Paint foreman Darrell Johnson still comes to the shipyard each day with the same philosophy he’s had since he was a high school athlete years ago: lead by example, pay attention to the details and never cut corners.
Darrell didn’t set out to be a shipbuilder. While attending college in Baton Rouge, he accepted what he thought would be a summer job.
He never went back.
"A lot of people with degrees aren't making the kind of money we make here,” Darrell said.
That summer job would turn into 39 years of combined service at Avondale and Ingalls, with only a four-month gap in between.
Learning paint and coatings from the ground up, Darrell stood out for his ability to lead others.
"I've always loved teaching and leading," he said. "I understand leadership. I have a knack for it."
Today, he guides the shipbuilders on his crew, ensuring they know how critical the work is to the ship’s long-term preservation.
"Painting isn't just putting paint in a bucket," he said. "You have to know the specifications to succeed."
It’s critical work. Paint forms the ship’s first line of defense. Proper surface preparation, application techniques and adherence to strict specifications ensure the ship remains structurally sound, mission‑ready, and able to withstand years at sea.
"We go by the specs; we live by the specs,” said Darrell. “One day somebody's child might be on that ship. You can't take shortcuts."
As he approaches 40 years of service, Darrell is focused on passing along the lessons he's learned, and it’s straightforward: pay attention to the details, listen to those around you and never stop learning.
"Take all the advice you can," he said. "Find your own way of doing things. And make sure you’re focused on being safe and aware of what’s going on around you."
And for those looking to grow into leadership roles, Darrell encourages them to broaden their perspective.
"Be well-rounded. Learn the whole yard,” he advises. “The more you know about the yard, the ships, the craft, the people—that's what will make you successful.”
That success is seen daily in Darrell’s impact on the crews he’s mentored, the ships he’s proudly watched sail away and the pride he brings to the shipyard every day.
Thank you for being an Ingalls shipbuilder, Darrell!