Moving thousands of tons of steel across land may look effortless from the outside, but for the Translation Team, it’s a precise, high‑stakes evolution that depends on preparation, communication and trust.

Surrounded by family who have worn the uniform and family who have built the ships that protect them, Roderick found his place in a craft that ties all those pieces together. He’s built a path defined by pride, purpose and caring for the people he works with every day. During this conversation, Roderick shares what led him to the shipyard and why the mission means so much to him.

Shipbuilding is ever evolving, and Julie McDonald is at the forefront of that transformation. By introducing advanced 3D scanning and pushing for digital innovation, she’s redefining how Ingalls supports the Navy fleet.

For 28-year structural welder Cory Dillon, tracing the keel sponsor’s initials into the steel of Philadelphia (LPD 32) wasn’t just another job task. In fact, it was a milestone he’d quietly hoped for. It’s a role he watched friends take on in the past, and one he’d always hoped to experience himself.