The winner of the 2014 Senior Tradesmen of the Year award was announced at the May General Membership Luncheon meeting. This year’s award went to Mr. Garrett A. Barber with AMSEC.
Being an outside machinist is one of the most challenging career options in our industry. The position requires a very high level of technical and analytical ability, coupled with a knack for creative solutions to fix complex problems. This year’s awardee is a Senior Master Tradesperson Mechanic who leads more than 100 projects implementing technological advancements and systems upgrades. His expertise in work processes has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars by reducing the work time required and innovating solutions to critical systems repairs. He has been cited for numerous awards, most recently for being able to reassemble electronic hydraulic systems that had not been labeled during disassembly, saving over $250 thousand dollars in costs associated with purchasing new pumps. He additionally coaches football and basketball, and volunteers as an advisor for the Suffolk Youth Center. The winner of the Senior Tradesman of the Year is Garrett A. Barber of AMSEC.
VSRF also recognized the following nominees for Senior Tradesman of the Year:
- Robert Gentry (Advanced Integrated Technologies, LLC)
- Garrett Barber (AMSEC LLC)
- George Bowman (BAE System Norfolk Ship Repair)
- Ed Guilsano (Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc.)
- Andrea Stacey (Marine Hydraulics International, Inc.)
- Carroll Goodwyn (Newport News Shipbuilding)
- Terry Mitchem (Oceaneering LLC)
- John Reed (Superior Marine Solutions LLC)
- Roland Ramos (Tecnico Corporation)
- Steve Preuett (VT Group)
All of the nominees received a certificate recognizing their significant contribution to their trade. Mr. Barber will also be recognized at the National Maritime Day reception on May 22nd at the Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center at Nauticus in downtown Norfolk.