08 October 2025 //
From Museum to Living Classroom
During World War II, women across the country stepped into shipyards to build Liberty and Victory ships while the men were away at war. These “Rosies” showed incredible skill and dedication, shaping history with their hands. When Yovana Martinez, a welder here at ADCO, recently volunteered to work aboard the SS Red Oak Victory, she wasn’t just stepping onto a historic ship; she was walking in the footsteps of those women who helped redefine what it meant to work in the trades. We can only imagine Yovana feeling their presence on every deck, railing, and bolt. Their efforts not only kept the war effort moving but also opened doors for the generations of tradeswomen who followed.
Speaking about the experience, Yovana said:
From August 21st-23rd, the historic SS Red Oak Victory, one of the last surviving Victory ships built in Richmond during WWII, became more than a museum. It transformed into a living classroom and a bridge between generations of women breaking barriers.
She continued:
As a Jessi Combs Foundation scholarship recipient since 2024, I joined women from Boilermakers Local 549 to contribute to the ship’s restoration and to honor Jessi’s legacy. Over the course of three days, I learned how to stick weld and helped repair the rails on the second and third decks, each spark a tribute to those who came before us.
This experience wasn’t just about learning new skills; it allowed me to pay my respects to the women who paved the way for us in the trades. The SS Red Oak Victory stands as a testament to the “Rosie the Riveter” generation, women who answered the call during WWII and opened doors for future tradeswomen like myself.
To help share this incredible experience and inspire the next generation, I invited female students from the Sanger Robotics Team Unirex 5817, whom I mentor. This brought together the history of the Red Oak Victory, the legacy of the Jessi Combs Foundation, and the promise of the future in STEM a powerful mash-up of past, present, and future.
One of the most moving moments of the weekend was meeting three of the ship’s original “Rosies.” Speaking with them felt like standing face-to-face with history, and it filled me with pride to answer the call as a modern day Rosie.
The restoration project part of the Victory Ship Revival and the 25th anniversary celebration of the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park is more than preserving a ship. It’s about carrying forward the spirit of resilience and empowerment that began eight decades ago, ensuring it continues to inspire future generations of women in the trades and STEM.
The restoration project, part of the Victory Ship Revival and the 25th anniversary celebration of the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, is more than preserving a ship. It is about carrying forward the spirit of resilience and empowerment that began eight decades ago and ensuring it continues to inspire future generations of women in the trades and STEM. Each weld and repaired railing became a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in history, linking today’s tradeswomen to those who built and shaped this nation during World War II.
Bridging the Past, Present, and Future
The restoration project connected history to the future. Yovana invited female students from the Sanger Robotics Team Uni-Rex 5817, whom she mentors, to join her. This brought together the history of the Red Oak Victory, the legacy of the Jessi Combs Foundation, and the promise of the future in STEM, a powerful blend of past, present, and future. The ship truly became a living classroom, reminding everyone involved that honoring the past can help inspire the future.
Pride in the Work
At ADCO, we could not be prouder of Yovana. Her work on the SS Red Oak Victory represents skill, dedication, and pride, carrying forward the same spirit that built this nation’s manufacturing foundation. Manufacturing is more than production; it is a bridge between generations. It honors the women who came before Yovana and invests in those who will innovate tomorrow.
A Living Tribute
Each weld and repaired railing carries both history and promise. As Yovana said, “The SS Red Oak Victory stands as a testament to the ‘Rosie the Riveter’ generation, women who answered the call during WWII and opened doors for future tradeswomen like myself.”
At ADCO, we celebrate Yovana, her fellow tradeswomen, and the generations of Rosies who came before. Every project, every weld, every lesson carries the weight of history and the promise of what is yet to come. Her weekend on the SS Red Oak Victory was not just about preserving the past; it was about showing that women in trades today are continuing a proud tradition of skill, perseverance, and leadership. It is about honoring what came before and helping to shape the future.
Contributing Authors:
Yovana Martinez – ADCO Manufacturing
Jason Chevalier – ADCO Manufacturing
Clare Blodgett – Clareity Marketing
Published:
October 8, 2025