NNS and Ingalls Share Resources 1 l 4 l 2021
A new, virtual-based business model is setting a precedent between Newport News Shipbuilding and Ingalls Shipbuilding. The partnership has been in the making for almost a decade, and now the two yards are joining forces to meet the demanding workload shipbuilders face.
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
A team of engineers and designers from both yards are working remotely and in person. As the Engineering and Design Division workload at NNS continues to build, so has the demand for experienced shipbuilders. That’s when the idea to bring on employees from Ingalls became a reality. Ingalls designers are primarily supporting Aircraft Carrier Engineering by producing drawings and 3D product model files. In addition, Ingalls engineers and designers are supporting sub fleet support work on site at NNS.
Shantina Callaway (O53) and Tahjuan Taylor (O53) band aircraft launch and recovery equipment (ALRE) to pallets on the flight deck of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Photo by Lena Wallace
“Smart Start” for Stennis RCOH Hundreds of Newport News Shipbuilding employees at Naval Station Norfolk are preparing USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) for its refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH), expected to begin this year. These shipbuilders represent the Smart Start program. Its concept is for shipbuilders to begin on-site jobs before the aircraft carrier departs the Navy base and arrives at Newport News Shipbuilding. Supervising many projects throughout the ship, Scott Prue (X70) ensures craftsmen and craftswomen have the tools they need. “It’s basically getting the ship prepped so that when we pull into the yard it’s a continuous effort,” he said. Ant Bryan is a construction supervisor who envisions how the Smart Start program will logistically flow from the base to Newport News Shipbuilding. “When we first pull into the shipyard, we’ll work on getting the arresting gear systems off the ship because that takes a long time to overhaul,” he said. “We’ll also get all the systems drained that ship’s force has been using like potable water and chill water. Then we will start turning wrenches and redoing this aircraft carrier.”
NNS Design Manager Jason Boyce is leading his team in Newport News while other members are located at Ingalls in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He says the partnership just makes sense. “It’s been a tremendous asset. We do use some different verbiage, but it’s all the same principle. It’s still shipbuilding. The idea of learning from one another is something we should have done a long time ago,” he said. The initial thought was to get the virtual office up and running with several trips back and forth between the two yards, but COVID-19 stopped any chances of a hand hold. Jeff Prestridge is on the Ingalls side of the partnership, contributing his skills and knowledge to NNS. “The COVID pandemic, if there is a silver lining in anything, it kind of helped us set up the infrastructure and prove that it would work.” Several dozen shipbuilders have been brought onboard to the effort with plans for continued growth. Watch a video about the partnership on MyNNS.
CONTINUED ON PG 2
NNS President’s Welcome Back Message See the insert to read a letter from Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin welcoming back shipbuilders for 2021. Watch Boykin’s welcome back video on MyNNS or on the NNS to Go app.
2 2
CURRENTS
1 | 4 | 2021 Since the Columbia-Class Submarine Program is new and did not yet have assigned craftsmen and craftswomen, Holland and fellow pipefitters Cynthia Brooks-Jefferson (X42), Kevon McCree Williams (X42) and Michael Rogers (X42) – who all normally work on Virginia-class submarines – were selected to complete the inaugural shipboard piping install on Columbia with X42 Foreman Daniel Marshall. The project to install piping assemblies in Columbia’s aft trim tank was expected to take about two weeks, but work was completed in about half that time. “They came over here and did an excellent job. They knocked it out quick with no accidents or rework,” said General Foreman Jeff Bailey.
A team of NNS pipefitters recently installed the first shipboard piping assemblies for Columbia (SSBN 826).
NNS Installs First Shipboard Piping Assemblies for Columbia (SSBN 826) In late October, X42 pipefitters began installing the first shipboard piping assemblies at Newport News Shipbuilding for Columbia (SSBN 826), the lead ship of a new class of submarines. “It was pretty cool to be one of the first ones to work it knowing that you’re pretty much setting the bar for how the new class is going to come together,” said Zachery Holland (X42).
“Smart Start” for Stennis RCOH CONTINUED FROM PG 1
Bryan said the biggest challenge is the absence of a floating accommodation facility (FAF), which is an aviation and medical complex for ship’s force. It’s currently at NNS and being used by Navy personnel assigned to USS George Washington (CVN 73). To overcome this challenge, shipbuilders created a FAF on Stennis’ flight deck. Also on the flight deck, Gary Hoffstaettrer (X43) works on catapults. He is a Marine veteran, who said he enjoys working with his shipyard team and Navy personnel. “Knowing that this aircraft carrier is coming right out of the fleet gives me a different perspective,” he said. “Smart Start allows me to get to know the people who I’ll be working with from this point forward. Each day we strengthen what we can do for these men and women in the Navy. We have to build good warships.” Watch a video about the Smart Start program on MyNNS.
The Columbia-Class Program uses 3D visual work instructions (VWI) instead of 2D paper drawings. Brooks-Jefferson said she enjoyed using the new technology that allows shipbuilders to zoom and view components exactly as they will be installed. She looks forward to using VWIs on VCS projects in the future. “It was amazing,” Brooks-Jefferson said. “There will be a lot fewer mistakes.”
NNS to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day Virtually Newport News Shipbuilding’s Engagement and Diversity and Inclusion offices are hosting a virtual panel discussion next week as part of the company’s 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. The event, “Together Strong – Life Unites: Unpacking Fear, Relationships, and Communication,” will be held from 4:30 until 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11, via WebEx. It will include panelists Cindi Wolfe, Stephanie Simmons, Dave White, Travis Jackson and James Young. This event is open to all employees. Register on MyNNS. Email DiversityAndInclusion@hii-nns.com for more information. On Friday, Jan. 15, a video will be released for employees instead of the traditional in-person event. A link to the video will be provided for every shipbuilder via MyNNS and the NNS to Go app.
1 | 4 | 2021
CURRENTS 3
AROUND THE YARD HII President and CEO Speaks at L.E.A.R.N. Event On Dec. 9, L.E.A.R.N. partnered with Generational Integration Focus Team (GIFT) for the L.E.A.R.N. End of the Year Event with guest speaker Huntington Ingalls Industries President and CEO Mike Petters. Petters shared an interview conducted by CNBC about Huntington Ingalls’ response to COVID-19. Petters said one of the things that he learned during the pandemic from a leadership standpoint is that posture – the attitude of leadership – matters a lot. He discussed how a change in posture allowed the company to go from less than 1,000 employees working remotely to 12,000 employees working remotely in a short period. He said the lesson is, “If you are doing things the same way you did them yesterday, then you are probably falling behind someone.” “I’ve attended Mr. Petters’ L.E.A.R.N. events several times, and I always enjoy hearing him answer audience questions candidly. What makes this event so special is for an hour we get to see the company through his wide-angle lens, which may challenge our own perception,” said Stephen Schultz (T55). For more information about L.E.A.R.N., GIFT, and the other employee resource groups at NNS, visit the ERG website on MyNNS. Email ideas for future L.E.A.R.N. event topics to LEARN@hii-nns.com.
Watch Focus NNS The latest edition of Focus NNS includes a look at milestones from 2020, the keel laying for Massachusetts (SSN 798), and preparations for the arrival of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) for its refueling and complex overhaul. Watch Focus NNS on MyNNS, at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/focusnns, or on the NNS to Go app.
Paul Devlin, center, was honored with a Level One On-the-Spot Ethics Award.
Shipbuilder Leading the Way Paul Devlin (E21) was recently honored with a Level One On-the-Spot Ethics Award for taking action after he witnessed an automobile accident on his way to work at Newport News Shipbuilding last summer. Devlin saw the small vehicle go airborne and stopped to assist. He found the driver, who was elderly, hunched over the passenger seat and bleeding. With temperatures approaching 100 degrees, Devlin carried the driver to into the shade and gave him water until the police arrived. Dave Bolcar, vice president of Engineering, met with Devlin to thank him for his actions and to present his award.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported last week: 102 Total cases at NNS: 1,631 Total number of NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 961 See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
4 2
CURRENTS
1 | 4 | 2021
January Blood Drives Newport News Shipbuilding is hosting blood drives for the American Red Cross from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5, and Thursday, Jan. 28, in Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room). To schedule an appointment, contact Natasha Eck, Sunny Lee or Christina Charnock. A time charge will be provided for donors.
Know Your Numbers Program Don’t leave savings on the table. Eligible employees who complete their wellness profile and health screening will qualify for a $600 medical premium discount on Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Anthem medical insurance. Proper safety measures, including social distancing and routine cleaning and disinfecting will take place. All individuals will be required to wear a mask or face covering at all times. Participants should bring their own mask or face covering from home. Learn more at hiibenefits.com.
The sun rises over John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). Photo by Matt Hildreth
Check Out Hot Shots Hot Shots is a collection of photos taken around Newport News Shipbuilding by staff photographers. View the latest edition on the NNS website or on the NNS to Go app.
Wellness Coaching Available Are you struggling to maintain your wellbeing? You’re not alone. A wellness coach can guide and support you in your journey to better health. Take the first step at myquadmedical.com/hii/guide.
Get Nutrition Tips Via Email Every month via email, a team of registered dietitian nutritionists from the HII Family Health Center shares valuable tips on nutrition and eating healthier in Nutrition Bytes. From smarter food choices to manage weight to meal planning advice to fuel an active lifestyle, Nutrition Bytes has you covered. Register at myquadmedical.com/hii/ nutritionbytes.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Electrical Engineer 3 Electrical Engineer 4 Software Engineer 3 Software Engineer 4 Structured Threat Analyst 5
4089 4104 802 1308 3790
E44 E70 E44 E44 T51
Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News
Employees are encouraged to use MyHR or the “Current HII Employees Job Search” button at www.buildyourcareer.com to apply. The company continues to offer cash bonus awards for referrals to select positions, visit www.huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refer-a-friend for more information.
Editor: Nicholas Langhorne
Contributing writers: Kelli Tatum and Lena Wallace Currents@hii-nns.com Currents is published every Monday for employees of Newport News Shipbuilding. To submit a story, visit nns.huntingtoningalls.com/currents.
Get News. Give Feedback. Follow Huntington Ingalls Industries:
Shipbuilders, I’m happy to welcome you back from the holiday break and to provide a preview of what to expect in the year ahead. As we begin 2021, our top priority remains your health and safety and in doing all we can to provide a safe work environment. This means working in accordance with our shipbuilding safety regulations while also following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state guidance for COVID-19. It is critical we look out for ourselves and for each other – and that we all go home at the end of our shifts healthy and safe. One of the things that makes Newport News Shipbuilding unique is our ability to support the Navy’s nuclear fleet. This comes with great responsibility. The next 12 months will continue to be busy for us. We will continue our focus on work execution – on meeting our commitments to our Navy customer and delivering the highest quality aircraft carriers and submarines. Some of our critical milestones this year include delivery of the Virginia-class submarine Montana (SSN 794); achieving pressure hull complete on the New Jersey (SSN 796); and completing the stern build for the first-in-class Columbia (SSBN 826). On the aircraft carrier side of the business, look for the crew of USS George Washington (CVN 73) to move aboard in the first part of the year. We also anticipate receiving a contract for the Refueling and Complex Overhaul of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), with the ship arriving this spring. We will continue our work on John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) and our digital build efforts on Enterprise (CVN 80). In the area of fleet support, we are on track to achieve several key milestones for both onsite and offsite submarine maintenance. And finally, we will continue our focus on engagement, diversity and inclusion – creating a culture where every voice is heard. We will accomplish all of these things with a keen eye on our cost structure, and make smart decisions about how we invest in our people and in the facility as, together, we move Newport News Shipbuilding forward. I’m excited for what the year holds, and I thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s get started. Respectfully,
Jennifer Boykin President Newport News Shipbuilding
LONG SERVICE MASTER SHIPBUILDERS
Connie Apple-Hamlin 40 years
Larry “Bumblebee” Batts 40 years
DECEMBER
Paul Clear 40 years
LONG SERVICE 45 YEARS John Murphy
X15
40 YEARS Connie Apple-Hamlin O51 Larry Batts O15
DECEMBER
Paul Clear
E68
30 YEARS Donald Dalton Trina Garrett Timothy Hood
E86 E82 X31
Alan Moody William Oneil Roger Phillips Joseph Schiavone Felicia Stephens
E22 O46 K95 O68 E91
25 YEARS John Harrington
T54
20 YEARS Katina Adams Paulette Brooks
O55 E68
Raphael Hampton Zena Lewis Brandon Owen Daniel Parker William Phillips Gary Robbins
RETIREMENTS Dwayne Alcock Deborah Askew Robert Baker Gregory Barsten Ronald Brown Milton Bruno
X82 X33 E25 X42 O14 E14
Willie Carde X18 Kenneth Claiborne O43 Phil Clarke X67 Earl Dickerson X43 Lorenza Doles X18 Joyce Earl O46
E82 O15 O15 E83 E16 O31
Michael Spells O51 Sherri Thompson O20
NOVEMBER Thomas Ellebracht O51 Kevin Forrest X32 George Gilbert X33 Sandy Granger X11 Charles Harris O43 Wallace Hathaway O26
Albert Holloman X11 Clinton Hornberger X42 Anthony Johns X11 Tyrone Jones X18 Marcus Land O53 Carlton Langford X11
Steven Pangle David Payton Rosa Perry Michael Reese Bernadette Reid William Robertson
X47 O67 O53 E83 O61 X18
Woodrow Sanders Larry Sessoms Adrienne Soule William Spruill Rufus Taylor Thomas Woodruff
X10 X32 X44 E81 X18 X36
40 Years Ago
Oil tanker SS Fredericksburg leaves Newport News Shipbuilding in December 1980 following its jumboizing process, during which the ship was enlarged and modernized. NNS photo archive