i025 - writing - feature - nnsy holds apprentice graduation - mcneal

Service to the Fleet, December 2014/January 2015 5 NNSY holds 2014 Apprentice Graduation for 168 By Brian McNeal, Code 1160 Public Affairs Specialist Photos by Shayne Hensley, Luke Beasley and Tony Anderson, NNSY photographers S tanding in the auditorium of Chrysler Hall Nov. 6, attendees might have thought they were at a rock concert. Thunderous applause accompanied by air horn blasts and the illumination of hundreds of cell phone cameras provided the festive atmosphere as Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) welcomed 168 new journeyman during its Apprentice Graduation and Awards Ceremony. The graduates, representing 26 trades across the shipyard, completed a four-year training program which included academics, trade theory and on- the-job experience. Although the four-year program provided numerous classroom and on- the-job experiences, many of the apprentices cite relationships as the lasting impression. “Along with Ms. Godsey who I love, it’s the people who I met and the relationships I made who I will remember 10 years from now,” said Nelson V. Nelson (Shop 67). Many of the graduates were represented by an entourage of friends, family and well-wishers. Marshall Field (Shop 56) had a cheering section comprised of his grandparents, girlfriend, father, brother and his mother, Darlene Fields, who was especially proud of her son. “I’ve been in the shipyard for nearly 19 years and I feel fantastic – I’m so excited today I have goose bumps. I’m so proud of him because not many sons follow in their mother’s footsteps,” said Darlene. Dr. Edna Baehre-Kolovani, president of Tidewater Community College, provided keynote remarks and encouraged the graduates to continue seeking learning opportunities. “In 1767, the leaders of our country, like you, were apprentices of a sort. Their task was to create a nation—indeed, a new sort of country that would be different than any the world had known before. Today, you are celebrating the completion of your apprenticeships and you are prepared to take on a greater role in a world that is challenging and ever-changing. But the foundation that this apprenticeship has given you will strengthen you, and will always support you.” For the first time ever, the apprentice program had co- valedictorians: Brian R. Dykeman (Shop 67) and James Hardin (Shop 38). Said Dykeman, “Since I had no idea what I wanted to say I decided to go to the Internet. I thought ‘surely YouTube must have some great valedictorian speeches from which I could draw inspiration.’ This is when I ran into my first road block, as I had no idea how to spell valedictorian. “I think it’s really important to note that in front of me today are nearly two hundred brand new mechanics that are extremely intelligent in a variety of different areas, all of which are equally important to the success of our shipyard. I challenge each and every one of you to know your strengths, but also to embrace your weaknesses and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown said, “I am honored to be your shipyard commander and to work alongside all of you who have chosen to pursue a career of maintaining the ships that protect the interests of this nation. It is not a path that everyone can walk, but you are already proving yourselves up to the challenge. Thank you for all you’ve done and thank you for all you will do in keeping the 21st century Navy fit to fight!”

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Page 1: I025 - Writing - Feature - NNSY Holds Apprentice Graduation - Mcneal

Service to the Fleet, December 2014/January 2015 5

NNSY holds 2014 Apprentice Graduation for 168By Brian McNeal, Code 1160 Public Affairs SpecialistPhotos by Shayne Hensley, Luke Beasley and Tony Anderson, NNSY photographers

Standing in the auditorium of Chrysler Hall Nov. 6, attendees might have

thought they were at a rock concert. Thunderous applause accompanied by air horn blasts and the illumination of hundreds of cell phone cameras provided the festive atmosphere as Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) welcomed 168 new journeyman during its Apprentice Graduation and Awards Ceremony. The graduates, representing 26 trades across the shipyard, completed a four-year training program which included academics, trade theory and on-the-job experience. Although the four-year program provided numerous classroom and on-the-job experiences, many of the apprentices cite relationships as the lasting impression. “Along with Ms. Godsey who I love, it’s the people who I met and the relationships I made who I will remember 10 years from now,” said Nelson V. Nelson (Shop 67). Many of the graduates were represented by an entourage of friends, family and well-wishers. Marshall Field (Shop 56) had a cheering section comprised of his grandparents, girlfriend, father, brother and his mother, Darlene Fields, who was especially proud of her son. “I’ve been in the shipyard for nearly 19 years and I feel fantastic – I’m so excited today I have goose bumps. I’m so

proud of him because not many sons follow in their mother’s footsteps,” said Darlene. Dr. Edna Baehre-Kolovani, president of Tidewater Community College, provided keynote remarks and encouraged the graduates to continue seeking learning opportunities. “In 1767, the leaders of our country, like you, were apprentices of a sort. Their task was to create a nation—indeed, a new sort of country that would be different than any the world had known before. Today, you are celebrating the completion of your apprenticeships and you are prepared to take on a greater role in a world that is challenging and ever-changing. But the foundation that this apprenticeship has given you will strengthen you, and will always support you.”

For the first time ever, the apprentice program had co-valedictorians: Brian R. Dykeman (Shop 67) and James Hardin (Shop 38). Said Dykeman, “Since I had no idea what I wanted to say I decided to go to the Internet. I thought ‘surely YouTube must have some great valedictorian speeches from which I could draw inspiration.’ This is when I ran into my first road block, as I had no idea how to spell valedictorian. “I think it’s really important to note that in front of me today are nearly two hundred brand new mechanics that are extremely intelligent in a variety of different areas, all of which are equally important to the success of our shipyard. I challenge each and every one of you to know your strengths, but also to embrace your weaknesses and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown said, “I am honored to be your shipyard commander and to work alongside all of you who have chosen to pursue a career of maintaining the ships that protect the interests of this nation. It is not a path that everyone can walk, but you are already proving yourselves up to the challenge. Thank you for all you’ve done and thank you for all you will do in keeping the 21st century Navy fit to fight!”