Austin Travis
Network Electrician
Seven years at NNS

“I’m the fiberoptic guy for our crew. There are millions of feet of fiber on the ship. It’s fast because it uses light and lasers in glass rather than voltage. As soon as an operator pushes a button, the signal is instantaneous. It’s intricate and tricky. That’s why Verizon Fios internet is so quick – same technology. My grandfather and father served in the Navy. My dad was actually stationed at NNS in the 80s and was a plankowner on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). He spent his first year here doing trials, and now we are preparing CVN 79 to do the same. It’s cool to see that aspect come full circle as a shipbuilder in bibs, rather than as a sailor in uniform. It’s my way of continuing their legacy, working on the greatest warships in the world.”

The series features shipbuilders’ photos and their brief statements. If you or another shipbuilder you know is interested in being highlighted, email [email protected].