When Henry Deese Jr. (E68) was hired at Newport News Shipbuilding, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the U.S. president, a postage stamp cost 3 cents and the American flag had only 48 stars. Alaska and Hawaii had yet to achieve statehood.

The year was 1956. More than 67 years have elapsed since then, and Deese never stopped working at the shipyard he loved. Now he has finally decided to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

Fellow shipbuilders recently gathered to give Deese a send-off and wish him well. Appropriately enough, the event took place in “Deese Hall,” a lunch room in Bldg. 902 named in his honor. Employees held a contest to name the room after it was created, and Deese came out on top, evidence of the respect in which he is held.

Todd Gwaltney, (E68) engineering manager, presented Deese with a few gifts and his original job application from April 1956. His previous experience included stints at a pharmacy in Hilton Village and a clerk at an A&P grocery store. He was 21 years old when he started at NNS.

For Deese, the shipyard was a family affair. His mother, father and two brothers all worked at NNS and covered various shifts. Between them, “there was a Deese in the shipyard 24 hours a day,” he said.

When he began work, shipbuilders designed plans with the aid of triangles and T-squares. He spent his early years helping to design Enterprise (CVN 65), the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Over the years, he’s witnessed the transformation of NNS into the digital age.

He is optimistic about the company’s future. “Everything is moving the way they want it to move now,” he said.

As for his post-retirement plans, Deese said he’s content to rest for now, but he’ll be waiting for hunting season to start.

His fellow shipbuilders were pleased to share the moment with their longtime colleague, and even though he won’t be roaming the walls, his presence will not be soon forgotten.

Sonia Gopal, (E68) engineering manager, summed up the feeling in the room. “He leaves a legacy here with us,” she said.

“It’s been a long ride,” Deese said. “I reckon I’m doing the right thing.”