A member of the Air Test Crew and a Tank Welder were recognized for their performance this spring on Hull 525, Louis H. Wilson, Jr. – BIW’s first Flight III ship.
Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy Dr. Susan Rabern, who is a sponsor of Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126), asked that her challenge coin be given each month to someone who has excelled in their work on Hull 525. Janet Wilson Taylor, daughter of the ship’s namesake, is also a sponsor.
Shipfitter Nate Hix was selected to receive the Susan Rabern Challenge coin for March. President Chuck Krugh presented Hix the coin and congratulated him and his team for the excellent work they’ve done.
Front Line Supervisor Mark St. Amand nominated Hix for the recognition. “Nate is always looking for a way to get it done and has the team going above and beyond,” he said. “He knows he can’t do it alone and works good with his team and hull supervision. He has a great attitude and is a great example of WE CAN.”
Hix joined BIW in 2011 and has been on the air test crew for the past nine years. The group uses air pressure to determine whether there are any leaks in compartments that need to be watertight or airtight.
The best part of the job, he said, is it’s a different challenge every day and the team gets to take their skills to different areas of the shipyard. “I like to work. I like finding the leaks and making sure they get taken care of,” he said.
For April, hull leadership selected Welder Dan Bishop, a second-shift mechanic who has been with BIW for three years. Bishop said he really enjoys welding and feels like his role helps contribute to the nation’s security.
“I make sure the tanks are up to the standard the Navy wants and deserves,” Bishop said. “It will contribute to them being safe.”
“This is the first job I’ve had where I can go home and feel really proud of what I’ve done – helping my country,” he said.
Tank Manager Ed Gray nominated Bishop, noting that tanks are critical to the ship’s progression. “His attention to safety, quality and details allows for multi-shift operations to go smoothly,” he said. “It’s because of employees like Dan we are able to meet our commitments.”
When the future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. joins the Navy fleet, it will reflect the craftsmanship and hard work of people like Hix and Bishop.
