Newport News, Va.-based Huntington Ingalls Industries has announced that Capt. Kevin Brenton (U.S. Navy, Ret.) has joined the company as corporate director of customer affairs for submarine programs. Brenton served most recently as deputy director of the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs, overseeing strategic weapons systems.

“Kevin brings a wealth of leadership and maritime experience to our company, and he is going to be an excellent fit for our team,” said Marty Chanik, HII’s corporate vice president, customer affairs for Newport News Shipbuilding, in a Huntington Ingalls news release. “His extensive naval career provides him with a vast understanding and at-sea knowledge of submarines and how they operate and support Navy missions. I am confident his expertise in these programs will be critical in continuing our company’s legacy as the solution-provider for nuclear-powered submarines.”

Prior to joining HII, Brenton had several naval commands, including Submarine Squadron 20 in Kings Bay, Ga., and the submarines USS Portsmouth (SSN 707) and USS San Francisco (SSN 711). He also served on the staffs of the Chief of Naval Operations; Commander, Submarine Forces; and the Joint Staff.

Brenton, a native of Southport, Conn., holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a master’s of science degree from the National War College in Washington, D.C.