At Newport News Shipbuilding, the facility security officer (FSO) serves as a liaison between the government and the company to ensure NNS is following all requirements and regulations to protect classified information.

In addition, the FSO is the senior security adviser to senior management officials, and further protects classified information by supervising and directing measures to implement applicable requirements of the National Security Objective Memorandum and government security requirements.

Clarence L. Watford has served as the FSO for nearly five years. He is passionate about safeguarding sensitive government and company information to protect national defense assets, including aircraft carriers and submarines.

A shipbuilder for more than 20 years, Watford firmly believes that properly securing sensitive information is essential because it:

• Is critical to national security.
• Ensures the safety of military personnel.
• Helps to maintain the nation’s technological superiority.

By preventing adversaries from accessing this critical data, shipbuilders can protect the operational effectiveness and strategic advantage of American defense assets. Watford’s commitment to these principles drives his work, and he takes great pride in upholding the highest security standards for our company and our nation.