[Post by Chuck Krugh, May 24, 2024]
I don’t know where the first part of the year went. It has just seemed to fly by. You might feel that way, too. And now we find ourselves at Memorial Day 2024. Like last year, I want to take a few minutes to remember how important this coming Monday is to us as a country and how important it may be to some of you. However, I don’t think I can say it any better than I did last year, so please bear with me repeating:
Memorial Day is the day that we remember those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country, our way of life, our beliefs, our values and our families. They paid the ultimate price so that others would not have to. To them we owe a debt of gratitude and respect! I ask that you take a few minutes on Monday during whatever festivities you have going on to reflect on how lucky we are because of the sacrifices they made.
This year we also had a very special event just prior to Memorial Day, with DDG 122 John Basilone going on sea trials. John Basilone is a true American hero who was killed in action in World War II, so it is fitting that we are talking about the ship named after him in relation to Memorial Day. This week was the acceptance trial, which means that the Basilone is close to complete and will be leaving us in a few months. Another Bath-built ship will be entering service to defend our country and our families.
For me, the mission to build these ships for our Navy is second only to the mission I had when I served our country in the U.S. Army. It’s important work that we do to transform steel into the ships that serve on our behalf and keep our service men and women safe on deployment. Make no mistake, your hard work puts the soul into the steel that becomes Bath Built is Best Built!
As you prepare for a long weekend (and we’d love for it to be sunny), I hope you get to spend time with your family and friends around a grill, smoker, campfire or just hanging out enjoying their company. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make new memories, make new friends and keep relationships strong. I hope you have a great time off!
Here in the shipyard this weekend, we will be honoring those who sacrificed. In honor of their memory and to show our gratitude and respect, Bath Iron Works will fly the American flag from each of our cranes. You will probably see the Crane Team start raising the flags today as we prepare for the long weekend.
If you didn’t see it last year when we flew the flags for Memorial Day and September 11, it would be a great time to drive by the facility with your family. It’s an impressive sight! If you can’t make it, keep an eye on the shipyard’s social media accounts where we’ll be sharing a video tribute.
Be proud of what you do – the work you do every day helps protect our families as well as our country!
Enjoy the time off, get some rest, appreciate time with friends and family and please remember those who gave all!
See you on the deckplates!
Safely Execute High-Quality Work
Chuck
President, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works
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