PASCAGOULA, Miss. (June 1, 2023) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division is honoring 45 employees who in 2023 achieve 40 years of continuous service to the company. HII refers to this elite group as “master shipbuilders,” a designation reserved for individuals whose contributions span four decades, nearly half of Ingalls’ 85-year shipbuilding legacy.

“The talent and dedication of these master shipbuilders distinguishes Ingalls within the industry and enables us to build the complex ships that are vital to our national security,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson said. “Shipbuilding is difficult and rewarding work, and these individuals have built their own legacies here at Ingalls. We are thankful and congratulate them on this special accomplishment.”

Ingalls Shipbuilding employs more than 11,000 individuals and is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi. As a major contributor to the economic growth of Mississippi and Alabama, Ingalls is committed to the long-term viability of their workforce and surrounding communities.

Master shipbuilder Paula Hollis describes the benefits of a career at Ingalls saying, “Along the Gulf Coast, this is one of the best jobs you could have. It has employed lots of people, raised a bunch of families and sent kids to college.”

Master shipbuilders typically hold various positions within the company over their careers. From talent recruitment, to training the next generation of shipbuilders, to designing, building and testing ships, each role supports delivering important capabilities to our nation.

“You have to be dedicated to be a master at anything,” master shipbuilder Rickey Triplett said. “Every day won’t be easy, every day won’t be hard, but you have to be patient and want to do the work.”

Watch the video below to hear more from some of the 2023 master shipbuilders and what has contributed to their 40-year career at Ingalls Shipbuilding.