The Virginia-Class Submarine Program recently recognized shipbuilders for taking action to prevent an environmental issue.

The X42 and X43 shipbuilders – part of the team working to deliver New Jersey (SSN 796) – were on the way to lunch when they witnessed four 55-gallon drums of oil topple off of a pallet and hit the pier as they were transported over crane tracks by forklift. Oil began to leak, and – with a storm coming – the employees quickly took action to control the spill.

Working together, the team up righted all four drums, contained the area and got absorbent material onto the spilled oil. “As a result of their quick actions, no oil reached the river that day, and all was cleaned up before the rain began,” said VCS Superintendent Julie Lane.