On Tuesday, Sept. 15, shipbuilders working to deliver John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) met at the head of Pier 3 to attend the second Finish Strong cookout.

​Hosted across all three shifts, the Finish Strong series gives senior leaders a chance to speak directly with shipbuilders who are tasked with delivering on the company’s most critical current projects and milestones.

Bryan Caccavale, vice president of Program Management, thanked shipbuilders for their ongoing effort to deliver CVN 79 this year.

“I’m here along with several members of leadership simply to say ‘thank you’ for what you’re putting in to get CVN 79 out to sea,” he said. “You all are so close to giving the Navy – and the nation – another aircraft carrier. These are instruments of freedom that go wherever they are needed, whenever they are called upon.”

Machinist Keilan Washington (X43) said, to him, Finish Strong means giving 100% effort.

“You see how long our sailors are spending time at sea all over the news right now,” he said. “Getting Kennedy done means getting other sailors home to their families sooner. Let’s get this ship out.” ​

Attendees received a meal and commemorative Finish Strong lanyard.