Northrop Grumman chief tells Congress Biloxi shipyard is up to speed

Cost rather than capabilities was at the center of congressional questions to shipbuilding officials at a hearing Wednesday.

Philip Teel, president of Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, came to the House subcommittee on defense appropriations hearing expecting to have to defend his company’s ability to finish $9 billion in Navy shipbuilding work despite disruptions from Hurricane Katrina and a recent labor strike.