served as a submarine officer and commanded both a Collins-class submarine and an ANZAC-class frigate.

Also from Brisbane, Nichols served 20 years in the Australian Army and brings more than 35 years of defence and industry experience across management and executive management roles.

Nichols is a strong collaborator with direct board experience in the defence domain and an extensive executive leadership background from prime contractors, including Boeing Defence Australia, Rheinmetall, and UGL.

HII’s Australian business units are headquartered in Canberra, where the company plans involvement in the delivery of three Virginia class nuclear submarines from the United States, and the construction of SSN-AUKUS type vessels in Adelaide.

Further reading:
Players line up for AUKUS as Huntington Ingalls bets on Australia

Picture: Tim Brown left, and Terry Nichols