For Randy Arsenault (X42), working at Newport News Shipbuilding isn’t just a career, it’s a family tradition rooted in serving the country. His grandfather – a World War II veteran – and father both served in the Navy.

Arsenault believes working at the shipyard is his contribution to the Navy and a way to honor his family’s legacy. Remarking on his father’s service he said, “He did 20 years serving the country. I’ve done 20 years supporting the country.”

There’s another family connection to Arsenault’s work NNS. He is currently working as a pipefitting tester on Virginia-class submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798). Both his father and grandfather were natives of Wilmington, Massachusetts.

As a shipbuilder, Arsenault enjoys interactions with the crew on the boat, seeing the ship come together and watching it leave and go out to service. “I like the job. You’re always learning something and teaching the younger people coming in,” he said.

When asked what advice he has for new and future shipbuilders, he said, “Do the best you can and learn the best you can. Give your due diligence and have a willingness to learn, because we have the willingness to teach.”