Heidi Guzman, NASSCO Welder – Robotic Operator, 10 Years at NASSCO
"When an opportunity presents itself, take it. Learning is always beneficial, and actually learning about how to build a ship is truly interesting. As a robotic operator, the work can be challenging and scary, but when you want to do something and put your heart into it, you can achieve it."
Freddy Gomez, NASSCO Welder – Burner-Cutting Machine Operator, 31 Years at NASSCO
"I’ve been working at NASSCO since 1993 as a Burner and haven’t changed positions since. I enjoy where I am. I’ve been a mentor to many people, and I always tell them, ‘If you have a question, even if it’s one you’ve already asked, ask it.’ I like training people to be prepared and ready. I do what I have to do and go home happily.”
Patrick Cook, NASSCO Electrical Outfitter, 4 Years at NASSCO
“I will say, some of these work can be rough but the satisfaction of putting it all together, there’s a lot of pride. I was in the Marines. There were times I would wonder how they build these big ships and after coming here, you can see how it’s broken down like legos. That’s how I got good at my craft because I used to love Legos as a kid. It’s like building a box of legos - building it piece by piece.”
Art Armstead, NASSCO Rigger - Repair, 32 Years at NASSCO
“My favorite thing about working at NASSCO is using my mind and figuring out to make the job happen. To me, Rigging is like art. We’re using our imagination before we move the pieces. The steel piece is only going to do what you make it do. It don’t control you, you control it.”
