Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) celebrated 172 apprentice program graduates during its annual ceremony at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, Nov. 3.

The graduates, representing 23 trades across the shipyard, have successfully completed a four-year training program which includes academics, trade theory, and on-the-job experience.

Upon graduation, the apprentices will receive a Technician Career Studies Certificate and will be converted to the journeymen level of their trade.

"Four years ago, you volunteered to enter into a significant and honorable profession," said Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown. "Today, you graduate from the Apprentice Program as journeymen, the next generation of leaders at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. I am tremendously proud to be standing in front of you and humbled to be speaking to you tonight."

Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Vice Adm. Thomas Moore was the evening's keynote speaker.

"Tonight, after successfully completing the apprenticeship, you become leaders," said Moore. "Our Navy needs leaders like you to perform the work we have in front of us. You will further the storied legacy of this fantastic shipyard. As you go forward in your career, strive to improve every day and remember why you do what you do. You support the Sailors who go into harm's way to defend our freedoms, win our wars, and protect our national interests. I look forward to working with each and every one of you in providing the best ships, submarines, and systems to our Sailors."

The Apprentice Program Class of 2016 valedictorian, Timothy Mays, a Mechanical Group (Code 930) Shop 38 Marine Machinery Mechanic, was recognized at the ceremony. Mays, who graduated with a 3.91 GPA, is a 1996 graduate of Smithfield High School. He received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Old Dominion University before entering the Apprentice Program in 2012.

"This has been an incredibly fast four years; I still remember the entrance exam, the interview, and getting sworn in," said Mays. "What's incredible to me is that our small gangs are just a microcosm of what represents NNSY as a whole. When you work with other people in the shops day after day toward a common goal, you are united in that purpose, and when the going gets tough that purpose is what makes you stronger."

This year marks the 103rd anniversary of NNSY's Apprentice Program, one of the most historic and honored apprentice programs in the nation. The program has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, in partnership with the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (ACA), as a 21st Century Registered Apprenticeship Trailblazer and Innovator.

NNSY, a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command, is the oldest industrial facility belonging to the U.S. Navy, and specializes in repairing, overhauling and modernizing ships and submarines.

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For more news from Norfolk Naval Shipyard, visit http://www.navy.mil/.