Feb. 15, 2021

2 l 15 l 2021

Photo by Ashley Cowan

A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

Making Way for Pier Improvements

With the help of a few tugboats, Enterprise (CVN 65) took a short journey up the James River from Newport News Shipbuilding’s Pier 2 to Dry Dock 12 on Feb. 4 – exactly 63 years after the decommissioned carrier’s keel was laid at the shipyard.

CVN 65 was moved so shipbuilders could begin work on upgrades to Pier 2. The next few months will involve upgrading all electrical, mechanical and structural systems at the pier to support the next availability. Built in 1942, Pier 2 has been upgraded several times, most recently in 2013.

“It’s the oldest pier we still have in service,” said Engineering Manager Michael Romanelli (O41). “Each of those past upgrades was to support the arrival of a new program.”

At the same time, a standoff will be built on the north side of Pier 3 to allow for the mooring of an aircraft carrier.

Decommissioned four years ago, CVN 65 – the Navy’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier – is now just feet away from where shipbuilders are working to construct the new Enterprise (CVN 80) in the North Yard.

Shipbuilders Honored During Conference Four Newport News Shipbuilding employees were recognized for achievements in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields during the 35th annual Black Engineer of the Year Award STEM Global Competitiveness Conference. The conference was held virtually this year in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Alex Thomas, an engineering manager who was honored, said he accepted the award “with a complicated reverence.”

“While understanding that promoting diversity in STEM fields has historically been a complex issue, the awards, conferences and company commitments provide the essential perspective in the area of STEM in communities that have historically been underrepresented,” he said. “STEM careers are important in many industries and communities, as it provides compelling career opportunities as well as improved socioeconomic options and outlooks.”

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United Way Campaign Ends Friday Newport News Shipbuilding’s 2021 United Way campaign continues through Friday, Feb. 19. This year’s campaign, “Better Together,” reflects United Way’s mission to create a lasting impact through initiatives to help end the cycle of poverty and engage the community in giving back.

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Virtual Panel Discusses Community Relations Pictured from left are award recipients Tiara Gray, Deshawn Jones, Antaux Rollins and Alex Thomas.

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Thomas – along with Tiara Gray, an industrial engineer; Deshawn Jones, a network communication manager; and Antaux Rollins, an engineering technician – received a Modern Day Technology Leader award. The award recognizes efforts in shaping the future of STEM. “It used to be said that necessity is the mother of invention. In a diverse world with diverse problems, it is imperative to hear diverse answers to provide diverse solutions. For this reason, it is important that STEM recognizes all backgrounds to ensure the greatest minds have an opportunity to give the world the greatest inventions,” Rollins said.

Jones said he was excited and humbled to be recognized. He said it’s important to listen, observe and acknowledge the current state of STEM in today’s society.

“After understanding the current state, we can be intentional about creating the desired state. For me, that desired state looks more diverse. Ideally, I would like this field to mirror representation as we see it in society and curate an inclusive culture where diverse talent feels welcomed,” he said.

“Whether bringing new ideas, technologies, or being a STEM advocate in the community, a little intentionality in shaping the future can yield a major impact.”

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One hundred percent of contributions to United Way of the Virginia Peninsula and its partner agencies go back to local communities. “When COVID-19 hit our community fast and hard, we knew the needs within our community would be exacerbated, affecting family, friends, neighbors and fellow shipbuilders,” said Judy Fundak (K18).

Shipbuilders who increase their donation by $1 per pay period – or initiate a new $1 donation per pay period – can make a difference for those in the community facing dire situations. To make a contribution, shipbuilders can access the Newport News Shipbuilding Gives website at nns.yourcause.com or through MyHR using MyID, located on pay stubs and the Outlook address book. A link to the site is also available via the NNS to Go app.

For questions, email unitedway@hii-nns.com.

Know Your Numbers iPad Giveaway The Know Your Numbers program’s deadline is quickly approaching. Eligible employees must complete a wellness profile and health screening by March 31 to save $600 on Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Anthem medical plans.

To encourage employees to complete the program early, QuadMed’s BeWell for Life team is offering an iPad giveaway for employees who complete the program requirements by Feb. 28.

Visit www.hiibenefits.com for a calendar of onsite health screening appointments, instructions to complete the wellness profile and more.

The Engagement and Diversity and Inclusion offices partnered with Corporate Citizenship for a virtual panel discussion focused on community relations. The event was part of the “Together Strong - Life Unites” series.

Panelists included Thomasina Wright (K71), Tim Fortune (O40), Brittany Dorsey (K79), Eric Goolsby (O14), Alejandro Nava Moncada (O04) and Keith Clark (X15).

During the event, Dorsey said community is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Belonging is a need both inside and outside of work,” she said. “It’s important to foster inclusion, show empathy and understanding. We need to ensure our co-workers feel needed and included.”

She added that communication is important to building community.

Goolsby explained the importance of situational awareness and education. “You can overcome some of the challenges by educating yourself about culture,” he said.

“When you feel like you belong, you invest more.”

Watch a video of the discussion on MyNNS. Please note that no charge is provided.

Shipbuilders who watch the video must do so on their own time. These “courageous conversations” are held on the second Monday of each month.

Shelanski to Retire Herm Shelanski, Newport News Shipbuilding’s vice president of Business Development, is retiring at the end of the month.

Before coming to NNS two years ago, Shelanski spent more than 38 years in the Navy, where he managed and led organizations of increasing complexity and responsibility before retiring at the rank of vice admiral.

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AROUND THE YARD In the Right Place at the Right Time

HII Scholarship Fund Accepting Applications

Anthony “Andy” Knopp (N960) was headed to work on a cold, rainy morning in December when he saw an older woman walking along the side of the road. He had a bad feeling, and decided to turn around.

And it was a good thing he did.

The HII Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 academic year.

“I feel God just kind of puts you in the right place at the right time,” Knopp said.

After he asked the woman a few questions, he realized she showed symptoms of dementia. After a few failed attempts to contact the woman’s family, Knopp called 911 and waited with her until the police arrived.

A few hours later, Knopp received a call back from the 911 dispatcher letting him know that the woman had made it home safely. That night, Knopp’s wife came across a Facebook post from the woman’s daughter thanking the man who had come to her assistance.

“Thank you to the incredibly thoughtful and kind man who found my mother walking in the rain early this morning. I so appreciate you contacting the police and

Anthony “Andy” Knopp, center is pictured with D. Keith Meadows and Julia Jones.

waiting with her until they came. This was quite a surprise and it could have had a very negative outcome. Thank you again,” the post said.

This wasn’t the first time Knopp has been in the right place at the right time. Earlier last year, he was honored with an On-the-Spot Ethics award for helping a motorist who had experienced a medical emergency.

“If something doesn’t feel right, it takes two seconds to stop and check on somebody,” he said. “I’ve spent most of my life in the shipyard, and it’s kind of bred into you to have integrity and always do the right thing.”

Technology Development is Continuously Seeking New Ideas Do you have a problem in need of a solution? Newport News Shipbuilding’s Research and Development team may be able to help. Technology Development is continuously in search of ideas for new R&D projects that will benefit NNS. Ideas can be submitted at any time by visiting the Innovation Station website, found through a link on the MyNNS Resources page or from the E32 departmental site. R&D project ideas can support a broad range of objectives. Examples include: • Improvements to quality or safety.

• Development of new/improved systems, processes or tools.

• Optimization of manufacturing methods.

• New technology evaluations.

Submitted ideas will be evaluated by the Technology Development team for alignment with company objectives. If you have questions or need assistance in submitting an idea, contact Daniel Hebert (E32) via email or at 688-6416.

The 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.

Children of all Huntington Ingalls Industries employees are eligible to apply, with the exception of children of senior executives and those employees who have been with the company for less than two years. The selection process is independent of HII and based on both scholarship and financial need. No employee or officer of HII play a part in the selection process.

Visit huntingtoningalls.com/scholarship to learn more and apply. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on April 16.

AASA to Host COVID-19 Virtual Panel Discussion As part of its observance of African American History Month, the African American Shipbuilders Association (AASA) employee resource group is hosting a COVID-19 panel discussion via Zoom from 4:30 until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16.

The event is open to all NNS employees.

Doctors and individuals personally impacted by the virus will discuss COVID-19’s effect on the African American community, their personal experiences, the role of history in vaccine hesitancy, and why it is important to change those perceptions. This event is open to all NNS employees. Register on MyNNS. For more information, contact Michelle Pope via email.

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported last week: 161 Total cases at NNS: 2,705

Total number of NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 1,868

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

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DATEBOOK FEBRUARY 16

Join the African American Shipbuilders Association employee resource group for a COVID- 19 panel discussion via Zoom from 4:30 until 6 p.m. Doctors and individuals personally impacted by the virus will discuss COVID-19’s effect on the African American community, their personal experiences with the disease, the role of history in vaccine hesitancy, and why it is important to change those perceptions for everyone’s health and well-being. The Zoom meeting ID is 858 8832 2213 and the passcode is 750196. To participate, you must have the Zoom app on your personal device, and you must not be on company property. Note: This is an after work event, no charge information will be provided. This event is open to all NNS employees. Register on MyNNS. For more information, contact Michelle Pope via email.

FEBRUARY 17

Join Engineering and Design from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on African American Shipbuilders Association (AASA) employee resource group (ERG). The ERG’s purpose is to increase visibility for AASA and its members by serving as the community of practice for professional development and mentorship.

Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend.

No charge is provided. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.

MARCH 8

The Engagement and Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) offices invite you to join their monthly ED&I Together Strong Life Unites Panel Discussion Series: The Impact of Inclusion Celebrating Women from 4:30 until 6 p.m. The panel will discuss topics related to the inclusion of women’s history and women in shipbuilding. Register on MyNNS.

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Opportunities for Professional and Personal Development Join Learning After the Whistle (L.A.W.) for opportunities to grow personally and professionally. L.A.W. is a program offered by Newport News Shipbuilding’s Leadership, Professional and Organization Development Department (O44) for all employees.

L.A.W. classes are currently offered virtually, at no cost to employees and beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Attendance is on employees’ own time, and no time charges are provided. To learn more, visit the website on MyNNS or email LearningAftertheWhistle@hii-nns.com. The schedule of upcoming course offerings is below. Course descriptions are available on MyNNS: Feb. 16, 18, 23 and 25 Finance for Non-Financial Managers 4:30 until 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 17 Resume Writing 4:30 until 6:30 p.m.

March 9 and 11 Communication Essentials 4:30 until 6:30 p.m.

Employee Resource Groups Seek Leaders

Several Newport News Shipbuilding employee resource groups (ERGs) currently have open board positions, which allow shipbuilders to showcase leadership skills, gain experience and play an active role in shaping NNS’ culture.

Positions are available in Asian Shipbuilders Including All Nationalities (ASIAN), Shipbuilders Together Realizing Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (STRIDE), the Generational Integration Focus Team (GIFT), Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG) and FitNNS. Visit the ERG website on MyNNS for more information on these ERGs and the roles and responsibilities of the open board positions.

SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS

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

MARCH BLOOD DRIVES

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.

Wednesday, March 10 Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 30 Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, contact Natasha Eck, Sunny Lee or Christina Charnock via email.

Job Title

Req Number

Dept.

Location

Database Administrator 3 Electrical Engineer 2 Engineering Technician 4 Entry-level Pipefitter Experienced Blaster Foreman Pipefitter Trainee Structural Product Trainer 1 Web Designer and Digital Media Specialist Welder Trainee

4175 3664 4860 4787 4096 3510 4745 1615 3368 4746

O67 E70 E84 X42 X33 X15 X42 X67 O29 X18

Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News 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 writer: 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.

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