With her hand over her heart, boat foreman Shawana McArthur gazed at the American flag and recited the Pledge of Allegiance, her voice cutting through the cold morning air as dignitaries and guests gathered on the waterfront for the christening of Harrisburg (LPD 30). For Shawana, being chosen for this honor was one of the highlights of her career thus far.
Shawana began her career at Ingalls nearly 10 years ago as a first-class electrician. Since then, her perseverance and passion for shipbuilding have driven her career forward. In her current role as boat foreman, Shawana oversees the completion of compartments on LPD 30, working with various crafts to help guide them to greatness with each milestone they conquer.
"Our LPD team is amazing,” said Shawana. “We have a lot of newcomers who have stepped up and taken on new roles. LPD 30 represents the hard work and dedication of every shipbuilder here. I’m just extremely proud to be a part of that.”
Seeing the ship go from sheets of metal to a vessel on the water has inspired Shawana, pushing her to ensure each milestone on LPD 30 is done with the highest quality.
“It was a joyous moment to see the ship launched,” Shawana recalled. “And I look forward to seeing the Sailors come aboard and make the ship their home. We’re building ships that serve our country, and that’s something I take a lot of pride in.”
But Shawana’s job goes beyond simply managing construction tasks. She also takes great pride in watching her team advance and grow.
“It’s a joy to see people moving up in the company and advancing their careers,” she said. “Ingalls is a company that supports growth, and it’s rewarding to see that in action.”
With several more ships in the pipeline, Shawana is committed to the future of Ingalls and the U.S. Navy.
"I’ll be here until I retire,” she said with a smile. “There are always new challenges and opportunities, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.”