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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Newport News Shipbuilding employees walk to the 37th Street gate at the end of day shift in April 1919. NNS Photo Archive
Celebrating 136 Years of “Good Ships” This week marks Newport News Shipbuilding’s 136th anniversary. On Jan. 28, 1886, the Virginia General Assembly approved the company’s charter, which provided authorization to acquire land, build a dry dock and build ships of all dimensions. Founded as Chesapeake Dry Dock and Construction Co. by Collis P. Huntington, the shipyard’s name was changed in 1890. Not long after its founding, NNS became a major player in both commercial and naval shipbuilding and helped spur early growth of the city of Newport News. Tugboat Dorothy, delivered in 1891, was the shipyard’s first vessel. NNS was awarded its first naval contracts in 1894 for gunboats Nashville (PG 7), Wilmington (PG 8) and Helena (PG 9). A quote attributed to Huntington has served as a reminder of the company’s commitment to quality throughout its history: “We shall build good ships here; at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always good ships.” Today, 25,000 shipbuilders carry on NNS’ proud legacy, building and overhauling U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and submarines.
Winter Wonderland
A weekend winter storm blanketed Newport News Shipbuilding with snow. Thank you to all of the shipbuilders who worked before, during and after the storm to keep the facility operational and safe. As a reminder, shipbuilders should call the Employee Information Phone Line at 1-877-871-2058 for updates regarding shipyard operations during inclement weather. Shipbuilders also are encouraged to download the NNS to Go app. Photo by Aaron Pritchett
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Perfect Score for First Columbia-Class Lead Pour The shipbuilders involved in the lead pour for first-in-class Columbia (SSBN 826) set the tone for excellence. They recently completed the pour with 100% first-time quality, ahead of schedule and under budget. Superintendent Jerry Campbell said the team’s success was a surprising feat, considering it was the first such pour for a Columbia-class submarine. “It’s very unusual to achieve that on your first of class coming out of the gate,” he said. “These guys go above and beyond.” The pour provides critical shielding for the submarine and involves 800-degree molten lead. It’s comparable to pours that take place in NNS’ Foundry. Once the pour is complete, it undergoes an ultrasonic inspection for quality. Foreman Kenneth Bell leads the team of less than 10 shipbuilders responsible for lead pours for Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines. He said shipbuilders were proud to learn of their perfect score following the inspection. “These guys strive to do it right the first time. Everybody works together and plays their part,” he said.
Shipbuilders completed the first Columbia-class lead pour with 100% first-time quality, ahead of schedule and under budget. Note: This photo was taken before the most recent mask guidelines were issued.
The team includes X11 shipbuilders Garland Chambliss, Danny Neal, Ryan Hecker, Derek Luck, Jose Martinez, William Hall III, Caleb Daughtrey, Brian Knierim and Kyle Bell. “These shipbuilders know the criticality of the mission of that boat they’re working on,” said Tim Madden, a construction supervisor who worked on the project. “They’re proud of what they do, and they take it seriously. And that’s a reflection of their supervisor as well.” In addition to the core team involved in the pour, there was a large “supporting cast,” including shipbuilders from X36, O39, O27, O41 and X62. “It was a total team effort, and it’s rewarding to see this team do what they did,” Campbell said. “It helped us regain some key critical schedule and gives confidence to our customer.”
NNS Names Vice President of Plant Operations Karey Malyszko is Newport News Shipbuilding’s new vice president of Plant Operations, which includes Waterfront Support Services (X36), Facilities, Environmental Health and Safety, and Security. Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin announced Malyszko’s promotion in a Jan. 24 message to employees. Since joining the shipyard in 2004 as a structural
engineer in the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Program, Malyszko has served in positions of increasing responsibility in Nuclear Propulsion-Construction and Process Engineering, Nuclear Propulsion Test Engineering, Radiological Controls, and the NNS Emergency Response Organization. She succeeds Dru Branche, who retired last month.
Craftsman Summer Internship Program Accepting Applications Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is accepting applications for 2022 summer internship opportunities for college students enrolled in an associate degree or similar technical program related to shipbuilding. Programs include electrician, fitter, machinist, marine coatings, metal fabrication, pipefitter, rigger and welding. To qualify, students must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, have a 3.0 cumulative GPA, have completed one year of their associate program and be
available to work on either first or second shift for a minimum of 10 weeks this summer. For more information about this paid internship opportunity, contact NNS recruiter Anne Lewis via email or at 688-2917 or search the HII Careers website (buildyourcareer.com) for job requisition No. 14168. Applications will be accepted through March 31.
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AROUND THE YARD
A Message From the Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion Office Shipbuilders, we have an important call to action to achieve our “No Fail Mission” and improve our performance. Note: This photo was taken before the most recent mask guidelines were issued.
VCS Shipbuilders Give Back for the Holidays Last year was challenging for a number of reasons. Ravages from the pandemic, fires, tornadoes and job losses made things worse for many. Fortunately for some families, X11 fitters and X18 welders in the VirginiaClass Submarine Program never forget what is most important – caring about each other. In the spirit of giving, Foreman Colt Copeland’s X11 VCS shipwright lines crew raised more than $750 for tornado disaster relief efforts in Kentucky and Arkansas. This gift was even more significant as it was done instead of the typical appreciation gifts exchanged among the crew. The team hoped their collective contributions would positively impact communities devastated by recent tornadoes and spread a little joy during the holiday season. The generosity of the crew did not stop there. X11 Foreman B.J. Lawrence and his fitter crew raised money to buy gifts for less fortunate children in the community.
This generous effort was led by Lawrence along with X18 Foremen Jered Wright, Quinton Shoulars and Lawrence Britt. X18 Foreman Heather Johnson put it all together and has spearheaded charitable efforts for the past four years. With the group’s help, several children had a memorable Christmas. Beyond raising money, Lawrence and his family also went out and bought all the gifts and delivered them in person alongside other crew members. “I never got this much for Christmas before,” was the particularly touching response of one of the children impacted. Lawrence, Copeland, Johnson, Wright, Britt, Shoulars and their crews all agreed that a happy little boy having his best Christmas ever and contributing to relief efforts for those who have lost everything made all their efforts endeavors worthwhile.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Active cases: 377 NNS employees vaccinated: 78% See updates at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411
Let’s win together by continuously improving and developing ourselves, becoming the best version of ourselves, operating to our strengths daily and being successful, winning at work and outside of work. The O18 ED&I Office is here to help all shipbuilders in the areas of employee engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion through awareness, education and action. Get involved in the activities and learning opportunities we provide throughout the year. You can also become an ED&I champion in your division and/or join an employee resource group (ERG). Remember, improvement begins with each individual, so invest in your personal development. Watch highlights from our 2021 “Together Strong Life Unites” panel discussion series on MyNNS and see how continuous personal development impacts how we together become better, stronger, and a high-performing team. Check the Datebook for ED&I/ERG upcoming opportunities.
NNS Updates COVID-19 Reporting Newport News Shipbuilding has updated its reporting of COVID-19 cases to focus on the most relevant and meaningful information for employees. Each week, NNS will list the total active COVID-19 cases among NNS employees along with the percentage of employees who are fully vaccinated. New cases will be posted at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411-updates prior to noon every Monday.
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DATEBOOK JANUARY 26
Join STRIDE Chair Ariel Matthews from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session on the Shipbuilders Together Realizing Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (STRIDE) employee resource group. Since 2016, STRIDE has operated for the advancement of the social welfare and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees at Newport News Shipbuilding and at each of its subsidiaries. Register on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For more information, contact Ariel Matthews at 688-0220 or via email.
JANUARY 27
The L.E.A.R.N. Program and Shipbuilders of Huntington Ingalls Professionals (SHIPs) will host an after-work presentation with Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin from 4 until 5 p.m. via WebEx. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on MyNNS. No charge is provided. For questions, contact Tanika Vasquez (E08) at 688-7916 or email LEARN@hii-nns.com.
JANUARY 27
The Spear and Gear Toastmasters Club invites shipbuilders to help them celebrate the start of a new year of public speaking via Zoom from 6 to 7 p.m. Those interested in joining online should contact Jamar Skyles (E03), Paul Gee Jr. (O52) or Tammy Smith (N358) for Zoom meeting information.
FEBRUARY 2
Join Engineering & Design and Simone Terry (O44) from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session on Leader Standard Behaviors. Part of being an inspiring NNS leader is modeling people-centric behaviors that inspire others. Come and learn the five standard leader behaviors and how to apply them. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For more information, email E&D Connections.
FEBRUARY 9
Join Engineering & Design and Tia Benson-Bond (O13) from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session on myHR Continuous Performance and Continuous Feedback. Did you know that MyHR has functionality that allows you to manage tasks, solicit feedback and link them to your performance agreement? These tools will help you showcase your accomplishments. Come and learn all about the myHR tools. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For more information, email E&D Connections.
FEBRUARY 10
The Project Management Shipbuilders Association (PMSA) will host “Project Management Lessons from the Titanic Disaster” with Rick Aiken from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. via WebEx. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on the PMSA website. For questions, contact Sandra Valentine or email PMSA@hii-nns.com. No charge is provided.
FEBRUARY 10
The Spear and Gear Toastmasters Club invites shipbuilders to hear speech presentations, speech evaluations and participate in table topics to develop public speaking, listening and leadership skills from 6 until 7 p.m. via Zoom. Those interested in joining online should contact Jamar Skyles (E03), Paul Gee Jr. (O52) or Tammy Smith (N358) for Zoom meeting information.
FEBRUARY 23
FEBRUARY 24
The Spear and Gear Toastmasters Club invites shipbuilders to hear speech presentations, speech evaluations and participate in table topics to develop public speaking, listening and leadership skills from 6 until 7 p.m. via Zoom. Those interested in joining online should contact Jamar Skyles (E03), Paul Gee Jr. (O52) or Tammy Smith (N358) for Zoom meeting information.
MARCH 31
Salaried Newport News Shipbuilding employees and HII corporate employees enrolled in an HII Anthem medical plan must complete a Know Your Numbers health screening and a wellness profile by March 31 to secure savings of $600 on their medical premiums. Visit myquadmed.com/kyn for step-by-step instructions to complete the program.
Join the E&D Change Agent Team from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session - Driving Engagement: Understanding Basic Needs. The four drivers of employee engagement are basic needs, individual needs, teamwork and growth, but what do those actually mean? This year, join us as we take a closer look at the meaning behind each driver and talk about ways to incorporate behaviors that leverage those drivers to build and sustain a more engaged workforce. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For more information, email E&D Connections.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept. CNC Machinist Pipe 12506 X42 (Experienced) Fitter (Entry-level & 13451, 13464 X11 Experienced) Maintenance/Repair 14684 X36 Outside Machinist (Trainee, 12964, 12924, X43 Entry-level & Experienced) 12944 Pipefitter (Trainee, 12706, 12724, X42 Entry-level & Experienced) 12725 Refueler (Experienced) 12965 X43 Rigger (Entry-level & 14707, 14706 X36 Experienced) Shipboard Temp Service 14704 X36 Stage Builder 14099 X36 Summer 2022 Hourly 14168 K21 Trade/Craft Internship Welder (Trainee, Entry-level & 15504, 15484, X18 Experienced) 15524, 15750
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Employee Referral Cash Bonus Eligible
Remote Work Considered No
Eligible
No
Eligible Eligible
No No
Eligible
No
Eligible Eligible
No No
Eligible Eligible Not Eligible
No No No
Eligible
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All positions are located in Newport News unless otherwise noted.
Employees are encouraged to use MyHR or the "Current HII Employees Job Search" button at www.buildyourcareer.com to apply. Visit www.huntingtoningalls.com/careers/refer-a-friend to learn more about the cash bonus awards for referrals to select positions.
Editor: Nicholas Langhorne Currents@hii-nns.com
Currents is published every Monday for employees of Newport News Shipbuilding. To submit a story, visit nns.huntingtoningalls.com/currents.
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LONG SERVICE Master Shipbuilders with 40 years of dedicated service OCTOBER • NOVEMBER • DECEMBER • 2021
Robert Balas Neal Brooks Brian Busin Dennis Byrum David Cesare
Karen Dabney Jack Darden Hercules Etheridge Jr. Duane Faircloth James Flaim
Terry Ford Ross Gambill Mike Johnson Curtis Lett III Chuck Lyon
Willie Meadows Hubert Montague Jr. Landon Pierce James Sarvis Pat Scarlett
Karl Shulenburg* Sheila White
*Third-quarter anniversary
OCTOBER • NOVEMBER • DECEMBER • LONG SERVICE 55 YEARS Edward Belvin X11 James Norris X47 50 YEARS Eldridge Firth O58 Eddie Owens X11 Daniel Smith X44 Samuel Thomas Jr. X36 Larry Wood X31 45 YEARS Ronnie Aaron E81 Gerald Barnes X18 David Byrum O40 John Cheevers E51 Dean Clayton M53 Charles Futrell X11 Mark Garrett X32 Mark Hageman O43 Ronald Hall X36 Kenneth Lewis O54 Joseph Maben X70 Gene Magruder X33 Andrew Moore X18 Leonard Morris K47 Richard Sides X21 Fredrick Sparks X33 40 YEARS James Absher E26 Robert Balas T56 Connie Barlow O26 Charles Basey X01 Michael Bova E03 Neal Brooks X47 Brian Busin E25 Dennis Byrum X42 David Cesare E56 Tina Chapman E08 Stephen Cottrell E82 Karen Dabney E18 Jack Darden O68 Brian Dyson E25 Hercules Etheridge Jr. K48 Duane Faircloth X70
Albert Firth Jr. X32 James Flaim O36 Terry Ford E27 John Gambill Jr. E92 Robert Goforth X83 Patrick Howard E86 Steve Jakubiak E84 Michael Johnson X51 Deborah Jordan K46 Kevin Lamb X46 Curtis Lett III X84 Charles Lyon E27 Timothy Mccaw O67 Christopher McCormick E25 John Mccroskey E84 Willie Meadows X33 Hubert Montague Jr. X43 Landon Pierce N960 Timothy Randolph M53 Maxwell Redcross III E25 James Sarvis E84 Patrick Scarlett E70 Darrel Schrock X55 Philip Serio X43 Sheila White E85 Kathleen Wilkins T51 35 YEARS Brian Depriest E12 Marshall Hudson X11 Ramona Johnson K47 Robert Matschke X70 Thomas Stiehle N350 Anthony Webb O98 30 YEARS Carol Catoire E86 Thomas Chappell Jr. X21 Bradford Hedgepeth O39 Thompson Sweeney Jr. X01 Tracy Warnick X22 25 YEARS Francis Bowyer E92 Michael Brasseaux K47 Donald Brogden X44
Sherry Byrum O19 Adam Callis X47 Alven Christensen Jr. O59 Kraig Cole O52 Brett Copeland O48 Donald Horley O93 Kathrin Jenkins O19 Allen Joslin X84 David Klotz Jr. E70 Eva Latimer O55 Lakela Lofton O64 Bruce Malaby E70 James McCarson E64 Robert Muth E63 Thresa-Jan Nelson E81 Charles Nolan E70 Robert Shreves O68 Andrew Smith O40 John Sotak Jr. X44 Carlton Spruill E63 Kevin Strange T53 Keith Sutton T54 Joseph Thomas X44 Michele Walker O45 Timothy Warnick X44 20 YEARS Marvin Abercrombie Jr. E25 Oliver Aguilar E83 Robert Alworth K48 Jonathan Anastasi E92 Terrell Ashlock X67 Kecia Ballen X01 Crystal Banks E85 Joseph Bassani K48 Karon Bazemore X36 Demetrius Beander X73 David Bendana N358 Annette Binns X32 Brent Blaha E32 Tania Blea K69 Richard Boner X11 Gloria Boone X67 James Brooks E32 Darryl Brown T54 Jeremy Brown K46
Ellery Brumley X09 Kevin Butler E85 Kevin Callis E85 Jerry Campbell X62 James Caputo M53 Anthony Carrier X36 Kenneth Cherry X43 Joseph Copeland X32 James Council O58 Kirk Crider X18 Justin Crockett N910 William Crockett X36 Robert Cross M53 Vernon Cross X36 Marcus Custis K45 Darren Davis X43 Maurice Dawson X36 Donna Dean X11 Jean Deponceau O43 Laura Dial T54 Jason Dickens X22 Ricky Dixon O43 Jerry Draughan X11 Eric Duvall Sr. X47 Tony Edmonds X36 Kimberly Edwards X20 Randall Estes Jr. X73 Rodell Evans Jr. X09 Catherine Farris X55 Julie Fike X48 Stanley Fortson X43 Margaret Freeman X32 John Gies Jr. X36 Billy Gilkey Jr. O53 Mark Gillis O67 Rebecca Gilman O53 Jamaal Gray M71 Christopher Green X11 Christopher Guthrie E24 Vincent Hall K46 Adam Hamblin K47 William Harmon X11 Benjamin Harvie E84 Ira Haynie III O26 Bryan Heverly X82 Darnae Hines X47
Terry Hollingshead E26 Billy Holloway O58 Joshua Holloway Jr. X32 Luke Hubbard X42 Ellis Ivy Jr. X67 Darrell Jackson X32 Houston Jacobs X22 Robert Jenkins Jr. X47 Lori Johnson O51 Jacob Johnston E33 Louie Jones X18 Toney Jones X43 Robert Kaminsky X47 Michael Kappauf X44 William Kelsch X22 Michael Kirkwood K46 Sharon Knight O53 Craig Knopp E25 Cheryl Lane O46 Vincent Lang E85 Mahlon Lawrence X15 Randolph Leake III X33 William Leary X43 Terry Lin Lewis E84 Quantella Littlejohn X73 Marvin Lillery Lowe M30 Duon Martin X82 Timmy Mason X36 Lisa Mauld O95 Wanda McCollum X42 Demetrious McCuller X42 Glenn McDonald Jr. M53 Russell McElwee X44 Kelley Mettenbrink E83 James Moore X36 Kenny Morgan O31 Travis Morris X73 Dilista Mujadzic O03 Hope Mundell N365 Rodolfo Olague O52 Jason Perry T54 Marcelin Pierre X67 Matthew Pitschke E81 William Prescott Jr. X83 Freddy Richardson X42 Sheryl Richardson X42
Raynard Riddick X43 Dwayne Robb X11 Gordon Roberts Jr. X36 Sylvia Robertson X32 Victor Robinson O53 William Robinson X31 Ron Rogers Jr. E84 Laszlo Rudasi E11 Brenton Ruffin X36 Aaron Sampson X15 James Savage X42 Guy Scherrer X36 Jeremy Shaarda O38 James Shepard III X09 Ronnie Sightler Jr. X43 Karin Smith E86 Keith Smith X31 Timothy Smith E82 Douglas Stock E35 Lloyd Taylor X15 Nathan Thai E70 Kenneth Thomas Jr. X42 Theophilus Thomas X36 Kim Truitt X42 Marc Turner M40 Maurice Turner X47 Sean Tynes M53 Jerry Vaughan X43 Jeremy Warren O39 Marvin Watson N910 Joshua Wehr O06 Ahmad Whitaker O98 Terry Whitby X11 Travis Whitehead X21 Robert Wilkins Jr. X42 Kelvin Williams O43 Teresa Williams X46 Bryant Williamson K93 Derek Wilson X11 Robin Wolfe X36 Roger Woods X21 Kremlin Yee X47
Johnny Price K46 Susan Raynor E85 Jeffrey Reid X21 Mickey Roberts X36 Michael Robinson K47 William Rowe E92 William Ruth X70 James Sarvis E84 Charles Short X18 Nicky Skinner N960 Timothy Smith O26 Carl Stanley X47 Winona Stevens N960 Joseph Stevens E15
Lawrence Strunk O36 Steven Sullivan X43 Rafael Tavarez E85 Charlie Tharrington X67 Oscar Tomala X43 William Truitt O26 Roland Vaillancourt X36 Mitchell Waldman N350 Ronald Watford X36 John West X43 Joseph Wieliczko E44 Alphonsia Young X18
RETIREMENTS Mary Adams T55 Richard Anderson X36 Joel Arrington E70 Jean Ashburn X36 Connie Barlow O26 Susan Biron E81 Robert Bradshaw O31 Henry Brandon O53 Larry Brenner X31 Rebecca Brenton N355 Claude Brown K48 Ricky Butler X31 Stephen Carroll O67 Janice Coggin O43
Kirk Crider X18 Jack Darden O68 Timothy Downey X36 Charles Drake K48 Michael Duncan X33 Curtis Fennell X36 Lee Fischer E86 Hurley Flythe X36 Timothy Frye X84 Thomas Gaskins E83 Terence Gatling O43 Barry Gibbs K48 Kenneth Granby X42 Robert Hafer X44
William Hays M53 Alvin Jackson X36 Ricky Johnson O43 Elizabeth Keen T52 Denise Kelley X32 John King E81 Franklin Knill O26 Steven Kocurek X67 David Krejcarek E82 Janet Leake O21 Robert Maston X21 Thomas McCartney X42 Christopher McCormick E25 Randall McCrary X42
Raymond Mcnair X33 William Mingee X42 Rosalind Mitchell O58 Eric Moore X33 Teresa Mullins O14 John Nagy E83 John Neal X31 Shelton Nowell X32 Michael Olson X57 Roy Parker X18 James Pearson E42 Joanne Person X42 Martin Phillips K48 Rex Pierce K45