IAM International President Brian Bryant led a delegation of union leadership on a tour of Bath Iron Works (BIW) shipyard in Maine, where over 4,000 members of Local S6 are engaged in constructing advanced battleships for the U.S. Navy.
The group included Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, who is also a former BIW shipbuilder and Local S6 member, as well as several General Vice Presidents, Chiefs of Staff from various IAM territories, and staff from IAM Headquarters. The visit covered key production areas within the shipyard and included boarding a U.S. Navy destroyer that is currently more than 75% complete.
In addition to touring the main shipyard facilities, the delegation visited BIW’s training center. This facility aims to recruit and train individuals from nearby communities—many without previous mechanical experience—to become skilled union shipbuilders.
“This facility is more than a training center – it’s a gateway for working people in Maine to enter a proud trade and build a better life,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “It strengthens the shipyard, our union, and the communities we call home. That’s what the IAM is all about.”
During their visit, IAM leaders spoke with Local S6 members at work to observe their skills and sense of unity.
“There’s a deep sense of pride and unity here that you can feel the moment you walk through the gates. Local S6 members are carrying forward a tradition of excellence,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, “Now they’re bringing in new talent to strengthen that foundation.”
