Shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine has appointed former U.S. Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite as chairman of its board of directors. The appointment was announced December 19th by George Moutafis, CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group. Moutafis said Braithwaite’s experience and perspective on the Navy’s needs will be invaluable to the company. Braithwaite previously served as the 77th Secretary of the Navy and as U.S. ambassador to Norway. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he served on active duty as a naval aviator and later as a public affairs officer aboard the USS America. He retired from the Navy Reserve as a rear admiral following multiple deployments, including Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the private sector, Braithwaite held leadership roles in healthcare and public service, including work as a senior advisor to U.S. Senator Arlen Specter and as a healthcare executive prior to returning to government service. Braithwaite joins the Fincantieri Marinette Marine board alongside former Wisconsin Governor James Doyle, retired Vice Admiral Ronald Boxall, and former senior military acquisition officials Steffanie Easter and James Geurts.

The announcement comes as the Navy continues to scale back the Constellation-class frigate program. Marinette Marine will complete work on the first two ships — Constellation and Congress — while four additional planned frigates were canceled in November.