Reggie Whitehead
Welder
38 years at NNS

“I started welding at a shipyard in Florida in 1969 – my last year of high school – and worked there for 18 years. When I was in school, I would see pictures of Newport News Shipbuilding – the guys had their leathers on, carbon arcing – and I thought, ‘Those are some tough dudes.’ I’m looking at making my 40 years here, then one of the things I really would love to do is see the Redwood National Park. Something that’s been around for 1,000 years and is still alive – that’s a creation of God Almighty.”

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