Newport News Shipbuilding’s Apprentice School paid tribute to one of its own during a dedication ceremony Friday, Feb. 17, for the Ray Bagley Innovation Lab.

The lab, which allows apprentices and others to practice different trades indoors and in a safe environment using state-of-the-art simulation technology, is named in honor of Ray Bagley, a former vice president of Trades.

“Throughout Ray’s career, he dedicated his heart, hands and mind to the shipyard, making it a better place for future generations,” said NNS President Jennifer Boykin. “I had the honor to work with Ray for many years, and one thing that was always apparent was his commitment to his fellow shipbuilders and his alma mater, the Apprentice School.”

Bagley, a Master Shipbuilder who began his career at NNS in the Apprentice School as a painter, retired in 2018. During his career, Bagley worked on all of NNS’ product lines, to include nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines, ship repair and conversion, and commercial ships. He held positions at all levels of production and construction leadership, serving as a foreman, general foreman, construction supervisor, construction superintendent and construction director.

Speaking during the dedication ceremony in the Apprentice School gymnasium, Bagley said he and his family were “tremendously appreciative of the honor.”

“I equally share this honor with many shipbuilders who are within this gymnasium today and all of those I’ve had the honor to labor with for almost 44 years,” he said.