Paul Ainsley
Machinist
Seven years at NNS

“I drive in from North Carolina. It’s about an hour and a half in, then two hours home. I actually own a van and bring in ten other people with me every day. I came to NNS from the tool and die industry when my last company moved to Texas. It’s been great here. I went straight to the satellite machine shop. I’ve come to love it because we not only support the main machine shop but walk-in work as well, which means we directly support the ship. Coming from the tool and die work, the Navy work is such a ‘wow’ factor for me. I take pride in building for our country now. There are shops closer to home that I could go to, but it means something to me to be here.”

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