Feb. 14, 2022

2 l 14 l 2022

A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

Photo by Ashley Cowan

Montana Successfully Completes Initial Sea Trials

Virginia-class submarine Montana (SSN 794) successfully completed initial sea trials – which involved spending several days at sea to test the ship’s systems and components – earlier this month.

Testing included submerging the submarine for the first time and high-speed maneuvers while on the surface and submerged. Newport News Shipbuilding employees will continue the testing program and will deliver the boat to the U.S. Navy later this year.

“We are very proud to say the Montana and her crew performed exceptional,” said Jason Ward, vice president of Virginia-Class Submarine Construction. “Taking the ship to sea for the first time is a huge milestone for everyone involved. The crew, thousands of suppliers from around the country and shipbuilders from HII and Electric Boat can be proud the ship was successfully brought to life and will soon be part of the world’s greatest Navy.”

Construction of Montana began in 2015. The boat – the 21st Virginia-class submarine built as part of the teaming partnership between NNS and General Dynamics Electric Boat – was christened in September 2020.

Watch a video on MyNNS to see Montana at sea and to hear from some of the shipbuilders involved in the submarine’s construction.

NNS Hosting Trades Hiring Event Feb. 19 Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is hosting an in-person trades hiring event Saturday, Feb. 19, at NetCenter (Zone 2) from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. This event is open to the public but limited to the first 350 job seekers in attendance. This event is for those interested in trainee, entry-level and experienced NNS trades positions.

Job seekers who apply in advance will have the opportunity to have their applications reviewed in-person by NNS recruiters and be interviewed if qualified. Offers will be made that day. Those who have not applied will have the opportunity to learn more about NNS trades career options. Face masks are required, and COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place.

For more information, visit huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/021922-2.

NNS employees who refer a job seeker who is hired could receive a $1,000 cash bonus.

For more information on how to refer someone, visit huntingtoningalls.com/hiicareers/refer-a-friend.

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Engineering and Design Celebrates 10 Years January 2022 marked Newport News Shipbuilding’s Engineering and Design (E&D) Division’s 10-year anniversary.

Established in 2012, with approximately 3,400 employees, the organization has grown not only in size but in impact.

Shifting from the division’s original motto of Lead, Improve, Grow, today E&D has over 3,600 employees who inspire people to share ideas, transform current business processes and procedures, and innovate technical solutions and products.

Although a lot has changed in 10 years, the underlying values of the organization remain the same.

“Founding a new division that has been expected to lead the way from its conception has not been an easy undertaking. We are a Strengths-based organization with engineering at its core.

We have been the architect and script writer for our procedures, our processes and our conduct,” said Renae Myles, E&D chief of staff and business manager.

“James Baldwin said, ‘Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.’ Taking time to reflect on the talent, commitment, and immense courage it takes to accept the tasks and challenges we’ve faced over the last 10 years, as well as those that lie ahead, should be celebrated.”

Help E&D celebrate this milestone by reflecting on the organization’s 2021 accomplishments, visiting E&D Connections on MyNNS, and by using #Connections in your newsfeed.

The mold in place team was honored for first-time quality work on New Jersey (SSN 796).

Shipbuilders Recognized for First-Time Quality Shipbuilders on the mold in place (MIP) team were recognized recently for demonstrating first-time quality work on Virginia-class submarine New Jersey (SSN 796).

The MIP team is responsible for installing special hull treatments on the exterior of Virginia-class submarines. Since the team’s work takes place in the latter stages of the submarine’s construction, any issues that require rework can negatively impact the launch schedule.

The team experienced first-time quality challenges in recent years, but turned a corner on New Jersey.

“My guys have been working very hard, taking much more accountability and ownership for their work, and having a better appreciation for their craft in several areas,” said “J” Mathews, lead general foreman for the VCS X32 MIP Department. “And it’s not just this crew, we’ve probably recognized five teams in the past year for performing first-time quality work.”

Mathews said shipbuilders from Coatings Technology & Materials Engineering (E33) provided on-site deckplate support, which helped improve quality while fostering better communication and understanding between the engineering and trades teams.

“The oversight from E33 on the deckplate gave our craftsmen and craftswomen the opportunity to have conversations directly if there were questions, concerns or problems,” she said. “In turn, working with us, E33 learned a lot more about the craft. Everything in black and white is not as easy to go and execute at that level on the deckplate.”

Spring Night School Schedule Announced Newport News Shipbuilding’s Night School has announced its spring 2022 schedule. Visit the Night School website on MyNNS or as.edu to view the schedule. Anyone can request flyers for posting in their immediate areas by contacting Sherry Morgan via email or at 688-8608.

The Night School is seeking an English instructor to teach the English Review class.

The class is offered to new hire apprentices before they begin their academic courses at The Apprentice School. The class has six sessions and is held one night per week at The Apprentice School from 4:15 until 6:45 p.m. A syllabus is provided for the instructor to follow. Anyone interested in this opportunity should contact Sherry Morgan via email.

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AROUND THE YARD Apprentices Inducted Into National Society of Leadership and Success The Apprentice School Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) inducted 16 new members Jan. 28. This is the seventh cohort to be inducted. Since its inception in June 2018, the chapter has inducted 140 members.

Presiding over the ceremony was faculty adviser Pat Krystyn.

Dr. Latitia McCane, director of Education at The Apprentice School, delivered the keynote address. During the ceremony, co-adviser Amy Tiedemann was awarded the Impact Leader Award in recognition of her efforts to help establish the chapter during its initial stages of development.

The NSLS helps members build their communication and leadership skills through a five-step Foundations of Leadership development program. Advanced and executive leadership certifications are also available. Candidates are selected based on academic and on-the-job performance, and leadership potential.

Congratulations to the newest members of the NSLS: Bradley Cole (X18), John Cruickshank (X33I), Courtney Driscoll (X33C),

Inductee John Cruickshank, center, with Dr. Latitia McCane, left, and Pat Krystyn.

Alexander Ferguson (X43), Kevin Gardner (X31), Jessica Hairston (E06T), Jaret Jystad (X32), Jeremiah Penney (X11), Gunther Perkins (X43), Philip Sheridan (X06P), Christopher Torres (X11), Matthew Williams (E06T), Chelsea Wilson (E06E), Ian Winslow (M53), Keith Wright (X31) and Ryan Wright (X42).

AASA Celebrates Black History Month The African American Shipbuilders Association (AASA) is highlighting the contributions of Black shipbuilders in celebration of Black History Month.

Did you know?

While Collis P. Huntington founded Newport News Shipbuilding, a Black man named George Washington Davis got the ball rolling in 1886, when he broke ground for the shipyard’s first dry dock. There have been many more Black contributions at NNS.

Solomon Travis spent nearly five decades as a shipbuilder after starting his career at 16.

Solomon Travis Following in the footsteps of his father who started working at NNS in 1886, Solomon Travis

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Active cases: 17

NNS employees vaccinated: 78%

See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.

began his shipyard career in 1916 at the age of 16 as a rivet carrier. He retired in 1965 after 48 years of service.

In 1927, Travis became the first vice president of an employee representation group. He worked to include Black employees in more company organizations and was instrumental in getting the first Black apprentice, Tommy Mann, admitted to The Apprentice School in 1956.

In a Shipyard Bulletin article from 1981, Travis said he had nothing but good things to say about NNS. “I gave the shipyard an honest day’s work for good pay, and I’m proud of it,” he said.

COVID-19 Mitigation Policies Extended to Feb. 28 Because the COVID-19 transmission rate remains high in Hampton Roads, Newport News Shipbuilding is extending to Feb. 28 its current mask policy as well as the directive that all meetings are to be held via WebEx, if possible. These policies are available on the COVID-19 411 website.

NNS will reassess the policies by Feb. 28 to determine if a further extension is warranted.

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DATEBOOK FEBRUARY 14

Although the first steps can be hard, finding your path to a smoke-free life is easier with the right help. Freedom from Smoking is a proven program that can help you quit for good in just eight weeks. Employees who complete the program can declare themselves “tobacco-free” and save $660 annually on their HII medical insurance through the HII Tobacco Free Incentive Program. As an added benefit, those who attend at least six classes will receive a prize.

Register at myquadmed.com/BeWell.

FEBRUARY 15

Join Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) from 12 to 12:30 p.m., for an education and skills event on active listening. The speakers will be Tanika Vasquez and Shannon White. Active listening helps you truly understand what people are saying. Learn more about this topic to become an active listener. This event is open to all employees. No charge will be provided. Sign up on MyNNS. For more information, contact Jasmine Bracey (X82).

FEBRUARY 16

As a part of its Black History Month observance, the African American Shipbuilders Association (AASA) employee resource group will host Dr. Latitia McCane, director of The Apprentice School, for a lunch and learn titled “Have a Seat at the Table,” from 12 until 12:30 p.m. Register on MyNNS. This event is open to all NNS employees. No charge will be provided.

FEBRUARY 17

Play games with the Shipbuilders Together Realizing Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (STRIDE) employee resource group on Zoom from 5 until 6 p.m. for a fun virtual networking event. For the best experience, it is recommended shipbuilders attend with two internetcapable devices. Zoom may not be used on NNS property.

View the flyer and register on the STRIDE website on MyNNS. For more information, contact Ariel Matthews via email or at 688-0220.

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.

MARCH 31

Join the Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG), the Project Management Shipbuilders Association (PMSA), and O2O - Institute for Veterans and Military Families from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. with guest speaker Vanea Pharr (O04).

This virtual event will highlight opportunities for veterans and their spouses to pursue career-enhancing, industryrecognized certifications and training at no cost. This learning session will also discuss how to translate military experience to project management hours in order to meet the PMP application requirements. This event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on the VERG website on MyNNS by March 28. For more information, email David Lynn. No charge is provided.

MAY 1

Join fellow shipbuilders for the Relay For Life at the Hampton Coliseum from 3 until 9 p.m. to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society. This year’s theme is Pirates of the Cure-ibbean. Join the NNS Team or create one of your own. Visit acsevents.org to learn more and to sign up.

Hiring Bonuses for High School Students Newport News Shipbuilding needs to hire more than 6,000 new employees, both salaried and trades, this year. To encourage more high school students to consider trades jobs at NNS, the company is offering $1,000 in sign-on bonuses and up to $1,500 in relocation for high school seniors or recent high school graduates.

Trades jobs include trainee and entrylevel fitters, outside machinists, pipefitters, sheet metal workers and welders. Students must apply by March 31 to be eligible for bonuses.

To apply, go to buildyourcareer.com and search for jobs by keywords “High School Seniors.”

For additional information, contact NNS recruiter Nakita Motley at 688-5064 or via email.

NNS employees are encouraged to share these opportunities. Employees who refer a high school student who is hired could receive a $1,000 cash bonus. For more information on how to refer someone, visit huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/ refer-a-friend.

FEBRUARY 23

ManPower is a new virtual program that provides dialogue around various men’s health maintenance and improvement topics. Join QuadMed professionals at noon as they discuss weight loss and how to approach it healthily. Register at myquadmed.com/BeWell.

FEBRUARY 23

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.

HIRING IDEAS

Newport News Shipbuilding needs to hire more than 6,000 employees in 2022. NNS Talent Acquisition welcomes innovative ideas on how to support this effort. Employees are encouraged to send ideas to hiringideas@hii-nns.com.

SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept.

HII Mechanical – Cost 16972 N910 Estimating Analyst 2 Outside Machinist 15984, 16004 X43 (Trainee, Entry-Level) Welder 15885, 15904, X18 15884, 15750

Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.

Employee Referral Cash Bonus Not Eligible

Remote Work Considered No

Eligible

No

Eligible

No

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.