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Many of the 17,800 employees of Newport News are from families that have worked in the yard for generations. Among them, says one manager, there is "a fierce identity with the company, a long and proud tradition." That tradition goes back to the yard's founding in 1886.

"For those who think Americans don't build anything worthwhile these days, I say go down to Newport News and watch those great men and women build mountains of steel that float, move and fly airplanes off the top. It truly is the 'NNS' miracle."

-- Tom Clancy from his non-fiction book, "Carrier"

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) just prior to floating out of her building dock in March, 2001

Thanks for the ping (and the wonderful picture of the Reagan!), Al.

I have nothing to add to the terrific, heartfelt comments on this thread, but will re-iterate my favorites (each of which proves that there is real power in brevity -- except for the Clancy one, but we'll forgive him because he makes a valid point :)

Archimedes be damned, you wonder why/how the thing manages to float....ken5050

Sink a U.S. Carrier, swallow a nuke....spectre

Four and one-half acres of a sovereign America....MosesKnows

We ought to expedite the CVNX class....Paleo Conservative

Aw, c'mon! Worn out? It [the U.S.S. Lexington] was, what, only 48 years old! A veritable newbie!....Poohbah

For those who think Americans don't build anything worthwhile these days, I say go down to Newport News and watch those great men and women build mountains of steel that float, move and fly airplanes off the top....Tom Clancy