In 2025, 137 shipbuilders earned the title of Master Shipbuilder – a distinction given to those who have 40 years of continuous service to Newport News Shipbuilding.

The Class of 1985 gathered at the Marriott at City Center on Nov. 22 to celebrate this achievement.

Xavier Beale, vice president of Human Resources, referred to the level of commitment required as humbling.

“They’ve carried out their challenging work on some of Virginia’s most humid days and coldest nights,” he said. “For shipbuilders, it’s in our blood.”

Angel McCoy (X23) delivered the evening’s invocation, and Gregory Davis (X33) modeled the Master Shipbuilder jacket – a time-honored tradition for each new class.

The evening ended with a video presentation, during which several Master Shipbuilders reflected on their 40-year careers.

Watch the video celebrating the newest class of Master Shipbuilders and see a list of names from the Class of 1985.

View a gallery of images from Saturday’s celebration here.