Photo By Shelby West | With a family history of shipyard workers, a strong foundation in faith and numerous...... read more read more
With a family history of shipyard workers, a strong foundation in faith and numerous mentors, Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) General Foreman Paris Sessoms Jr. has proudly carried on his family’s legacy and now serves as a strong model and mentor for others.
“I would like to WOW--witnessing outstanding workmanship--to Mr. Paris Sessoms, Code 730 General Foreman, for his day-to-day operations of the small docks with continuous crane support,” said Norfolk Naval Shipyard General Foreman Thirland Jackson. “Mr. Sessoms deals with different anomalies daily and always finds a way to provide support to all projects including ongoing training in refueling.”
Jackson continued, “I don’t think anyone truly knows what it takes to provide support to all projects daily and I just wanted to show my appreciation to Mr. Sessoms and his team for all that they do and continue to achieve daily.”
Refueling Weight Handling Crane Operating Zone Manager Paris Sessoms has worked at NNSY for 25 years and started off as a Rigger in Code 700 Lifting and Handling Department’s Shop 72. He oversees all the small docks cranes at NNSY supporting submarine overhauls, including all those supporting refueling operations. He is also responsible for crane scheduling and assignments in the small docks area. Sessoms also ensures that all his personnel are properly trained and meet regularly with upper management to keep on top of current operations.
“I applied for the Crane Operations position and made the certification which I was initially going to turn down, but I didn’t," said Sessoms. “My grandfather made me take the job.”
Sessoms is a Navy veteran and says he appreciates “still being in the fight” contributing to the Fleet. It’s a responsibility he takes seriously because he understands that what he does at NNSY is important to the Sailors and the Fleet.
He served four years of active duty and two years in the Navy Reserves. Sessoms was on the USS Puget Sound (AD-38), which was a repair ship, and was on the minesweeper, USS Fortify (AM-446), during his time in the reserves. When he was stationed in the military overseas, he was part of the ship’s band that performed for dignitaries overseas including all over Europe. He plays keyboard, drums and bass guitar.
Sessoms plays music at his church and acknowledges that it is his faith that provides a strong foundation for everything he does.
His faith, family and mentors have guided him through a successful 25 years at NNSY.
“Take advantage of the people around you who are trying to help you grow,” said Sessoms. “If I have had any success here, it is off the backs of the people who mentored me.”
One of those individuals is Captain Lawrence “LB” Brandon Jr., who has served in a variety of leadership positions at NNSY including Operations Officer and Business and Strategic Planning Officer.
“After one conversation with Captain Brandon, I felt like I almost had a four-year degree from just speaking with him for 30 minutes,” said Sessoms. “The knowledge that he gave me was so valuable.”
Reflecting on Capt. Brandon’s approach to problem prevention, Sessoms added, “He told me that a lot of people he met bragged about being firefighters when there is a fire somewhere, that they know how to put out fires. Captain Brandon explained to me that he was not looking for firefighters to put out fires. He was looking for people who know how to prevent fires from starting.”
Sessoms is grateful to so many people who have guided him throughout his career.
“My boss and a friend of mine, Mr. Joe Gray,” said Sessoms. “Poured into me unselfishly everything that he knew.”
“There was never a point where he said I’m not going to let this guy try and get ahead of me,” said Sessoms. “His goal was for me to be better than him, and he tells me that all the time.”
Sessoms is very proud of his career and the time he has spent at NNSY.
“I would recommend the shipyard to anybody; it’s a great career,” said Sessoms. “NNSY is family oriented and has been very good to me and my family.”
Sessoms continued, “It’s a place where your opportunity to learn is limitless. Outside of my being in the Navy, NNSY is the best job and career I’ve ever had.”
| Date Taken: | 03.13.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.14.2025 12:22 |
| Story ID: | 492774 |
| Location: | PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 180 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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