For Dennis, a program director at Northrop Grumman, supporting the warfighter is part of his DNA.
Magic Craftsmen
How Northrop Grumman’s Lake Charles Fab Center drives innovation and supports defense programs
By Ashley Kate Kesler
At Northrop Grumman's Lake Charles Fabrication Center (Fab Center) in Louisiana, employees have built a reputation for doing hard things — and doing them well.
That reputation was tested when a U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury — a highly specialized aircraft that plays a vital role in naval operations — required a replacement part from the original manufacturer that did not fit, and a custom solution was needed.
The Navy turned to the Fab Center — known informally as the “Magic Craftsmen" — to develop and execute the repair.
The team, which specializes in addressing critical manufacturing challenges, has become a go-to resource across the company. The familiar question whenever a complex issue arises: “Have you reached out to Lake Charles?"
“We have the best of both worlds, which is not something you see in a lot of fab shops, to have both machinists and veteran fabricators. Our team is teaching the next generation to ensure that we all are — and continue to be — successful.
U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury
Masters of Metal
For the E-6B, the challenge came down to precision and ingenuity. Fab Center lead machinist Jason Johnson and lead technician Greg Vaughn worked together to create the solution. Using a digital scanning tool to analyze the damaged structural beam, they quickly spotted where the new part did not align. Jason then machined the replacement with exact precision until it became a perfect fit.
The repair not only returned the aircraft to service, it also produced inspection data that helped the U.S. Navy design a process later applied across the entire E-6B fleet.
That ability to blend advanced technology with traditional craftmanship defines Lake Charles. When urgent F-16 repairs later required components that could have taken up to 1,000 days to source elsewhere, they recreated and delivered two critical parts in under 90 days. To date, the team has produced more than 400 F-16 components with zero customer-reported defects.
Blending Tradition with Transformation
Digital transformation has only expanded Lake Charles’ capabilities. The center now incorporates 3D modeling, precision scanning and other tools to meet tight deadlines and demanding quality standards, all while drawing on more than 600 years of combined experience.
But beyond the machines, what sets this group apart is its culture and embodiment of the resilient spirit of Louisiana. They have weathered hurricanes, industry shifts, always coming together to support each other and ensure the center’s continued success.
“When a need arises, the question is always, ‘What do we need to do?’ — never ‘What do I need to do?’” said Derik Landry, team leader and program manager.
"It's a collective effort across departments, from planners to machinists to managers, to have great personal and professional relationships, with the ultimate goal of keeping the customer happy,” said Jason “That's just the way we are in Louisiana; we stick together. When you have someone looking out for you and everyone works toward a shared goal, you can't fail."
This bond is felt across generations. Many, like Ray McManus, manufacturing manager, and Tye Whitley, lead quality inspector, have been with the company for decades, passing down invaluable knowledge.
Others, like John Shary, production planner, and Thomas Kent, F-16 project and production planner, bring fresh perspectives while leaning on the team's expertise to sharpen their skills.
“We have the best of both worlds, which is not something you see in a lot of fab shops, to have both machinists and veteran fabricators," said Derik. “Our team is teaching the next generation to ensure that we all are — and continue to be — successful."
This bond is felt across generations. Many, like Ray McManus, manufacturing manager, and Tye Whitley, lead quality inspector, have been with the company for decades, passing down invaluable knowledge.
Others, like John Shary, production planner, and Thomas Kent, F-16 project and production planner, bring fresh perspectives while leaning on the team's expertise to sharpen their skills.
“We have the best of both worlds, which is not something you see in a lot of fab shops, to have both machinists and veteran fabricators," said Derik. “Our team is teaching the next generation to ensure that we all are — and continue to be — successful."
E-7 Wedgetail MESA Radar (image credit: U.S. Air Force)
A Center on the Rise
What started as a facility focused on depot support has grown into a critical node for production companywide.
In 2025, the Fab Center launched a new computer numerical control machining center — adding people and capabilities. The team took on production for the U.S. Air Force E-7 Wedgetail MESA Radar, a program expected to be a cornerstone of operations for the next decade.
The “magic” is not just in a nickname; it’s in the mindset. It’s what happens when traditional know-how meets modern tech. It's when a team shows up — week after week, year after year — to figure out what others said couldn’t be done.
Whether it’s breathing new life into legacy aircraft or pioneering the future of fabrication, the Lake Charles team proves the real magic is in our people.
Life at Northrop Grumman
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