I am mission success: Christian G.

Take 5 minutes to learn about Christian G., of Production Integration. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Christian G. came to Tennessee in 2023 with his family and little more than “hopes and dreams.”

That’s how he describes his family’s decision to travel halfway around the world for his internship at Y‑12.

While finishing a tour in Japan in 2023, Christian and his wife decided it was time to separate from military life and start the next phase of their lives. That began by connecting to the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, which provides internships for transitioning military personnel.

When he received approval to start reaching out to companies, he knew what he wanted to do. “I wanted to remain in, or adjacent to, the nuclear power industry,” he said.

A native of Florida, Christian joined the Navy out of high school as a machinist mate in the Naval Nuclear Power Program. “Thanks for the fuel, Y‑12,” he said, chuckling. Y‑12 provides feedstock for the Nuclear Navy’s reactors.

Now at the other end of his Navy career, his knowledge of nuclear energy caught the attention of Steve P., Y‑12 Quality Modernization Program manager. At the time, the Analytical Chemistry Organization (ACO) was in the midst of a modernization. Steve wanted Christian to help with that transition.

It turned out to be a great decision.

“Christian’s dedication and results‑oriented actions, have been impressive,” said Steve.

Others noticed his skills and professionalism.

“Keep in mind, this was a new program being stood up at a time when ACO was having difficulty keeping the facility up to support mission,” said Hollie L., director of the Depleted Uranium, Manufacturing, and Quality Modernization Program. “It was a chaotic time, but Christian walked right into the fire, drinking from a fire hose, and was an immense help to Steve,” she said.

Amy W., senior director of Analytical Chemistry, added, “His Navy background certainly gives him a perspective on the high‑level mission of Y‑12; he is already leading discussions on mission needs for ACO. His most‑often used words, no matter who he is talking to, are ‘What can I do?’, ‘How can I help?’, ‘Would you like me to handle that?’”

Christian’s SkillBridge internship ended in August 2023. The following month, he left the Navy and accepted a job in Production Integration at Y‑12. “It’s been an extremely enriching opportunity as I’ve transitioned from military life into the civilian sector,” he said. “It’s also exciting to be able to continue serving my country through a new arm of our nation’s defense.”

Why are you mission success?
I have a results‑oriented mind‑set of get the job done right. This is in part from my upbringing and also my time in the Naval Nuclear Power Program. I immerse myself in the mission of my group and look for ways to make it better, faster, and more effective.

What is the greatest strength you bring to your organization?
I ask why we do things the way we do and where can we improve. What will make my organization’s mission easier to accomplish? With that questioning attitude, I push to overcome the inevitable unfavorable answers. I encourage those around me to continue moving through the challenges we face.

As an employee, how do you want to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone who helped Y‑12 transition into the next phase of production capabilities.

Why is teamwork an important aspect when working at Y‑12?
The combined efforts of all groups within Y‑12 propel us to mission success. Combining the ingenuity and passion from each individual ensures every activity is executed to the highest level of quality.