Ingalls reached a major milestone on Pittsburgh (LPD 31) with the successful lift and placement of the ship’s forward house, one of the heaviest and most complex lifts performed in the yard.
The evolution brought together multiple crafts working in lockstep, all aligned with one goal: to safely and precisely place the massive structure.
“This is one of the heaviest lifts in the shipyard,” said Jay Hunt, Hull general superintendent. “From the fitters and welders to the riggers and crane operators, everybody pulls their weight.”
Milestones like this carry added weight, especially in today’s global environment.
“What we’re building matters now more than ever,” said Doug Cunningham, LPD 31 Ship Program Manager. “Our Navy depends on these ships to be ready when called, and that starts right here with the work our shipbuilders are doing every day.”
Building the Foundation
The forward house lift represents more than a single event. It reflects months of planning, sequencing and execution across teams, where clear communication and coordination are essential at every step.
Long before the lift, the work starts in Hull, where a commitment to first-time quality sets the tone for everything that follows. Shipbuilders focus on proper alignment, using the right tools and taking the time to get it right the first time.
That attention to detail creates a strong foundation for follow-on crafts, helping ensure the ship can be outfitted safely and efficiently as it continues to take shape.
“What stands out most is the pride and ownership our shipbuilders bring to this ship,” said Doug. “You can see it in the quality of the work and the way teams are coming together to move this ship forward.”
A Team Effort
Large-scale lifts like this forward house installation require more than technical precision. They depend on trust between teams and confidence in the process.
“Every day presents its own challenges,” said Jay. “But you know you don’t have to worry because this team makes it happen.”
Built with Purpose
For many shipbuilders, including Jay, milestones like this carry a deeper meaning.
“Being able to see a ship through from beginning to end is worth it. It’s an experience that stays with you for the rest of your life,” said Jay.
That sense of purpose drives the work forward, serving as a reminder that what’s being built in Pascagoula will serve U.S. Sailors and Marines around the world.
“Our country needs this ship, and our freedom depends on it,” said Jay. “Years from now, you’ll see that ship and be able to say you built it. It’s a feeling you don’t know until you’ve lived it.”
As LPD 31 continues to take shape, the forward house lift stands as a clear sign of progress and a reminder that every ship built at Ingalls is built to do what is right for the warfighter.