Shipyard Spotlight: Dominic Scott

Shipyard Spotlight: Dominic Scott

BY ANNA TAYLOR • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

John Q. Adams It isn’t always easy to figure out what you want to do with your life and it took Dominic Scott a few tries to get it right. He was a car salesman before applying to be an apprentice at Norfolk Naval Shipyard and didn’t know anything about the field he would be entering. But for a man who chose his occupation because the job title “sounded cool,” Inspector Supervisor Dominic Scott takes Quality Assurance very seriously.

“We’re the last line of defense as far as making sure the product is good and making sure it’s done correctly and on time,” said Scott, who works in the Nondestructive Test Division (Code 135) Operations Support Branch (Code 135.2). “We ensure everything meets the standards and we want to make sure the Sailors get home to their families safe, so we take pride in our job.”

To Inspector Faith Kinnaird, Scott is more than a supervisor.

“Dominic possesses all the characteristics of a wonderful leader and human being overall. He always shows respect for everyone, he helps people build on their strengths and he displays appreciation for our hard work and ideas.”

Scott said he is motivated to make America’s Shipyard the type of place where his employees continue to feel happy when they come to work every day. “I try to have an upbeat attitude, and I try to get my folks to model that behavior. I tell my guys all the time, ‘this is the best job I’ve ever had.’”

Scott served as an inspector and leader on USS Florida (SSGN 728), USS Georgia (SSGN 729), USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), USS Maryland (SSBN 738), USS Alaska (SSBN 732), USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740), USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), USS La Jolla (SSN 701), and USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), all of which provided the experience that makes him qualified to lead others.

According to Kinnaird, Scott shares more than just his trade expertise with those around him. “He continues to serve as an exemplary leader with a solid sense of values and ethics, as well as pride

for himself, his inspectors, and NNSY,” she said. “What sets Dominic apart from all other great supervisors is his ability to show his true self.

Seeing the ‘human side’ of him allows us to relate to him on a level far beyond him just being our boss.”

Scott knows leadership is more than giving directions and delegating work. “I like to encourage my employees to figure things out on their own. I want them to take control and have the freedom to ask questions and learn on their own too.”

Kinnaird says working for Scott makes coming to work rewarding and enjoyable. “Working for Dominic, you’re inspired to do your best and learn. He’s a very morally grounded person, so he keeps that positive attitude in the code. He stays calm and collected under pressure. He shows constant enthusiasm and creativity, allowing us to learn and have fun in a safe and comfortable environment.”

Robert Chambers, who also works in Code 135, echoed Kinnaird’s sentiments. "Dominic puts his inspectors before himself and makes sure they are happy. He would fight tooth and nail to defend his people."

Despite all the glowing praise, Scott is quick to credit his success to those who support him, especially his work leader, Craig Holgate.

“Craig is the key to my success, he’s my right hand man, and I really appreciate all he does.”

Scott’s admirable character is easily noticed by those around him, even when they work outside his department.

"Dominic is a unique manager. He is always courteous, respectful, and willing to help other trades,” said David Grimm, who works in the Structural Group (Code 920). “He is the kind of supervisor everybody wants to work for, and every manager wants to work with."

Scott, who celebrated his 15-year shipyard anniversary July 18th, said his goal for the future is simple: to come to work and do his very best. “The best way I can serve my country is to do my part to get our ships out on time to defend our freedom.”

Scott (fifth from right) poses with members of his Operations Support Branch team

AUGUST 2016 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 23