Sammy Chory: 46 years of dedication

SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT

SAMMY CHORY: 46 years of dedication Story and photos By Anna Taylor Public Affairs Specialist 24 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2017

Samuel “Sammy” Chory has worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) since 1971, before more than 58 percent of the current workforce was even born.

He came onboard as a laborer after serving three years in the Marine Corps, cleaned tanks on submarines and carriers as a helper, and spent most of his career as a shipfitter.

Since late 2016, Chory has been a member of the Structural Group (Code 920) Quality Assurance section.

He is now the curator of Sammy’s Safety Store, which he opens twice daily to provide all Code 920 employees with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for their jobs.

“People come get their safety glasses, ear plugs and face masks and different things they need,” Chory said. “It’s important to keep the mechanics safe of the job. We’re trying to keep the accidents and injuries down, that’s our priority and it’s the shipyard commander’s priority.”

When the safety store is closed, Chory spends his time conducting safety and security inspections around the building.

“We check around the shop to make sure people are wearing their PPE and that the shop is safe. We also have to make sure nobody is leaving their Common Access Card (CAC) in the computer, and

everyone is properly badged,” he said. “It’s a lot of walking but I enjoy doing all these things I’ve never done before.”

Chory enforces the shop’s safety and security protocols, but it’s a job he does with a smile, and his motivation is to educate the mechanics and keep them out of harm’s way.

“Sammy loves the shipyard and all the people in it. He is the type of person who is great talking with others and you can see the joy in his eyes doing it,” said Justin Henson, Chory's supervisor. “Even now he continues to want to learn new things. You give him a task and he runs with it.”

According to Chory, his most memorable moment at the shipyard came in 1972 when USS Forrestal arrived at NNSY following a catastrophic fire while moored at Naval Station Norfolk. It was the first carrier he ever worked on.

The shipyard blessed Chory with more than just a remarkable career, though. He met his wife, Lucy, when she was an Electronics Shop (Shop 67) apprentice. They married in 1988.

Chory has a scrapbook filled with his old personnel actions, length of service awards, and other certificates. He is most proud of his Safety Employee of the Month awards for the USS Augusta (SSN 710) project, which he received consecutively in June, July and August 2008.

“Even though Sammy has been at NNSY since 1971 he still can out work the best of them,” said Henson. “Sammy is always the first one in the door and always the last one holding the door when it's time to leave. Rain, snow or shine you can always count on Sammy to be at work ready to roll.”

He says he’s still learning something new every day, but Chory does have one piece advice for the new generation of shipyard employees.

“Be mindful of safety. Be aware of what could hurt you,” he said.

“And don’t waste your sick leave.”

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THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT SAMMY CHORY

My favorite movie is "It’s a Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart.

I always wanted to be a cowboy.

I could never give up chocolate cake.

Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.

I have been collecting pennies and old coins since 1951 when my mom got me started. I was about six years old.

My first car was black and white 1967 Pontiac LeMans.

APRIL 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 25