Oklahoma (SSN 802) reached a pivotal milestone in December when shipbuilders achieved “pressure hull complete” – which signifies all of the hull sections are joined to form a single, watertight unit – on the Virginia-class submarine.

One of the core teams responsible for achieving this milestone is a group of third and first shift shipbuilders responsible for welding C-seams, which join the two sections of the submarine’s pressure hull. The team continues to set the standard in first-time quality.

James Lemons (X18) explained that the three C-seams present a significant challenge to shipbuilders.

“The entire joint goes through ultrasonic testing,” he said. “That test alone is the hardest to pass because it catches so many more errors than visual or magnetic testing.”

A select few of these welders proudly display a large, red “C” – or multiple – on their hardhats.

“This was something supervisors came up with years ago,” veteran welder Stanley Britt (X18) said. “The ‘C’ means that that person welded a seam and passed inspection with a 100% no-rejection rate. It’s a badge of pride and gives the younger guys an opportunity to say ‘I want to wear that.’”

This team proudly works to their own motto: “Where Quality Skill Meets Steel.”