HUNTINGTON INGALLS INDUSTRIES NAMED A FIT-FRIENDLY WORKSITE BY THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., July 15, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) was recently recognized as a gold Fit-Friendly worksite by the American Heart Association. The award recognizes company initiatives that encourage improved employee health awareness.

To receive gold Fit-Friendly status, companies must show that they are taking steps to improve the health of their employees through nutritional changes and physical activity support. HII received this award because it offers employees healthier food options and exercise opportunities at work to create a health-conscious culture.

The healthy work environment has extended beyond just HII. Its two divisions, Newport News Shipbuilding and Ingalls Shipbuilding, were also named Fit-Friendly worksites this year. Newport News, along with its subsidiary, AMSEC LLC, received gold awards, and Ingalls received a platinum award. Platinum awards are given to companies that meet all the gold criteria and can also show a positive return on investment due to their health-conscious changes.

"We are honored to receive this award from the American Heart Association," said Bill Ermatinger, HII corporate vice president and chief human resources officer. "We are glad that HII, Newport News, AMSEC and Ingalls are all taking steps to improve employee health. Together, we can learn from one another's initiatives and have a healthier workforce overall."

Beyond being Fit Friendly, HII has initiated a new benefits strategy designed to optimize employee health and wellness options. In addition to offering healthier food choices and physical activity support, HII is offering employees access to Teladoc, a program that provides employees with access to board-certified physicians via telephone, mobile application or computer. At its Newport News and Ingalls divisions, HII will also open two new family health centers in 2015 that will offer a variety of services, including primary care, laboratory services and an onsite pharmacy. Additionally, to encourage healthier choices, HII is offering a discounted rate for healthcare to salaried employees who attest that they do not use tobacco.