On Aug. 25, Milwaukee Valve celebrated the ceremonial first cut of steel for the newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Doris Miller (CVN 81). The ceremonial cut took place at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, the location of the ship’s construction, but parts of the ship are being manufactured at the Milwaukee Valve bronze foundry and manufacturing facility in Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin. 

Milwaukee Valve will be providing bronze gate valves, globe valves, check valves and scupper valves, double offset and triple offset butterfly valves and a variety of ball valves to the construction of the Doris Miller.

Milwaukee Valve is one of over 2,000 aircraft carrier supplier companies across 46 states who perform $8.8 billion worth of work. This nationwide industrial base continually invests in new equipment, technology, and a workforce of more than 92,000 to design and build ships, like CVN 81, that evolve with national security strategy. CVN 81 will be the fourth Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, currently under construction with suppliers across the country continuing to build this modern marvel of innovation and American manufacturing.

“As you can imagine, we are extremely pleased to be involved with the Doris Miller,” said Milwaukee Valve president and CEO Rick Giannini. “The Ford-Class carriers represent the cutting edge of American warfighting technology. The requirements to participate in this ship provide us with an excellent showcase of our technical skills in design and manufacturing.”

About the Ship’s Name

Doris Miller is the first U.S. Navy aircraft carrier named for an African American and the first carrier named in honor of a sailor for actions while serving in the enlisted ranks. Miller is credited with heroic actions while serving aboard the Newport News-built West Virginia (BB 48) during the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Miller’s bravery earned him the Navy Cross.

About the Ford-Class

The Ford-class features new software-controlled electromagnetic catapults and weapons elevators, a redesigned flight deck and island, and more than twice the electrical capacity of the preceding Nimitz-class carriers. Ford-class carriers are designed to be the centerpiece of the nation’s security strategy and support and protect the global economy through the protection of sea lanes around the world.

Doris Miller’s keel is scheduled to be laid in 2026 and delivered to the Navy in 2032.