IAM International President Brian Bryant, a former pipefitter at Bath Iron Works (BIW) and member of Local S6, led a delegation of union leadership on a tour of the shipyard. The group included Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, also a former BIW shipbuilder and Local S6 member, along with other General Vice Presidents, Chiefs of Staff from various IAM territories, and staff from IAM Headquarters.
The visit highlighted the work of more than 4,000 IAM-represented members at BIW who are constructing advanced battleships for the U.S. Navy. During the tour, leaders visited key production areas in the shipyard and boarded a U.S. Navy destroyer that is over 75% complete.
The delegation also toured BIW’s training facility. This center focuses on recruiting and training people from nearby communities—many without prior 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.”
IAM leadership spoke with Local S6 members during their visit to observe their skills and unity firsthand.
“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.”