Master Shipbuilder ensures protection for equipment operators in hazardous work areas

Albert DeHart, a senior logistics engineer at Mission Technologies, recently received an On-the-Spot ethics award for his dedication to workplace safety.

“I was very proud to be recognized with this award,” DeHart said. “In this particular instance, I worked very closely with EH&S safety engineers to ensure that the new rider floor sweeper at the Newport News Shipbuilding Foundry had all the necessary life-cycle support for a unit that would be operating in a respirable crystalline silica hazardous area.”

DeHart ensured all life-cycle support was in place for the equipment, including an operator’s daily checklist, operator training and a service agreement with Caliber Equipment, the supplier and authorized servicing company.

“It meant a lot to me to be recognized by the safety manager, Alex Lasky,” DeHart said. “I wanted to make sure that my fellow shipyard equipment operators and maintainers were safe in this RCS hazardous work area. ‘Safety first’ is always a primary consideration for me as a maintenance engineer. It’s all about taking care of each other.”

DeHart has 43 years of service at HII. He received his Master Shipbuilder designation at the 40-year mark and has supported facilities maintenance engineering for 19 years. He is planning to retire in 2026.

“I have been blessed with great leadership over the years,” he said.

HII’s On-the-Spot Ethics Recognition Program is designed “to provide immediate recognition to employees who show ownership of our company values and whose ethical behavior and actions demonstrate our company values in their everyday activities.”

To spotlight someone who is living HII’s core values, submit the C-941 nomination form, also found on the Ethics and Business Conduct site.

For more information, refer to Corporate Procedure CO A605.