Anchor Apparel has grown into a meaningful part of daily life at Ingalls. It has given shipbuilders a place to get gear that makes them feel not only seen but supported. Running the show is store lead Wendy Dickson, whose passion for helping shipbuilders guides every decision she makes.
Wendy’s favorite part of the job is simple: the people who walk through her door.
“I love the interaction with all of them,” she said. “When they come in to buy something, that’s really cool to me.”
The sense of pride stretches far beyond the shipyard. Every time Wendy sees Ingalls gear out in public, she lights up. “I get really excited seeing it. It’s a great feeling.”
Wendy also believes the store plays an important role in creating community at Ingalls.
“If shipbuilders need reading glasses, I am there. If they need a hat real quick, I am there. Just different things to help shipbuilders.”
Wendy’s work shows that community is built through small, everyday moments. It grows when people feel supported, valued and proud of the work they do.
Now, shipbuilders can celebrate their pride outside the yard through Ingalls in the Wild, a new campaign that highlights shipbuilders wearing Ingalls merchandise in their everyday lives. Anyone can take part by snapping a photo in Ingalls gear, using the hashtag #IngallsInTheWild or #IngallsShipbuilding on social media, sharing through the Ingalls Connect app, or sending the photos to IngallsCommunications@hii.com.
Anchor Apparel carries shirts, jackets, hats, and more! Because all items are sold at cost, Ingalls does not profit off of the items, ensuring that shipbuilders are able to get merchandise at the lowest price possible.
Admin 3 store (next to Payroll):
Mon-Wed: 7 AM – 3 PM
Thurs-Fri: Closed
CSA 3 store:
Thurs: 11 AM – 1 PM
Fri: 5-7 AM & 11:30 AM – 1 PM
Wendy sees Ingalls pride every day inside her store. Ingalls can’t wait to see where that pride shows up next!