Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced today that an employee at its AMSEC subsidiary was selected as the Senior Tradesperson of the Year by the Virginia Ship Repair Association (VSRA). Garrett Barber, a senior master tradesperson mechanic in AMSEC's elevator support unit division in Chesapeake, was recognized for his work aboard the aircraft carriers USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), USS Harry Truman (CVN 75) and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).
Barber was one of 10 nominees from 245 member companies in the VSRA, a regional trade association representing companies supporting the ship repair industry in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region. His expertise leading repairs to the ships' aircraft elevators and hangar bay divisional doors reduced the work time required, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"This award recognizes the enormous talent and dedication that our ship repair tradesmen bring to the continued strength of the U.S. Navy," said VSRA President Bill Crow. "Mr. Barber not only exemplifies the highest standard in his trade, but he serves as a mentor and volunteer to many young trades professionals in our community. It is the esteemed honor of VSRA to honor and recognize these gifted talents and their huge contributions to the ship repair industry."
The award was presented at the VSRA's annual general membership luncheon. Barber received a certificate recognizing his significant contribution to the trade, a $500 check and a VSRA jacket.
Barber was also selected as a committee member tasked with reviewing shipboard maintenance requirements for new and technologically advanced deck machinery systems and equipment being installed onboard the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), which is currently under construction at HII's Newport News Shipbuilding division.
Barber retired from the Navy after 20 years of service and has worked at AMSEC for 13 years.
huntingtoningalls.com