James West
Stage Builder
15 years at NNS
“This was the job I wanted. I love building things with my hands, and with staging you can see it as you build – like Legos for adults. Stage building is important to the entire shipyard because other trades need us so they can reach their own work. On top of that, they want to feel safe while doing their work and we own a big piece of that. We build stuff for other people to stand on. I don’t want to see someone get hurt because I didn’t build something right. Their lives are in my hands.”
The series features shipbuilders’ photos and their brief statements. If you or another shipbuilder you know is interested in being highlighted, email communications@hii-nns.com.