The story of Ingalls isn't just about massive vessels on the water; it's also about a deep connection to communities and a commitment to people. Based in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Ingalls Shipbuilding is, in a way, a cornerstone for the region. It's the biggest manufacturing employer there, and it brings a lot of economic life to Alabama as well. This means jobs, opportunities, and a steady pulse of activity for thousands of families, which is pretty important for everyone.

From the folks who just started out to the seasoned experts who have spent decades perfecting their craft, Ingalls fosters a culture of learning and growth. They invest heavily in their people, making sure there are pathways for folks to learn new skills and advance their careers. It's a place where, honestly, you can see a true commitment to building the future, not just ships, but also, you know, careers and stronger communities. This focus on human talent is, in fact, what makes them so good at what they do.

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Table of Contents

• Ingalls: A Legacy of Shipbuilding Excellence
• Crafting the Fleet: What Ingalls Builds
• Careers at Ingalls: Building More Than Ships
  • The Ingalls Apprentice School: Shaping the Next Generation
• Ingalls and the Community: A Shared Future
• Leadership and Vision at HII and Ingalls
• Frequently Asked Questions About Ingalls

Ingalls: A Legacy of Shipbuilding Excellence

For over eight decades, Ingalls has been a very important name in the American shipbuilding world. Since its start, this company has played a major part in making sure the U.S. Navy has the ships it needs to do its job. It's a long history, going back 85 years, of designing, building, and also keeping up with some of the most complex and powerful vessels that sail the seas. This isn't just about putting metal together; it's about a deep understanding of what naval forces require, and, you know, delivering on that every single time.

The work at Ingalls is, quite literally, foundational to national security. They don't just build one kind of ship; their expertise covers a wide array of naval assets. This continuous dedication has made them a trusted partner for the U.S. government, providing the tools and the talent needed to support our country's maritime efforts. It's pretty amazing to think about all the different ships that have come out of their facilities over such a long period, isn't it?

The very long history of Ingalls, spanning more than eight decades, shows a consistent ability to adapt and grow. They have seen many changes in shipbuilding technology and naval needs, yet they have always stayed at the forefront. This ability to evolve while keeping their core mission strong is, honestly, a big reason for their lasting success. It's a testament to the people and the processes that have been refined over many, many years, building a truly remarkable record.

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Crafting the Fleet: What Ingalls Builds

Ingalls Shipbuilding is known for creating some of the most important ships in the U.S. Navy's fleet. They specialize in a few key types of vessels, each serving a distinct purpose in defending our country and supporting global operations. This includes amphibious ships, which are, you know, vital for moving troops and equipment from sea to land, making them crucial for a wide range of missions, from humanitarian aid to combat situations. These ships are very large and complex, requiring a lot of specialized knowledge to put together.

Beyond amphibious ships, Ingalls also builds destroyers. These are fast, highly capable warships that can perform many different roles, like air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat. They are, in a way, the workhorses of the fleet, often leading task forces and providing protection for other vessels. The construction of a destroyer involves a huge amount of precision and advanced technology, ensuring they can handle the toughest challenges at sea. It's a very intricate process, that's for sure.

And then there are the cutters, which Ingalls also designs and builds. These vessels are typically for the U.S. Coast Guard, performing critical duties like maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and environmental protection. Cutters, while perhaps not as large as destroyers, are still incredibly important for maintaining safety and security in our coastal waters and beyond. So, you see, Ingalls really does cover a wide range of naval needs, contributing to different branches of service with their shipbuilding skills.

Careers at Ingalls: Building More Than Ships

Ingalls Shipbuilding is not just a place where ships are made; it's also a place where thousands of careers are built. With more than 11,000 people working there, it's the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi, and it contributes a great deal to the economic growth of Alabama as well. This means a huge variety of jobs, from the folks who design the ships on computers to the skilled craftspeople who weld the steel, and, honestly, everyone in between who keeps the whole operation running smoothly. It's a big team effort, basically.

If you're looking for a chance to support, build, and maintain important vessels for the U.S. Navy, Ingalls offers a lot of paths. They are always looking for talented individuals to join their ranks, whether you're just starting out or have years of experience. The work is challenging, but it's also very rewarding, knowing that what you do helps protect our country. You can browse ingalls shipbuilding careers on their website to see what opportunities might be a good fit for you, which is pretty helpful.

The company really believes in its people and invests a lot in their growth. This isn't just talk; HII, Ingalls' parent company, puts more than $110 million into workforce development, education, and training every year. These initiatives begin by supporting early learning, making sure that future generations have the skills needed for these important jobs. It's a long-term commitment to their employees and to the future of shipbuilding, which, you know, really shows they care about their people.

The Ingalls Apprentice School: Shaping the Next Generation

One of the standout programs at Ingalls is its Apprentice School. Since it opened its doors in 1952, this school has been building the next generation of shipbuilders. It's a place where aspiring craftspeople learn the specialized skills needed to work on these incredible vessels, combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience. More than 4,000 graduates have come out of the Apprentice School, going on to support the vital work of shipbuilding, and, you know, contributing to the company's success.

The Apprentice School is a fantastic example of how Ingalls invests directly in its future workforce. It provides a structured path for individuals to gain valuable trades and technical knowledge, ensuring that the necessary skills are passed down and refined over time. This approach helps maintain a highly skilled workforce, which is, honestly, essential for building complex ships. It's a very practical way to learn a trade, and it has a long history of success, too.

The program is not just about teaching skills; it's about developing leaders and experts in their fields. Graduates from the Apprentice School often become key players in the shipbuilding process, bringing their experience and dedication to every project. It's a clear demonstration of Ingalls' commitment to fostering talent from within, making sure they have the best people working on the most important projects. You can learn more about the Apprentice School on our site, and it's a pretty impressive program.

Ingalls and the Community: A Shared Future

Ingalls Shipbuilding is deeply connected to the communities where its employees live and work. They understand that being a major employer comes with a responsibility to give back and support local initiatives. One example of this community spirit is their involvement with the Salvation Army's new workforce development center. Ingalls shipbuilding employees provided planning and physical support to renovate a facility to house this important center, which is pretty amazing, honestly, to see that kind of direct help.

Another way Ingalls engages with the community is through events like the annual Ingalls 5K on the Causeway. This event, sponsored by Ingalls Shipbuilding, was switched to a virtual format in a recent year, but the registration fees still went to support special causes. This shows a real commitment to local charities and community needs, even when circumstances require changes. It's a way for employees and the wider community to come together for a good purpose, which is very nice.

Ingalls also works closely with educational institutions to strengthen workforce pipelines, ensuring that future generations have the skills needed for jobs in manufacturing and shipbuilding. HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division, along with representatives from the U.S. Navy, Accelerate Mississippi, and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC), have celebrated these partnerships. They recently concluded their third annual educator externship, hosting 15 educators to give them a firsthand look at the shipbuilding industry. This helps teachers better prepare students for these career paths, and that's, you know, a really smart way to plan for the future.

Leadership and Vision at HII and Ingalls

Ingalls Shipbuilding is a division of HII, a larger company that plays a huge role in national defense and technology. HII itself has a long history of building important ships; for instance, Newport News Shipbuilding, another division of HII, has built ships that have served the nation for more than 135 years. This broader organizational structure provides a lot of support and shared expertise for Ingalls, allowing them to benefit from a wide range of resources and collective knowledge, which is pretty helpful for big projects.

Leadership within HII and its divisions is key to their ongoing success. Kari Wilkinson is the executive vice president of HII and president of the Newport News Shipbuilding division in Newport News, Virginia. She was named to this position in 2025, bringing her vision and experience to a very important role within the company. This kind of leadership helps guide the direction of the entire organization, including the work done at Ingalls, making sure they stay on track and continue to innovate.

HII is also expanding its reach and capabilities beyond traditional shipbuilding. In 2023, HII's Mission Technologies division hosted a ceremony to mark the opening of the company's new engineering facility in Syracuse. This expansion shows that HII is looking to grow its technological footprint, bringing new ideas and solutions to the defense industry. This kind of forward thinking, you know, helps keep the entire company, including Ingalls, at the forefront of what they do, ensuring they remain relevant and strong for years to come. You can learn more about HII's broader efforts and how they contribute to the nation's capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ingalls

What types of ships does Ingalls Shipbuilding build?

Ingalls Shipbuilding is known for designing, building, and maintaining several important types of ships for the U.S. Navy. This includes amphibious ships, which help transport troops and equipment, as well as destroyers, which are powerful warships used for various defense missions. They also build cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard, supporting duties like maritime law enforcement and rescue operations. So, it's a pretty diverse range of vessels, honestly.

How many people work at Ingalls Shipbuilding?

Ingalls Shipbuilding is a very large employer, with more than 11,000 people working at its facilities. This makes it the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi. The company also contributes significantly to the economic growth of Alabama, showing its wide impact on the regional workforce. It's a huge operation, with lots of different roles for people to fill, which is pretty impressive.

What is the Ingalls Apprentice School?

The Ingalls Apprentice School is a long-standing program that trains the next generation of shipbuilders. It has been running since 1952 and has produced over 4,000 graduates. The school provides a mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience, helping individuals gain the specialized skills needed to work in shipbuilding. It's a great way to start a career in the industry, and it really shows Ingalls' commitment to developing its workforce, too.

Ingalls continues to be a vital part of American industry and defense, building the ships that protect our nation and fostering careers that strengthen communities. Their dedication to craft, innovation, and people truly stands out. It's a company that, you know, really makes a difference, and it's exciting to see what they will do next.