Directors, foremen and peers across different trades recognized National Quality Month at Newport News Shipbuilding in October. Justin Breault (X18) was named NNS’ Quality Craftsman of the Month.

Below are thoughts from Jared Smiddy, Quality director, to close out the month.

“I think it’s fitting that we wrapped up National Quality Month and commemorated Newport News Shipbuilding founder Collis P. Huntington’s 200th birthday in the same week. His famous quote – We shall build good ships here; at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always good ships – emblazoned on ‘The Rock’ speaks to Quality being at the core of our business and has been since its founding in 1886,” Smiddy said. “Quality is not a bolt on or extra layer of our business. Quality is woven into our DNA and is exercised every time we come to work. Quality is injected into these ships one piece of material at a time, and at each interaction of the ship and its shipbuilders. We can never lose sight that our nation and Navy depend on the products we deliver, and must know without a doubt they will serve their purpose when called upon.”

OO6 thanks all craftsmen and craftswomen for all they do to demonstrate quality, whether it is documented or not. The department also thanks all who participated in the nomination process. “Quality is one of the four pillars that NNS stands by, but Quality is the one that leaves with the boat,” said Quality Manager Carl Albuquerque.