Welder Andrew Kahler (X18) started his career at Newport News Shipbuilding 12 years ago. He was selected to weld the initials of Pamela Bove, the ship’s sponsor for Barb (SSN 804), based on his performance, leadership and commitment to quality in the Virginia-Class program.
Kahler, a Michigan native, found his love for welding while in high school. Following graduation, he attended a nine-month welding program at the Hobart Institute of Welding in Troy, Ohio, where he learned about NNS during a job fair.
As the son and brother of service members, he values his work as a shipbuilder and what it means for the defense of the nation. Kahler has assisted other welders in their preparations for keel laying ceremonies for the last 12 years, but this was his first time participating in a ceremony himself.
“To me, being a shipbuilder is more than a job,” Kahler said. “It’s about pride. It’s about knowing that somewhere out at sea, men and women are depending on what we built to protect their lives and defend our nation. That’s a responsibility I want to earn.
Watch the video of Kahler etching the initials of the ship’s sponsor.
