Fincantieri Marinette Marine has named Kenneth J. Braithwaite, the 77th Secretary of the Navy and former U.S. ambassador to Norway, as the new Chairman of its Board of Directors. His extensive experience in defense and naval matters will be crucial as the Italian-owned shipbuilder undergoes major changes in its operations.

This appointment comes at a time when Fincantieri is facing important shifts in its U.S. operations. On November 25, 2025, the U.S. Navy announced it would cancel four ships from the Constellation-class frigate program before any construction starts, moving forward only with the first two ships—Constellation (FFG-62) and Congress (FFG-63)—at the company’s Wisconsin shipyard.

“It is a pleasure and a privilege to welcome Ambassador Braithwaite as our Chairman,” said George Moutafis, CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group. “His valuable insights into the needs of our Navy and Nation will be an asset, and we are lucky to have him on board.”

Braithwaite adds a wealth of military and diplomatic experience to his new role. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1984 and served as a naval aviator, flying anti-submarine missions in the Pacific and Arctic. He retired as a Rear Admiral from the Navy Reserve. Braithwaite became Secretary of the Navy on May 29, 2020, after serving as the 31st U.S. Ambassador to Norway during President Trump’s first term.

The Constellation-class program has experienced serious delays, with the lead ship now anticipated to be delivered in April 2029, which is three years later than initially expected. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan noted that the decision to cancel the four ships reflects a strategic change regarding the program.

“We are reshaping how the Navy builds its fleet,” Phelan stated. “The Navy and our industry partners have developed a framework that allows us to terminate the last four ships of this class before construction begins.”

A report from the Government Accountability Office in May 2024 highlighted key issues with the program, stating that starting construction before completing the ship design was not in line with best practices. The report warned that these design delays are contributing to ongoing construction setbacks.

Recently, the U.S. Navy announced a shift towards a new FF(X) frigate design, inspired by Huntington Ingalls Industries’ successful Legend-class National Security Cutter used by the Coast Guard. John C. Phelan explained that this faster approach aims to deliver combat capability sooner by using an existing design, with the first hull expected to launch in 2028 under the administration’s “Golden Fleet” initiative. Navy leaders framed this decision as a response to the delays in the Constellation program and an overall effort to lower costs and technical risks while boosting shipyard productivity nationwide.

Despite these challenges, Fincantieri emphasized that the new agreement offers stability for its workforce and facilities. The company stated that the Navy would cover its existing economic commitments and industrial impacts as part of the contractual changes.

Moutafis commented on the restructured agreement: “The agreement with the U.S. Navy marks a new chapter in our relationship, based on trust and a shared commitment to excellence. The plan for the Constellation-class program gives us the stability needed for our teams and the entire Wisconsin shipyard system, allowing us to keep investing in innovation and skills.”

Looking ahead, Fincantieri anticipates new orders for amphibious, icebreaking, and specialty vessels and will support the Navy in redefining its strategic choices in the Small Surface Combatants category.

The company currently employs about 3,750 skilled workers in the U.S., with facilities in Marinette, Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, and Jacksonville, and it has recently increased its workforce by 850. Over the past few years, Fincantieri has invested more than $800 million in its four U.S. shipyards.

Braithwaite joins other FMM board members, including former Wisconsin governor James Doyle, Vice Adm. (USN, Ret.) Ronald Boxall, and former military acquisition leaders Steffanie Easter and James Geurts, all serving as outside directors.

The cancellation of the frigate program adds to a series of changes in federal shipbuilding programs during the Trump Administration, which also included the cancellation of the U.S. Coast Guard's planned eleventh Legend-class National Security Cutter and a partial shutdown of the Offshore Patrol Cutter program at Eastern Shipbuilding.