Gary Forrester is a native of Newport News, Virginia, and a third generation shipbuilder of the largest non-government-owned shipyard within the United States, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Newport News. Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Newport News is recognized for its deep naval and family heritage, with Gary following a shipbuilding tradition started by his grandfather, a retired welder, and his father, a retired machinist.
Gary began his shipbuilding career with Northrop Grumman in August of 2002 as a pipe fitter working on aircraft carrier overhauls. After spending two years as a pipe fitter, Gary’s interests in shipbuilding inspired him to learn more by applying for and being accepted into the shipyard’s renowned Apprentice School. While in the apprentice program, he spent two more years working as a pipefitter before being selected into its Advanced Design Program, which he graduated from with an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technologies with a specialization in Marine Engineering. Gary now plans to continue his learning by pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree at Old Dominion University this fall after taking a brief respite from his studies to enjoy some quality time with his wife and two daughters.
Gary’s involvement with SNAME began after being recruited to help with the Apprentice School’s SNAME Student Section’s High School Boat Design Competition in 2008. This competition introduces high school students to naval architectural principles and design processes as well as exposes them to the many opportunities available to them within the shipbuilding industry upon graduation from high school or college. As a result of his involvement and recognized leadership within the boat design competition, Gary was elected by his fellow student members for two terms as Chairman of the Apprentice School’s Student Section, where he concentrates on furthering Apprentice Student involvement in SNAME coupled with the desire to one day establish SNAME sections (or clubs) at the high school level to cultivate interest in naval architecture and marine engineering.
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