In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division is celebrating the many shipbuilders who have Hispanic or Latin American roots. 

In addition to acknowledging how these communities have influenced and contributed to American society at large, Ingalls also recognizes the significant impact they have had on building our nation’s naval defense.

Pascagoula, where Ingalls is located, has the highest share of Latino residents among Mississippi’s 20 biggest cities by a significant margin, with 15% of the city’s population identifying as Hispanic or Latino in the 2020 census according to a Sun Herald article. 

Understanding diversity, equity and inclusion is at the core of what makes the people great at Ingalls Shipbuilding. It’s knowing we are stronger when we acknowledge and celebrate our differences, giving each of us a place to belong.

Employee resource groups like the Hispanic Outreach Leadership Alliance (HOLA), shine a light on our diversity and give shipbuilders a means to build community.

Recently, HOLA participated in the Festival Hispano de Pascagoula. Board members and volunteers with HOLA helped organize food, music, vendors and more for the festival to kickoff Hispanic Heritage Month. 

At the event, talent acquisition representatives were also present, offering information and job offers to those interested in becoming shipbuilders. 

Watch this video to learn how Ingalls Shipbuilding is celebrating the many shipbuilders who have Hispanic or Latin American roots.