Vice President of Human Resources and Administration Bill Bell welcomes shipbuilders and their guests to the 23rd Master Shipbuilders Recognition Ceremony.
Photo by Ricky Thompson

More than 1,000 shipbuilders and their guests filled the Hampton Roads Convention Center to celebrate the 720 Master Shipbuilders.
Photo by Ricky Thompson

New Master Shipbuilder and Pipefitter Slater Matthews delivers the invocation.
Photo by Ricky Thompson

Newport News President Matt Mulherin thanks the 720 Master Shipbuilders and their guests for their 40 or more years of dedicated support.
Photo by Ricky Thompson

Following tradition, David Smith receives his new Master Shipbuilder jacket symbolizing membership into the prestigious long service group from NNS President Matt Mulherin.
Photo by Ricky Thompson

55 years of service doesn't slow Master Shipbuilder Vincent Sinclair down. He always enjoys the dance after the ceremony.
Photo by Ricky Thompson

Woodrow Sanders (center) and John Fitchett are among the 301 new Master Shipbuilder inductees who began careers at the shipyard in 1971.
Photo by Ricky Thompson

Newport News Shipbuilding President Matt Mulherin congratulates members of the new class of Master Shipbuilders during the reception.
Photo by Ricky Thompson

Master Shipbuilder Michael Brice captures the memories of the event. Photo by Ricky Thompson

The new class of Master Shipbuilders received a special gift at the end of the ceremony. Photo by Ricky Thompson