HII (NYSE: HII) has appointed Chris Helton as vice president of infrastructure and sustainability at its Newport News Shipbuilding division, effective Aug. 31, according to a company press release.

In the role, Helton will oversee infrastructure modernization at the shipyard, along with facilities, environmental health and safety, and security. He will report to Karey Malyszko, NNS vice president of quality, process excellence and plant operations.

Helton joins Newport News Shipbuilding from HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division, where he spent 35 years in positions spanning engineering, facilities, maintenance and planning. He most recently served as director of post-launch electrical operations at Ingalls and was involved in the division's recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Helton holds a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering technology and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Southern Mississippi.