Precision is key for Newport News Shipbuilding’s Assembly Pipe Shop fabricators, led by Terry Gray (M40).

“Quality and location are a must,” Gray said. “We work closely with the Metrology Solutions Department (O68). They use lasers to gather information about where our pipe assemblies need to fit on the boats.”

Once the fabricators have this information, they set up fixtures in Bldg. 160 to meet those rigid specifications.

Marcus Montgomery (X42) is a seasoned fabricator and takes ownership not only for his role as a shipbuilder, but as a mentor. “We have to look out for each other. The new guys come to us for guidance, and we have to do this job right,” he said.

Another fabricator, Logan Moon (X42), moved to the assembly shop just two months ago after spending two years in the Detail Pipe Shop.

“It’s cool to see the smaller details that I’m used to working with become part of these larger assemblies,” Moon explained. “We have to be on the mark with extreme attention to detail and time management.”

Montgomery summarized his perspective of their role in one sentence.

“If we do our job right in the shop, all the installation team on the boat needs to do is slide the assembly into place and fit everything up.”