1 | 3 | 2017
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Shipbuilders Audrey Davis (X70) and Brian Costello (X70) place wreaths in front of headstones at Hampton National Cemetery during Wreaths Across America. Photo by Ashley Major
Shipbuilders Honor Fallen Heroes for the Holidays Members of Newport News Shipbuilding’s Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) spent time away from work on Dec. 16 to honor fallen veterans during the Wreaths Across America (WAA) ceremony held at the Hampton National Cemetery (HNC). Shipbuilders joined 300 volunteers from Wounded Warriors, Veteran Foreign Wars and other civic groups from Hampton Roads to prepare more than 8,500 wreaths ahead of the noon-time wreath laying event. VERG Community Coordinator Beth Hoss (E89), whose Air Force veteran grandfather rests at HNC, said the team of volunteers spent several hours fluffing, counting and prepping 1,500 live and 7,000 artificial wreaths before they were placed in front of 8,500 headstones. “It’s my opportunity to give back to those who gave so much to protect my freedom and the freedom of many,” said VERG Chair Marcia Stewart-Downing (O36). “It’s significant for me because I’m able to remember my uncle who was killed in the Vietnam War.” CONTINUED ON PG 2
Artistic rendering of next generation Enterprise (CVN 80).
U.S. Navy Goes for Gold with Selection of Sponsors for Enterprise (CVN 80) On Dec. 20, 2016, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced via Twitter that the Ship’s Sponsors of future Newport News Shipbuilding-built USS Enterprise (CVN 80) would be United States Olympic-goldmedalists Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles.
OSHA Recognizes NNI On Dec. 21, Huntington Ingalls Industries announced that Newport News Industrial (NNI), part of HII’s newly formed Technical Solutions division, has been awarded the SHARP (Safety and Health Recognition Program) certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “The safety of our employees is our number one priority, so receiving the SHARP certification is a testament to this commitment,” said NNI Vice President Steve Napiecek. Pictured (L to R): NNI Vice President Steve Napiecek and Pete Diakun, former NNS vice president of energy programs (retired). Photo by Matt Hildreth
Visit http://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/ to read the entire release.