In the predawn, the moon rests behind Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) aircraft carrier under construction in Dry Dock 12. Photo by Chris Oxley

The "Big Blue" crane makes lifting 680-metric-tons look easy, as the lower bow unit for the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) aircraft carrier is lowered into the dry dock.
Photo by Ricky Thompson

Weighing in at 680-metric-tons, the lower bow unit for Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is lowered into place in the dry dock. Photo by Chris Oxley

Pipefitter Bobby Bryant tacks a flange with a tig torch in the Pipe Shop. Photo by John Whalen

Terry Beckett picks out pipe assemblies from among thousands awaiting installation on Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Photo by Chris Oxley

Sparks fly as Newport News Shipfitter Jarrod Davis cuts away steel. Photo by Ricky Thompson

At the headquarters for the parent company of Newport News Shipbuilding, the Huntingrton Ingalls Industries logo glows at dusk. Photo by John Whalen

Newport News shipbuilder Jared McMillam grinds the surface of a structure before installation. Photo by Ricky Thompson

Scrap weld wire or modern art? Photo by John Whalen

Shipbuilder Gregory Boone (left) and Supervisor Xavier Swindell discuss welding processes in the Ring Module Shop. Photo by John Whalen

An animated Senator Mark Warner speaks to students during a visit to The Apprentice School. Photo by Chris Oxley

A portrait of the American Shipbuilder—Newport News Shipfitter Thad Howard works in the early morning sunlight. Photo by Ricky Thompson

Apprentice Devor Lake (left) makes an amazing bare-handed catch to secure an out against Virginia Wesleyan College. Photo by John Whalen

Shipbuilder Authur Ferris marks the angle he will cut in the Fabrication Shop. Photo by John Whalen

Shipbuilders use thousands of temporary work lights during the construction of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. Photo by Ricky Thompson

Newport News Shipfitters Jesse Bennett and Jimmie Bishop drill a hole in a steel plate. Photo by Ricky Thompson