Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Being a veteran of 41 years at the shipyard, I’ve seen a lot of change—evolution, revolution and much innovation. Employed at the yard since 1971, you might say I have a lot of personal history … indeed I do. I have seen it all—the good, the bad and the ugly, and I have been all the above.

There was a time when Washington Avenue bustled with activity … this was where employees entered and exited the shipyard. Because of the traditional one-hour lunch break, businesses flourished from one end of the Avenue to the other. Having a shipyard badge often meant instant credit at a variety of stores … and no credit check.

Change was not only on the horizon in the shipyard—it had become reality for female workers, who in the past were victimized by gender stereotyping. With more women being head of households, trade that had been traditionally dominated by males was now being challenged by women. These new opportuniti...