Eighteen years ago, life threw Johnathan Bailey a curveball. After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and playing minor league baseball in Pennsylvania for a while, the Moss Point native decided it was time for a career change. 

“Before getting drafted by the Pirates, I went to college with the intent of pursuing a career in the medical field,” said Bailey. “Those plans didn’t work out, and that’s when my dad introduced me to the shipyard.”

Bailey’s father started in the apprenticeship program and spent 38 years at Ingalls, retiring at the age of 60. He was inspired by his father’s success. With the bases loaded, Johnathan decided to start what would become a grand slam career in the shipyard.

“Not having any shipbuilding experience at all, my dad talked to me about entering the machinery department,” said Bailey. “I applied for the apprenticeship program, got called in as an alternate, and never looked back once they let me in the gates.”

Bailey is now an outside machinist general foreman. One of his daily responsibilities includes getting rid of roadblocks so his team has everything they need to build world-class ships. By handling cost, scheduling and meeting deadlines for ships, Bailey still gets to showcase his competitive edge. 

“I pretty much play the role of a coach or manager of the team,” said Bailey. “I give out the game plan, and it’s exhilarating to successfully execute the job.”

Coaching other shipbuilders to be great, just like his father did for him in 2005, keeps Bailey motivated to come to work. This also means stressing the importance of our purpose at Ingalls.

“Just like most young shipbuilders, I remember thinking this was just a job to make a decent living,” said Bailey. “Well, I have kids who may go into the military. So now, I’m proud to wear that Ingalls jersey, playing for one of the best shipbuilding companies in the world.”