The USS THRESHER was lost at sea
60 years ago this month, taking the lives of 129 officers, crew and civilians.
Although Newport News Shipbuilding did not build the submarine, the lessons learned from this tragedy now extend across all our programs and all jobs.
Safety at sea for our sailors starts with quality work in our shipyard, and our shipbuilders get it.
Safety means everything to me. I need to make sure all of my welds are clean, strong and up to the standards of Newport News Shipbuilding. Since we have a lot of new employees coming to the yard, we need to lead by example and show that we’re committed to safety.
- Cyrus Canty, Welder
As an engineer, I put great value in paying attention to detail and knowing our procedures and requirements. Communicating with my co-workers to come up with a solution we all support is important. I want to look out for the people working on the boat even though I’m not physically working on it.
- Diana Musni, Mechanical Engineer
Teams that do well on safety look beyond themselves and are more proactive. Safety can impact not just you, but the people close to you. The people I care about are important to me.
- Randy Willis, Manager of Project Management
Safety just means caring for others. We do a huge service to our nation’s military. We would like to ensure their safety because they’re ensuring our safety. Double-checking something or asking questions could be the difference between someone’s safety and a tragedy. My husband is in the military, and I understand how it is being a spouse. You want them to be as protected as possible.
- JaKayla Thigpen, Test Engineer
Attention to detail is related both to first-time quality and safety. I have family members who have ridden on our submarines, and it is personal to me. It was personal before my family member stepped onboard a submarine, and it is still, to this day.
I first came here when I was 18 years old. I still feel the same now as I did that day. Come in here and give your best.
- James Ledoyen, General Foreman
I have friends who have kids stationed on submarines. I need to do a quality job so they come back safely. That’s why we try to do the best we can do, because I know who’s on those ships. Safety always comes first.
- Joey Sanders, Outside Machinist
Safety is building nuclear-powered submarines for the Navy to protect our country, and to protect our country, we have to protect ourselves. For new shipbuilders, they come in here and this is one big family. We’re all working together. If they want to go home to their families, they have to stay safe. I teach them aspects of everything they’re doing – how big these units are and what the end product is.
- Jessica Lawson, Foreman