Dear Shipbuilders,

One of our most experienced and respected leaders, Dave Horne, vice president of Trades and Master Shipbuilder, has made the decision to retire on Sept. 1 after 41 years of distinguished service.

As a third-generation shipbuilder, Dave has deep roots with our company and an unwavering commitment to our “Always Good Ships” mindset. Throughout his career, he has provided a unique perspective that comes from having started his career in the trades – first as a welder and later as a pipefitter after graduating from The Apprentice School. He later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Christopher Newport University and a master’s degree in engineering management from Florida Institute of Technology. His formal education along with his extensive technical knowledge in nuclear refueling and his experience as a trade director has been a valuable addition to my senior leadership team. Each of us who has had the privilege of working with Dave is better for it.

While retirements like this are bittersweet, they also provide an opportunity to reevaluate our operational structure to better align with today’s environment, challenges and work scope. Over the next few days, we will communicate changes to our Trades and Navy Programs structure that will ensure alignment for accountability, efficient work execution and a sustainable cost structure.

Dave has been instrumental in this effort and in ensuring a smooth transition that will make our business stronger. I want to thank him for his leadership as we navigate these changes and for his four decades of distinguished service to NNS. Please join me in thanking Dave for his wisdom, guidance and thoughtful leadership, and in congratulating him on his upcoming retirement.

Respectfully,
Jennifer Boykin
President, Newport News Shipbuilding