Overview
Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of HII, operates a Virtual Reality Welding Lab at its Pascagoula, Mississippi shipyard. The lab opened in January 2025 and builds VR simulation into the shipyard's existing welder certification curriculum for new and current shipbuilders.
On 18 September 2026 HII reported that the lab had surpassed 1,000 trainees since opening.
How the lab is used
According to HII, the lab integrates immersive simulations into Ingalls' established certification process. Trainees practise with a display worn inside a welding helmet, a physical torch and a tracked fixture, while a wall screen mirrors the simulated arc for observers. No source names the simulator's vendor, model or software, so none is recorded here.
Partners and funding
HII credits the U.S. Navy, AccelerateMS and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) with helping establish the facility. AccelerateMS is described as a key funding partner. HII states that the Navy's August 2023 destroyer contract award included funds for workforce-development initiatives such as virtual learning labs. MGCCC is described as having played a role in developing the lab and aligning it with industry needs. No budget for the lab is stated.
Reported claims
The following are statements by HII and a trainee, not independently measured outcomes:
- HII says the lab enables new and experienced shipbuilders up to 10 times more hands-on practice; no baseline or measurement period is given.
- HII says participants reported immediate improvements in welding skills and readiness for certification.
- Welding apprentice Olivia Saranthus says the extra practice has helped her move through her certifications much faster.
Outlook
HII says Ingalls plans to keep expanding access to VR welding and to pursue further VR-based training in other trades.
