Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Christian Victor Bautista | Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Code 938 Nuclear Internal Shop Manager Gordon Wilder has...... read more read more
Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Mechanical Department Nuclear (Code 938N) Internal Shop Manager Gordon Wilder has worked at NNSY for 23 years. Growing up in northeast North Carolina, Wilder spent his summers working at a slaughterhouse and started his shipbuilding career at Newport News Shipbuilding right out of high school as an Outside Nuclear Machinist.
“Everyone knew in northeast North Carolina during this time if you wanted a good paying job you would need to go to one of the shipyards or the Ford plant,” said Wilder. “One day myself and a couple of friends skipped school and came to Virginia and put in applications at all the shipyards and the Ford plant.”
Wilder continued, “A few weeks later, I was called by Newport News Shipbuilding and given a job right out of high school making $5.10 an hour, compared to the minimum wage of $3.25 at the slaughterhouse. It was a good increase.”
His first new construction job was aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).
“When you build a carrier, you really get to know where every component is located and the function it performs,” said Wilder. “A lot has changed in technology since the early Nimitz class carriers.”
Wilder understood quickly that new construction was difficult work and required being in the elements every day throughout the year.
“During the summer months, you would make you up a wand and plug it to an air hose to try to get some relief from the heat and, in the winter, you would check out two drop lights which were regular light bulbs back in those days. One drop light was to see by and the other you stuck in your coveralls to keep warm,” said Wilder. “And then when it rained you could be in the bottom of the ship with no idea it’s raining and out of nowhere the waterfalls would flow down to your level.”
In 2003, Wilder started his career at NNSY as a WG-10 mechanic and worked his way up the ranks.
“I develop written processes as needed to provide instructions for nuclear repairs; develop new tooling and equipment needed to perform these repairs; modify existing tooling and equipment to be used in other aspects of our work, and research and purchase new equipment as needed for our shop to perform work; designing of mock-ups to use as a training aid for our mechanics; train our mechanics and supervisors on how to perform these repairs; and follow up with jobsite oversight to make sure everything comes together,” said Wilder.
NNSY Inside Machine Shop Mechanical Group (Code 931) Tool Designer Jonathan Mason works with Wilder on tool designs.
“As a tool designer, I love working with him,” said Mason. “He never just drops off a problem for us to figure out—by the time he walks into our shop, he usually already has a custom tool design worked out in his head or sketched on paper.”
Mason continued, “I have personally learned a lot from Wilder, but beyond being an incredible mechanic and a natural mentor, he’s honestly just a genuinely good guy. You really couldn't ask for a better coworker. The fact that he is now passing down all that hands-on experience is a huge win for the shipyard.”
Currently, Wilder is determining the tooling and equipment needed to support the deactivation of the Moored Training Ship Daniel Webster (MTS 626), supporting off-yard work for Kesselring Site Operations (KSO) and Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) Charleston, and developing tooling and equipment for the new Virginia-class submarines and Ford-class carriers.
“Wilder has consistently distinguished himself as one of the most outstanding General Foremen in Code 938N,” said NNSY Code 938 Nuclear Director William Marchant. “He leads by example in every aspect of his work, embodying a level of professionalism, dedication, and integrity that sets the standard for others to follow.”
Marchant continued, “Wilder is also proactive in his approach to future work, consistently taking the initiative to organize and prepare tooling well in advance of upcoming projects. His attention to detail and forward-thinking mindset ensures that the team is set up for success from the start.”
When it comes to leadership, Wilder believes trust is key to success.
“To me, a good leader is someone that can be trusted to do the right thing all the time by leading by example, be willing to listen to other individuals’ ideas and provide positive feedback, make sure that your team has everything they need to be successful, such as equipment, tooling, training, etc.,” said Wilder. “Be a part of the team, get in and help them when you can even if it’s only helping get equipment to and from the ships, get to know your team.”
Wilder added, “Always be calm and control your emotions and treat everyone as you would like to be treated.”
The best career advice he ever received was to come to work with a positive attitude and do your job to the best of your ability. He also has advice for anyone considering a career at NNSY.
“I will tell anyone very quickly this has been the best job I’ve ever had; it has provided for my family. I have traveled around the world while on Temporary Duty (TDY) and seen and done things I wouldn’t have from any other jobs,” said Wilder.
When Wilder is away from the office, he enjoys fishing, boating, carpentry, gardening, and traveling.
| Date Taken: | 09.01.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.02.2026 07:09 |
| Story ID: | 573745 |
| Location: | PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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