NASSCO Shipyard President Retiring; Successor Named

By Mark Edward Nero

Frederick J. Harris, president of both General Dynamics’ NASSCO and Bath Iron Works shipyards, is to retire at the end of 2016. And as a result, new heads of both companies have been named.

Kevin M. Graney has been appointed as president of San Diego-based NASSCO and elected a vice president of the corporation, while Dirk A. Lesko has also been elected a vice president of the corporation and appointed president of Maine-based Bath Iron Works.

Graney, 52, was appointed vice president and general manager of NASSCO in November 2013. He previously held leadership positions in operations, programs and engineering. He joined NASSCO in 2006 from General Dynamics Electric Boat, where he started working in 1995. Graney is a US Navy submarine veteran.

Both appointments are effective Jan. 1, 2017, following Harris’ retirement.

“Dirk and Kevin are seasoned leaders with proven track records of managing complex shipbuilding projects and driving continuous improvement at every level of their business,” General Dynamics Executive Vice President John P. Casey said.

“Both have worked for General Dynamics for more than 20 years and they have the right management and operations experience to ensure these shipyards are positioned for the future.”

In announcing Harris’ retirement, Casey said that throughout his extensive career with General Dynamics, Harris made significant contributions to the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding programs.

“I want to thank Fred for his commitment to shipbuilding and outstanding service to our company and employees,” Casey said. “We wish him well in retirement.”