When Steve Thompson, superintendent, Hull, began his shipbuilding journey in 1991, he was 22-years-old, newly married and needed a better paying job. After being hired as a third-class shipfitter, Steve made the most of the opportunity.
“I was as green as the grass back then,” said Steve. “Thankfully, I had a good group of shipbuilders supporting me as I worked my way up to a leadership role throughout the years.”
Steve, as superintendent, oversees safety, quality, cost, and schedule, ensuring that his team produces a safe and reliable product for the customer. Building ships safely will always be top priority.
“It’s important everyone leaves the yard the same way they came in,” said Steve. “I measure success by performance and by making sure shipbuilders return home to their loved ones every day.”
The challenges of the shipyard motivate Steve to come to work and give it his all. Just as his mentors helped him develop, Steve enjoys sharing his knowledge with the next generation of leaders.
“A key part of my job is passing the torch and our legacy to the future of Ingalls,” said Steve. “I’m just paying forward what it means to be a shipbuilder.”