10 | 26 | 2020
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Matt Hildreth
The Art of Shipbuilding Ryan David (X11) always liked to draw.
was a larger undertaking than his previous work on paper.
“During lunchtime, I’ll eat and draw,” he said. “I’ve drawn my whole life. My dad did and still does it. I would just watch him when I was younger.”
“I was extremely nervous and overwhelmed,” he said. “There is a difference between paper and a very porous wall. I didn’t know how it was going to go.”
At Newport News Shipbuilding, David is an X11 lineman, helping to build Virginia-class submarines. A few weeks ago, he was approached with an opportunity to connect his shipyard career with his lifelong hobby. A new craft learning center outside the Supplemental Modular Outfitting Facility (SMOF) had a blank wall Ryan Sparks, an X11 manager, hoped could be turned into something that could engage and inspire the craftsmen and craftswomen who use the space to develop their skills.
Despite some doubts, David got to work – designing and drawing an X11 logo as the wall’s centerpiece and drawing shipbuilders based off photos. He’s still working on the piece, but so far, it has been a success.
“We have new Craft Learning Centers with engaging graphics on the outside and empty white walls on the inside. Our team thought that something could be created to display the demographics of our trade, engage our shipfitters during training, and give someone a rare opportunity to showcase their skills,” Sparks said. “After hearing about David’s artistic ability from his foreman, Colt Copeland, we decided to reach out and share our vision.” Sparks and David brainstormed, settling on a mural-like drawing that would showcase X11’s different elements. David said the wall
“It was a big surprise to find out I could use these skills at work. I still really can’t believe it,” David said. “I’m proud to represent X11 and individuals that I know. I drew people I work with on a daily basis.” A fixative will be applied to the drawing – done in pencil – to preserve and protect it from smudging. David, a Navy veteran who served on USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) before coming to NNS, said there are parallels between art and shipbuilding. “In our job, you’ve got to pay close attention to detail. With this kind of stuff, you have to as well,” he said. Watch a video of David working on the drawing on MyNNS.