When Ingalls structural welder Thomas Ward struck his arc at the keel authentication for the future USS Thad Cochran (DDG 135), it was more than a ceremonial weld. It was a moment that joined craftsmanship, legacy and faith in one steady hand. 

Tom, a 24-year shipbuilder and work leaderman, welded the initials of the ship’s two authenticators—Kay Webber Bowen Cochran, wife of the ship’s namesake and ship sponsor, and George Nungesser, Ingalls Vice President of Program Management—onto a steel plate that will forever remain with the ship, marking the ceremonial start of the ship’s life. 

A Veteran’s Perspective 

For Tom, the honor of participating carried a deeper meaning rooted in service. 

“Knowing we’re producing quality ships and seeing our Sailors and Marines use what we provide to protect the free world and defend American interests drives me to do a good job,” he said. 

A former U.S. Army infantry officer, Tom knows firsthand what’s at stake when it comes to producing the tools our servicemembers need. 

“I know what it means to have quality equipment and to not have quality equipment,” he said. 

Mississippi Pride 

A native Mississippian, the significance of DDG 135 being named after one of the state’s longest-serving lawmakers is not lost on Tom.  

“Senator Cochran did a lot for our national defense, especially when it comes to helping bring that work back to Mississippi and Ingalls,” Tom said.  

The connection between the Magnolia State and the fleet is both personal and purposeful. 

“Every person on those ships, no matter where they are from, is someone’s kid, someone’s family,” said Tom. “They don’t need to worry about whether the ship they are on is safely built. That’s our job. They need to know their ship will protect them while they’re carrying out missions to protect us.” 

It’s that approach that drives Tom’s precision and pride. 

“When I’m working, I focus on doing it safely and correctly,” he said. “I want to make sure I’m doing my work unto the Lord and doing it right whether anyone is watching or not.” 

And as for the Sailors and Marines who will one day sail aboard this ship, Tom wants them to know one thing. 

“Ingalls shipbuilders want them to have a quality ship so they can do what they need to do. We support them and it’s an honor to serve them.” 

It’s a simple truth, spoken plainly by a shipbuilder who has lived both sides of the mission: protecting freedom and building the warfighters that make it possible. 

Got a story about your own personal connection to the ships we build? Email IngallsEditor@hii.com