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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Ashley Cowan
Celebrating 135 Years Thursday, Jan. 28, will mark Newport News Shipbuilding’s 135th anniversary. On that date in 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, NNS has since grown into the largest industrial employer in Virginia. For generations, shipbuilders have worked side-by-side along the James River to build ships – from tugboat Dorothy, delivered in 1891, to the nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines that help the U.S. Navy secure America’s freedom today.
legacy. For the past 135 years, shipbuilders have risen to meet every challenge. Our company’s longevity is a testament to that resolve,” said Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin. “Moving forward, we must remain committed to one another and to the work we do for our nation.” 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.” Banners commemorating NNS’ 135th anniversary are on display at shipyard gates.
“We are fortunate to carry on Newport News Shipbuilding’s proud
Why Should You Get a COVID-19 Vaccine? As Newport News Shipbuilding awaits word from state officials regarding the company’s first batch of COVID-19 vaccine, company medical officials are providing insight. Dr. Steve Apostoles, Newport News Shipbuilding’s medical director, and Dr. Vijay Subramanium, who is serving as a consultant for NNS during the pandemic, discussed the benefits of the vaccine during an interview with Bryan Moore, director of Communications. Although it is strongly encouraged, shipbuilders will not be required to take the vaccination. Dr. Vijay Subramanium, left, and Dr. Steve Apostoles discuss COVID-19 vaccinations with Bryan Moore, right. Photo by Aaron Pritchett
Watch the video on MyNNS or on the NNS to Go app.
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Employee Referrals Help NNS Hire for Hard-to-Fill Positions Newport News Shipbuilding employees submitted more than 850 employee referrals in 2020. Several shipbuilders received cash bonus awards for referring candidates to select hard-to-fill positions. In addition, the following shipbuilders received gift cards for merchandise at the online NNS Spear & Gear store in a monthly drawing of all referrals submitted: Benjamin Argeanton (E70), Daniel Gular (X84), Tim Herbin (T51), Kristopher Hughens (X36), Lindsay Lawson (X21), Michael McClellan (O25), Ruma Patel (E70), Jessica Rosser (X18), Alina Sanchez (O78) and Kevin Wilks (K46). “The employee referral program is a great way to know a job opening has a high potential for being a good fit,” said Michael Stockholm (E37), who was hired last year after being referred. “I knew that I would have the support I needed to settle in to the area and to the job.”
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HII Updates Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Huntington Ingalls Industries recently conducted a review of the company’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, which provides guidelines for making ethical decisions. As a result of the review, updates have been made to the code and the company values. The company values are listed below:
Stockholm was referred by Ben Bradley (E37). “It gets qualified candidates into NNS and lets the new employees know they have help getting settled in to the Hampton Roads area,” Bradley said.
• Integrity
To submit a referral, view a complete list of cash bonus-eligible positions and review the REFER program guidelines, visit huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refer-a-friend.
• Engagement
Successful referrals must meet the basic qualifications for the job. For questions, contact Kristen Pierce (K21) at 688-6780.
• Performance
Know Your Numbers Home Collection Cards Available Don’t let forgetfulness lead to higher medical premiums. Eligible employees must complete the Know Your Numbers wellness profile and health screening by March 31 to save $600 on Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Anthem medical plans. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and potential restrictions to health care, HII has partnered with QuadMed and Quest Diagnostics to provide employees an at-home way to complete the health screening requirement. Employees can request a Know Your Numbers home collection card from Quest Diagnostics at no cost to them. The home collection card includes all the materials needed for the employee to take a finger stick blood sample and securely mail the sample to Quest Diagnostics for processing. “The in-home kit and directions were easy to follow,” said Reggie Love (O39). Employees interested in using the home collection card must request a collection card from Quest Diagnostics by March 1 and mail it to Quest by March 15 for processing. For instructions, visit www.hiibenefits.com.
• Safety • Respect • Responsibility
To review the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and to learn more about the company values, visit the Huntington Ingalls Industries website.
HII Scholarship Fund to Begin Accepting Applications Next Month The HII Scholarship Fund will begin accepting applications Feb. 15 for the 2021-2022 school year. During its first five years, the fund has provided more than $2 million in scholarships for children of HII employees.
James Geurts, who served as assistant secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition since late 2017, left his post Jan. 20. In a handwritten note to Newport News Shipbuilding leaders, Geurts thanked shipbuilders for their contributions during his tenure.
The HII Scholarship Fund is administered by Scholarship America. Individual award amounts range from $1,500 annually for selected students enrolled in a two-year college program to $3,000 per year for selected students enrolled in a four-year program. The fund also awards scholarships of up to $3,000 toward pre-K school readiness education costs.
“It has been my honor to serve with you in the defense of our great nation. Please take care of yourselves, your teams and the mission. Know that you always have a teammate on your side and cheering for your continued success and happiness,” he wrote.
To learn more about the program and watch videos celebrating scholarship recipients, visit huntingtoningalls.com/scholarship.
Outgoing Navy Official Thanks Shipbuilders
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AROUND THE YARD How to Respond to a Spill Newport News Shipbuilding is working to reduce the number of reportable spills. Because spill kits are the first line of defense, shipbuilders from Environmental Health and Safety (O27), Plant Operations (O46) and the Maintenance Department (O43) are mapping and reclaiming spill kits across the shipyard. The spill kits are emptied, cleaned, relabeled and assigned new points of contact to inspect and reorder material in order to keep the kits stocked and in good condition. O27 is also educating employees about the importance of the spill kits, knowing who to call, and how to report detailed information so spill response teams can quickly respond and prevent spills from reaching the river. Watch a spill awareness video on MyNNS. For more information on spill response, visit the O27 Environmental Engineering website on MyNNS. There is a spill information page, which includes the proper process to report a spill, information on spill kit items and other resources.
COVID-19 Updates Newport News Shipbuilding’s COVID-19 Crisis Action Group (CAG) has a new email inbox for issues related to the pandemic. Employees with questions or concerns about the company’s COVID-19 response should email COVIDCAG@hii-nns.com. NNS employees who are 60 years old and above as of Jan. 1, 2021, will be among the first groups of employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. Other groups include first responders and essential personnel who staff the facility during holidays and inclement weather. Employees who want to receive a COVID-19 vaccine from a source other than NNS – a family doctor or veterans’ hospital, for example – should feel free to do so as the company works to secure its supply of vaccines.
NNS Through the Years Check out the Photo Library on MyNNS for historical photos of Newport News Shipbuilding as the company celebrates its 135th anniversary. The photo above shows a busy scene from the 1930s along Washington Avenue outside the shipyard’s 37th Street Gate.
Annual United Way Campaign Begins Feb. 1 Newport News Shipbuilding’s United Way campaign will kick off Monday, Feb. 1, and run through Feb. 19. Shipbuilders who make purchases at Walmart.com or on the Walmart app can round up their total to the nearest dollar to support NNS’ United Way campaign through Jan. 29. Shipbuilders who have received assistance from United Way and wish to share their story during the campaign should email currents@hii-nns.com.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported Jan. 18-24: 181 Total cases at NNS: 2,217 Total number of NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 1,457 See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
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DATEBOOK JANUARY 26 AND 27
Join PreventT2 to reverse prediabetes. PreventT2 is a free virtual group support program designed to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes for individuals with prediabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes. Led by a trained BeWell for Life coach, attendees will learn the skills needed to lose weight, get active and manage stress. Virtual sessions begin Jan. 26 and 27. Visit www.myquadmed.com/hii/T2 for details and to enroll.
JANUARY 27
Get your money right this year with SmartPath, a free benefit for all Newport News Shipbuilding employees. Register for a webinar at noon to learn how you can better manage your financial life. To register, visit www.joinsmartpath.com/hii/classes. If you can’t attend live, register anyway and SmartPath will email you a recording of the webinar.
JANUARY 28
Join Engineering and Design and guest speaker Cailee Helmick from 12 until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on FITNNS. FITNNS is an employee resource group (ERG) dedicated to promoting physical, mental, and financial fitness for all shipbuilders. Their mission is to encourage shipbuilders to live a healthy, wellrounded lifestyle by providing resources and highlighting opportunities. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. No charge is provided. For questions and concerns, email EDConnections@hii-nns.com.
Upcoming Blood Drives
FEBRUARY 1
Newport News Shipbuilding is hosting the following blood drives in support of the American Red Cross. A time charge will be provided for employees who donate.
FEBRUARY 9
All blood drives will be held from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room).
Join BeWell for Life wellness coordinators for free, virtual workouts from anywhere beginning Feb. 1. Visit Wellness Online to see the complete list of virtual classes and register today. Join a panel of HII Family Health Center providers for a heart health virtual lunch and learn at noon. The panel will discuss tips to protect your heart in this 30-minute educational session. Register at myquadmed.com/BeWell.
FEBRUARY 9
Time to set your 2021 goals, join NNS’ performance coaches and guest speaker Jason Sutton to hear their thoughts on goal setting. The NNS Lean Community of Practice (CoP) invites shipbuilders to attend its Chapter 1: Goal Setting event on 2/9 from 4:30 until 6 p.m. via Zoom. In additon to Sutton, guest speakers will include Tim Mott and Justin Wright. Register on MyNNS.
FEBRUARY 15
Fresh Start, a free, eight-week tobacco cessation program can help you quit smoking for good and save you on your medical premium. Register at myquadmed.com/BeWell. Sessions begin Feb. 15.
• Thursday, Jan. 28 • Thursday, Feb. 4 • Wednesday, Feb. 10 • Wednesday, March 10 • Tuesday, March 30 To schedule an appointment for any of the dates listed above, contact Natasha Eck, Sunny Lee or Christina Charnock via email.
FITNNS HOLIDAY HEALTH CHALLENGE
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Cost Engineer 3 Engineer Lead Test 2 – Work Control REC Team Engineer Lead Test 3 – Senior Work Control REC Team Entry-level Structural Welder Experienced Blaster International Trade Compliance Analyst 4 Manager Engineering 3 – Lean Leader Manager Product Training 1 Nuclear Quality Inspector 3 Radiologic Interpretor 3
1620 1514 1515 3569 4096 4168 4227 3221 3776 3755
O19 E25 E25 X18 X33 O17 K95 E91 O96 E37
Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Ballston Spa, NY Ballston Spa, NY 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 Currents@hii-nns.com Currents is published every Monday for employees of Newport News Shipbuilding. To submit a story, visit nns.huntingtoningalls.com/currents.
Congratulations to the following shipbuilders for completing the FitNNS Holiday Health Challenge: Tabitha Hilston (E81), Brenda Meekins (O26), Eddy Young (K46), Kevin Davis (E81), Raven Belvin (E06), Teresa Williams (X46), Bradley Harris (E46), Ryan Willoughby (O58), Pamela DeLar (K23), Christina Gray (E81), Molly Landon (E89), Annie Madojemu (E25), Billy Norton (X43), Erin Linthicum (X84), Gerald Bulles (K48), Ebonie Morrison (K47), Sharelle Jackson (K47), Darold Thomas (E86), Craig Warren (O43), Jonathan Mittelstadter (K03), Bobby Johnson (X73), Ricky Watlet (E81), Walter Mitchell (E56), Thomas Lambert (X67), Ashley Kominsky (E81), Bridget Mangino (E86), Chris Ahlert (X47), Jerry Dingus (E82), Mimi Boran (E82), Daniel Bamford (E25), Laura Richter (N364), Ron Henn (E83), Christopher Burns (X47), Caroline Burns (X47), Brad Breyer (E92), Lyle Helmick (E84), Jane Day (E15), Jonathon Harley (E86), Ron Rucker (O04), Andrew Holloway (E06), Rebekah Shelby (X42), Sarah Sewalish (E81), Sydney Wash (X44), Monique Coune (E86), John Edwards (E84), Chris Wicker (E81), Francine Ford-Dean (E44), Gail Sawyer (X73), Sandra Valentine (E83), Donald Cutler (E25), Eric Starck (E81), Tansy Perkins (X57), StacyAnne Schrier (O53), Renardo James (E70) and Brooke Slade (N358).
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