Newport News Police Pipes and drums led the opening procession. Photo by John Whalen

Submarine Engineering Hull and Structure Apprentice Ashley Gilliam led the Pledge of Allegiance. Photo by John Whalen

Apprentice Instructor Chris Kelce sang "The Star-Spangled Banner." Photo by John Whalen

Non-Nuclear Inspection Manager Bill West delivered the invocation. Photo by John Whalen

Newport News Shipbuilding President Matt Mulherin addressing the more than 600 ceremony attendees. Photo by John Whalen

Huntington Ingalls Industries President and CEO Mike Petters speaking at The Apprentice School Groundbreaking Ceremony. Photo by John Whalen

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell speaking at The Apprentice School Groundbreaking ceremony. Photo by Chris Oxley

Apprentice School Groundbreaking Ceremony. Photo by John Whalen

Kevin Doyle rings the Apprentice School bell to signal the start of the groundbreaking. Photo by Chris Oxley

Left to right: Danny Hunley, NNS' vice president of operations; Newport News Mayor McKinley Price; U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott; NNS President Matt Mulherin; Gov. Bob McDonnell; HII President and CEO Mike Petters; U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman; U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell; and Lou Haddad, president and CEO of Armada Hoffler. Photo by John Whalen