Congratulations to our 2025 Master Shipbuilders on four decades of dedication, leadership and service to the nation through shipbuilding.
Each shipbuilder was recognized at a June 12 dinner held in their honor, which was attended by their loved ones and Ingalls leadership. A commemorative jacket featuring the Master Shipbuilder logo embroidered in gold was presented to each honoree.
A highlight of the ceremony was the debut of a tribute video featuring several master shipbuilders. The video captured their personal stories, career highlights and a shared purpose in building ships that safeguard America's interests around the world.
“Reaching 40 years of service is an extraordinary milestone and we are proud to honor these master shipbuilders for their decades of service, leadership and loyalty to Ingalls Shipbuilding," said Ingalls President Brian Blanchette. “Their dedication has shaped not only our country’s Navy fleet, but our workforce, our communities and our shipyard culture."
A Legacy of Service
Throughout their tenure at Ingalls, these Master Shipbuilders have served as mentors, craftsmen and patriots whose work has supported generations of American service members.
“You fall in love with the mission. You fall in love with the people,” said Denise Quave, director, Engineering, who has spent her entire career in the Planning Yard. “This team is raising families above and beyond the mission of the shipyard itself.”
For many, the work is more than a job — it’s a calling that spans generations.
“You can do anything you want to at Ingalls,” said Tony Taylor, director, General Manufacturing. “I’ve had a great career. I’ve had great friends. I’m proud to help make sure Ingalls stays a core component of providing our nation with what it needs.”
More Than Just Memories
Larry Stevens, pipewelder, started at Ingalls in 1985 as a structural welder apprentice. With a passion to be a TIG welder, he landed the opportunity and moved into the role of work leaderman. One of the most memorable moments for Larry, however, was in 2023 when he was selected to weld the ceremonial keel plate for LPD 31.
While being a part of the ship’s story is significant on its own, the event was even more special to Larry because his daughter – who is also an Ingalls shipbuilder – was there. “That meant a lot to me for her to see her dad weld,” recalled Larry.
Bob Harper Jr., cost estimating analyst, also shared one of his fond memories: the first time he walked aboard the USS Wisconsin.
“Just thinking of all the Sailors and all the things it had been through, restoring it and putting it back together is a great memory,” he said. “You meet a lot of people here that become like family. What you put into it is what you get out of it.”
Thank You For Your Service
Congratulations to our newest class of Master Shipbuilders — and thank you for 40 years of shipbuilding in service to the warfighter.
Each shipbuilder’s story echoes a deeper truth: shipbuilding is national service. From laying keels to restoring warships and preparing them for deployment, their careers are marked by moments that directly support and strengthen our military.
Congratulations to each of our Master Shipbuilders on reaching this huge milestone! Thank you for dedicating 40 years of your knowledge, skill and leadership to the defense of our nation.
Click here to view the photo gallery: https://ingallsshipbuilding.pixieset.com/mastershipbuilderdinner2025/
Click here to read the release: HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding Honors 2025 Class of Master Shipbuilders - HII
