October 3, 2023
Ingalls Welder Workleader Seveta Gray had one of her proudest moments as a shipbuilder welding the ship sponsor’s initials during the LHA 9 keel authentication.
“Knowing I had a role in such a huge milestone for Fallujah (LHA 9) was incredible,” Gray said. “It’s truly a humbling experience I will never forget.”
Gray, who has been at Ingalls for nearly 15 years, completed the apprenticeship program, and is now an on-the-job mentor, training the next generation of welders. She enjoys playing a part in advancing the careers of shipbuilders.
“I love teaching others and letting them learn to develop skills in the shipyard,” Gray said. “It’s a blessing to watch the young shipbuilders find ways to thrive.”
Gray understands the bigger picture of the keel authentication. It’s a step towards building another world-class ship to protect this great nation. She takes pride in believing THEIR mission is OUR purpose.
“Knowing you're building those ships, putting those pieces together a little bit at a time, is something I take seriously every time I put my steel toes on,” Gray said. “Watching everything come together and knowing loved ones are aboard those ships means a whole lot to me.”
HII is America’s largest shipbuilder, delivering the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain mission technologies, including unmanned systems, to U.S. and allied defense customers. HII is the largest producer of unmanned underwater vehicles for the U.S. Navy and the world.
With a more than 140-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII builds and integrates defense capabilities extending from the core fleet to C6ISR, AI/ML, EW and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong.
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