The Rhode to Success
▼ Below: The ballistic missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN-740) cruises through the Atlantic Ocean as crewmembers work up on deck. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class B.L. Keller.
Lead Scheduler TREY HUDSON Sets Enthusiastic Example for RHODE ISLAND Project Team Members By ANNA TAYLOR • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST 22 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2015
The success of a typical project depends on the depth of talent in its multifaceted team. USS Rhode Island’s (SSBN-740) 27-month Engineered Refueling Overhaul (ERO) is no different, and as the availability fast approaches, the singular importance of each individual becomes more apparent. Jack “Trey” Hudson, Lead Scheduler for the Rhode Island project, is a vital member of the project team for several reasons, the most significant of which are his natural talent and dedication to the job. Hudson, who was born and raised in Portsmouth, began his career at the shipyard in the Electrical/Electronics Shop (Code 950, Shop 51) as an Electrical Apprentice, and has worked as an Electrician and a Nuclear Electrical Inspector on both carriers and submarines during his 15-year career. Hudson is no stranger to EROs; he served as the Lead Scheduler for USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) from 2011 to 2013. Hudson, a Churchland High School Class of 1999 graduate, is a fourth generation NNSY employee. “I guess you could say it’s in my blood,” he said. His exhaustive knowledge of Project Management Fundamentals and scheduling processes has been earned through years of experience. After completing his apprenticeship in 2004, Hudson transitioned to Nuclear Electrician Work Leader, and was quickly promoted to a Nuclear Electrical/Electronic Ship Systems Inspector with Code 139. In 2007, Hudson moved to Code 317 where he was hired as a Production Controller (Ships Scheduler) and served on various projects before being promoted to Nuclear Engineering Technician (Lead Scheduler) for the West Virginia ERO in 2010. “I feel being the Lead Scheduler on West Virginia's FY-11 ERO and working with some of the same talented team members on the Rhode Island project will allow us to implement past lessons learned while also growing some of the newer inexperienced folks,” said Hudson. “I also feel the past experience in performing ERO deck plate work as Nuclear Electrician Mechanic, performing ERO shipboard inspections as a Nuclear Electrical Inspector, and the knowledge I have gained over the years from being part of other projects will allow me to better serve the Rhode Island team.” Part of what makes Hudson such a dynamic teammate is his attitude toward the job. He enjoys the teamwork and camaraderie built during an availability like Rhode Island’s, and he understands
USS Rhode Island (SSBN-740) HOMEPORT: Kings Bay, Ga. MOTTO: In Spe Pacis Perennis In hope of everlasting peace each person is vital to complete the work. “Being part of a project team provides a constant and accurate measure of how important our job is to deliver these vessels back to the fleet,” he said. Like many shops and offices, the Rhode Island project focuses heavily on mentorship and development in order to encourage workforce pride and develop the individual skills of team members. “The team does a good job communicating information and expectations throughout the whole project,” said Hudson. “Opportunities are given to work on tasks that may be outside your area of responsibility, which allows for professional growth such as working groups, community of practice, and learning cells.” The team fosters an atmosphere of family and cohesion, but it’s hard not to single Hudson out as an excellent colleague, according to his teammates. “Trey’s initiative and work ethic make him one of the hardest working members of the Rhode Island team,” said Keith Panter, Code 100PI Process Improvement Lead for the Rhode Island project. “He works with each and every project team member from the Project Superintendent to the Chief Test Engineer, and all the way to the mechanics on the deck plate.” “Trey is one of the most ambitious and dedicated employees I have had the privilege to work with,” added Gary Langston, Acting NNSY Chief Scheduler. “When Trey first entered the Scheduling Department, he excelled during his training phase and his determination to complete his qualification card has set the bar in our organization.” According to Langston, Hudson’s dedication to the job goes beyond what is expected. Shortly after he completed his qualification card, Hudson drove to San Diego with his wife and their newborn son so he could support the code’s work on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). “He also set the bar in Code 317 for being the youngest Lead Scheduler to hold the position,” said Langston. “His knowledge of carriers and submarines has made him an asset to our code and also to our shipyard.” Hudson has been married to his wife for eight years and they have two children, a son and a daughter, with a third on the way. His ultimate goal at the shipyard is to continue learning new things and building lasting relationships. “In five years, I ▲ Top: Trey Hudson, Lead Scheduler, at his desk in Bldg. 163. Above: USS Rhode Island (SSBN-740) Project Team members John Akin (featured in the June issue of Service to the Fleet), JT Green, Trey Hudson, Angie hope to be getting the same satisfaction out of my Alexander, and Vinnie Nichols examine a simulated Network Logic Diagram outlining the Key Events and job as I do today,” he said. Milestone Schedule for the upcoming 27-month Rhode Island Engineered Refueling Overhaul. Photos by Shayne Hensley, NNSY Photographer. AUGUST 2015 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 23