[Post by Chuck Krugh, December 22, 2022]
It’s hard for me to believe that 2022 is quickly coming to an end! Where did this year go?? And I’m in Maine!?
When I think back to January, I was seriously considering retirement and what that would mean for me. That led to lots of conversations with my family, especially my wife. As the months went on and building the nacelles for Gulfstream engines got easier (after four years), I was getting more comfortable with the idea that I may be putting a wrap on what I think was a good and successful career for a kid from Dormont, Pennsylvania. But you never know what life is going to throw at you…
And Maine!? If you asked me in January about joining Bath Iron Works in Maine, I probably would have laughed at you – no – I know I would have laughed at you!
But now that I have been here for six months, I can tell you that this is the best decision that I have made in my career. I so much enjoy working with all of you and doing what we do. It’s an intimidating place to work, but once you get past that part, it’s incredible. So I thought I would share some of the things that I think are incredible about our company.
Our people are incredible! I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate the warm welcome that I received and the relationships that I have built since my arrival. My favorite activity is the time I get to spend on the deckplates with you all. I wish I could see all of you more, but as you know, our company has a lot of people and covers some ground. The conversations that we share are awesome, and the help/guidance you have given me to reduce my learning curve is much appreciated. Without you, we are nothing – not a team, not a company – nothing.
The skills our team possesses in order to build this highly complex product are incredible! It doesn’t matter your trade – welder, fitter, pipefitter, paint, engineer, designer, buyer, planner, administration, security guard or one of the many, many other positions needed to run our company. When I look at DDG 120, I see a highly capable warship that all of you contributed in building. From its humble beginnings as a flat plate of steel to its current finished stature as a warship in waiting, we all played a part in the construction of that ship and the others that are in the works as well as the support of the ships already in the fleet. Take immense pride in what you help create and help to keep going.
The grit of our team is incredible! I think about the battles that we fight to build our ships. Mother Nature is a tough adversary, but we just keep building – heat, wind, rain or snow. Turning our company around takes grit as well. Digging deep to beat our targets while keeping our quality up is hard work. I see the struggles you face at the point of execution to make it happen. I appreciate your grit to persevere through it.
Our mission is incredible! There are only two companies that have a mission like ours, and only one is Bath Built is Best Built! As we build warships that our Navy will use to keep our families and our country safe, it should give you an amazing sense of pride and fulfillment that your work is vital and deeply meaningful. Your daily work directly impacts that safety of our country. Not many companies can make that claim.
I could go on. I find our company incredible, and I’m extremely proud to be a part of it. I made the best career decision when I decided to come to Bath Iron Works and to Maine!
Thank you for all of your help and support in 2022! As we look into 2023, I’m excited to keep building new relationships, spending time on the deckplates and seeing how well we can perform for ourselves and our Navy!
I hope you all have an opportunity to get some rest and enjoy your family in the coming days. I’m excited to get home and see my family – especially Brody, my new grandson.
I’m looking forward to a great 2023! Take care and have a happy holiday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Safely Execute High-Quality Work
Chuck
President, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works
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