Clawing back schedule, good housekeeping and strong leadership on DDG 126 were celebrated in the past quarter as shipbuilders working on the future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. were recognized for their exceptional contributions. Three shipbuilders have been selected to receive a challenge coin from ship’s sponsor Susan Rabern, a retired Navy captain and former Assistant Secretary of the Navy. The namesake’s daughter, Janet Wilson Taylor, is also a ship sponsor.
Bob Boyker, a 36-year Pipefitter, was May’s selection for the coin. Boyker had been working on the pipe hydro crew’s effort to get more testing done at earlier stages of construction, specifically in the production buildings prior to integration on Land Level. Boyker worked on Hull 525 units in PO2 and Ultra Hall, grooming test segments and getting them ready to sell to the customer.
“Getting segment tests done earlier allows for trade works, paint and government inspections to be done without having to revisit the areas once complete,” said Front Line Supervisor Randy Paine. “Bob inspects, signs off, repairs, tests and sells pipe segments, which are critical for a fully operational ship.”
An expediter and member of the Operating Crew, Boyker has worked in all aspects of the pipe shop. “He understands the final product,” Raines said. “He understands both sides of the fence: construction and testing.”
The employee recognized with June’s challenge coin was Area Supervisor Travis Ventimiglia.
After 13 years as a welder, Ventimiglia had recently been made Area Supervisor for the forward section of Hull 525. He said his first project was working with Integration, Outfit trades and Planning to get the sonar dome to full hull integration complete ahead of schedule.
“He was the type of mechanic that fellow mechanics and management would seek out, because of his strong knowledge of ships’ dynamics and his work ethic,” said Chief Superintendent Billy Jackson. “Travis was always the first in line to help as a mechanic and that still stands true in his newer role as an area supervisor.”
Tinsmith Nathan Zaluski is the mechanic recognized in July.
“Nate’s work ethic is something we can all strive for and his attention to quality and workmanship is outstanding,” said Front Line Supervisor Cody Soucier. “Throughout the job, he maintains a level of organization and housekeeping we can all be proud of. At the end of a job or shift, the area he worked is well kept and clean.”
Soucier said Zaluski, who has been with BIW for three years, has a positive attitude no matter what challenge he faces.
President Chuck Krugh presented each of the recipients their challenge coin on behalf of Rabern.
