Boeing welcomed Adm. John Richardson, the U.S. Navy’s Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), to Defense, Space & Security headquarters Wednesday.

Richardson's visit included tours of Phantom Works and the F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler production line.

The admiral was updated on ongoing programs and potential future capabilities. He also visited with employees.

“Thank you for the work you do here so our men and women serving in the Navy can stay focused on the mission ahead,” Richardson said.

This was Richardson’s first visit to Boeing since assuming his role in September.

“It was great to have the chance to meet the CNO because my son is active duty Navy and I’m a retired veteran myself,” said Bill Loggins, F/A-18 assembly foreman. “I loved the airplanes when I worked on them in the fleet and it’s a joy knowing the people in the fleet are flying what I work on today.”

A unit of The Boeing Company, Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Defense, Space & Security is a $31 billion business with 53,000 employees worldwide.