HII Summer Interns Explore AI Use Cases and Present to Leadership
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (July 21, 2025) — HII’s summer interns at the corporate office have collaborated on a research project focused on identifying the top applications of artificial intelligence within the company’s operations.
Edmond Hughes, HII’s executive vice president and chief human resources officer, emphasized the value of internships. “Internships develop the next generation of leaders who will address current and future challenges in shipbuilding,” Hughes said. He pointed out industry pressures such as increasing ship demand, labor shortages, and rising wages, underscoring the need to attract talented individuals capable of solving these issues.
Intern-Led Research on AI Integration
The intern team conducted in-depth research, interviews, and surveys involving multiple departments. Their goal was to assess how AI could improve workflows at HII’s headquarters. The findings were compiled into a thorough presentation delivered to senior leadership.
For Courtney Cruce, a rising senior at Virginia Tech and HII intern, the project offered practical experience beyond the classroom. “Researching AI has been challenging but very rewarding,” she said.
Internship Program Highlights
HII provides summer internships across its corporate office and divisions including Ingalls Shipbuilding, Mission Technologies, and Newport News Shipbuilding. Interns work full-time for 10 weeks, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in national defense.
Hughes noted the importance of competitive pay and housing assistance in attracting top candidates. “Offering these benefits widens the pool of interns and benefits everyone involved,” he explained.
Applications for the 2026 summer internship program will open this fall. Interested candidates can find more information about internships and careers on the Complete AI Training website.
Additional Engagements
Interns at HII’s Mission Technologies division recently participated in DefenseTech LIVE, a forum showcasing defense technology products and capabilities. The event promoted collaboration and innovation across national security sectors.
About HII
HII is a global defense provider delivering ships and all-domain solutions to support national security. With over 135 years of experience and a workforce of 44,000, HII builds critical technologies including uncrewed systems, cyber solutions, ISR, AI/ML, and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII is the nation’s largest military shipbuilder.
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