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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Huntington Ingalls Industries President and CEO Mike Petters met with HII Scholarship recipients last summer.
HII Scholarship Fund Accepting Applications The Huntington Ingalls Industries Scholarship Fund, established six years ago to provide educational opportunities to the children of HII employees, is accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. To date, 980 scholarships have been awarded or renewed for a total of more than $2 million. The company plans to award up to 100 new scholarships this year to employees’ children who will be enrolled in a two- or four-year college or trades program or a pre-kindergarten school readiness program. The scholarship fund is administered by Scholarship America. Individual award amounts will 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 HII 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. Employees with eligible dependents are encouraged to apply, regardless of selection status in previous years. The selection process is independent of HII and based on academic scholarship. No employee or officer of HII will play a part in the selection process. For more information and to apply, visit www.hii.com/scholarship. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on April 16.
Shipbuilders Overcome Challenges to Meet Columbia Milestone Newport News Shipbuilding’s first deliverable for Columbia (SSBN 826) – a deck ring – shipped on time, thanks to shipbuilders on all three shifts who worked long hours through the holiday shutdown, the January surge in COVID-19 cases and even snowstorms. Despite work starting several weeks later than scheduled, the date of shipment to General Dynamics Electric Boat remained the same. NNS is a major subcontractor and shipbuilding partner in Columbiaclass submarines with Electric Boat. This successful delivery sets the pace for future program milestones. “They’re committed to the overall goal of on-time delivery. Quality was 100% on all of our checkpoints, and they were accident free,” said Superintendent Jerry Campbell. CONTINUED ON PG 2
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Shipbuilders Overcome Challenges to Meet Columbia Milestone
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“This is a win for the shipyard, not just the Columbia-Class Program. By no means was it easy, but it is rewarding for the team members.” The NNS team included fitters and burners (X11), welders (X18), Non-Destructive Testing (O38), Nuclear Quality Inspection (O39), Metrology Solutions (O68), Nuclear Propulsion – Construction and Process Engineering (E86), Waterfront Support Services (X36), the Columbia-Class Program Office (K07), Columbia-Class Construction (X62) and representatives from Integrated Planning and Production Control. The qualifications required to do this specialized work led to the Columbia team reaching out to the Virginia-Class Submarine Program for experienced welders to keep the project on track. The programs collaborated to ensure shipbuilders with the right skill sets were available to keep the project on track despite several challenges. “My biggest takeaway is the collaboration between programs,” said Welding General
A team of shipbuilders overcame obstacles to ensure NNS’ first Columbia-class deliverable remained on schedule.
Foreman Dave Dunlap. “Where we were as a team and where we are now is a 180-degree turn.” O38 Manager Andy Morgan said what he witnessed during the project embodied what “quality” looks like. “Quality looks like commitment. Commitment to the O38 team. Commitment to the product. Commitment to the shipyard and, ultimately, commitment to the customer. Quality looks like leadership. Having the leadership it takes to set the standard, even when the pressure is highest. Having the leadership to understand the ‘we’ is bigger than the ‘me,’ and then taking the action necessary to ensure the job is done correctly so that the team can meet its commitment,” he said. “Quality looks like integrity. The integrity to do the right thing to ensure that what we’re inspecting meets the standard. Why? Because lives depend on it.” Washington, D.C., or online. Thomasina Wright, program director for USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), received a Career Achievement award. The award recognizes her significant achievements and her performance as a role model and mentor.
Pictured from left are Randie Dyess, Cainesha Holloway, Eric Scott, Alonzo Smith and Thomasina Wright.
Shipbuilders Honored During National Conference Five Newport News Shipbuilding employees were recognized for achievements in the science, technology, engineering and math fields during the 36th annual Black Engineer of the Year
Award STEM Global Competitiveness Conference last weekend. A “digital twin” experience allowed participants to attend in person in
Randie Dyess, an engineering technician; Cainesha Holloway, a nuclear engineer; Eric Scott, an engineering manager; and Alonzo Smith, a manager of process improvement, earned Modern-Day Technology Leader awards. These awards recognize those who are shaping the future of science, technology, engineering and math.
Ethics Awards Announced The following shipbuilders were recently honored with Level Two On-the-Spot Ethics awards: Jim Bean (X23), David Diggins (O96), Akavia Lee (X36), Eric Barnes (X36), Sarah Lemley (O19) and David Wright (X33). To nominate a fellow employee, submit form C-941 to the Ethics Office, Dept. O18.
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AROUND THE YARD Shipbuilders Selected as Outstanding Apprentices Four shipbuilders from The Apprentice School were selected by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry as Outstanding Apprentices of the Year for 2021. The fourth annual conference was held virtually this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The honor recognizes apprentices who have excelled in their respective programs in the areas of accuracy and efficiency; cooperation with supervisors and journeymen; initiative; leadership; decision-making ability; and outstanding accomplishments. The four NNS apprentices selected for this year’s award are: •
Davis Ivey II, metrology technician
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Precious Brown, sheet metal worker
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Joseph Evans III, machinist
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Taelor Bierhuizen, maintenance electrician
The apprentices were honored during a virtual ceremony on Jan. 31.
HII, NNS Announce Leadership Changes Bill Ermatinger, executive vice president and chief human resources officer of Huntington Ingalls Industries, is retiring April 1. Edmond Hughes, who has served for 16 years as vice president of Human Resources for Ingalls Shipbuilding, will assume corporate responsibilities as executive vice president and chief human resources officer for HII. Susan Jacobs, who has served as vice president for Human Resources and Administration at Newport News Shipbuilding since 2016, will take Hughes’ position at Ingalls. NNS will share more information with employees once Jacobs’ successor is selected.
Nominations Open for Model of Excellence Awards The Model of Excellence (MOE) Award is presented to any individual or team demonstrating extraordinary performance that supports Newport News Shipbuilding’s core values, operational strategy and direction, and business objectives that align with the NNSFORWARD Strategy.
ED&I Spotlight
For more information about the program, employees should contact their division representative or Heather Land (O29) at 688-8496.
It is a proven fact that employees who are engaged perform better and are more productive. So why do engaged employees have a higher likelihood of burnout if they are not thriving in life? Employee wellbeing. Check out the latest Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Spotlight to learn why well-being is important at NNS.
Check Out the Library Bulletin
Earn a PMP Certification
Any NNS employee may submit an MOE nomination. Nominations for this year’s program are due Friday, April 1 and should be submitted to division representatives using form NN 9134, available on the MOE website on MyNNS.
Newport News Shipbuilding’s on-site Technical Library serves as a resource for all employees. It houses books on myriad subjects, including employee engagement, quality and engineering/technical topics. Check the latest Library Bulletin on MyNNS for a list of books and resources available for checkout. Visit the Technical Library on the first floor of Bldg. 903 or call 688-3134 to check out books or other resources.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Active cases: 8
NNS employees vaccinated: 78%
See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
Project Management Professional certification classes through the Project Management Institute are forming. Classroom instruction through Reed Integrations returns to NetCenter March 15 and ends April 14. Online instruction will continue. Find information on the the PMP Training and Ed Assist page on MyNNS or contact Project Management Shipbuilders Association (PMSA) Prep Course Lead Debra Brand via email. To get started, check the “Do I Qualify” button on the website. Scott Payne PMP exam prep courses are forming now. Classes are online Tuesdays and Thursdays from Feb. 22 through March 24, March 29 through April 28, and May 3 through June 2.
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DATEBOOK 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.
FEBRUARY 24
In observance of Black History Month, the African American Shipbuilders Association (AASA) presents a panel discussion focused on “Leveraging Diversity to Build a More Promising Future.” Panelists will include Beth Silsdorf, Eugene Saunders and Derek Jenkins. This will be a Zoom event and is open to all NNS employees. No charge will be provided. Register on MyNNS. For more information, contact William Bond via email.
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 9
The Project Management Shipbuilders Association (PMSA) will host a lunchtime presentation on “How to Apply Knowledge Management to Your Projects” with Sandy Valentine and Kelli James from 12 until 1 p.m. via WebEx. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on the PMSA website. For questions, contact Sandy Valentine or email PMSA@hii-nns.com. No charge is provided.
PMSA CONGRATULATES SHIPBUILDERS
The Project Management Shipbuilders Association (PMSA) congratulates the following shipbuilders and PMSA members on becoming newly certified Project Management Institute (PMI) project management professionals (PMP): Todd Wiatt, Robert Claggett, Rodney Gilchrist Jr. and Shameka Warren. After many hours of reading, studying and taking practice exams, these shipbuilders successfully passed the PMP exam.
MARCH 9
Join Engineering & Design (E&D) and Jamar Skyles from Toastmasters from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on “Improving Your Public Speaking.” An estimated 73% of the U.S. population feels some anxiety with public speaking. Are you one of them? If so, don’t worry. Register for this VLS to learn how to speak with confidence. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For more information, email E&D Connections.
MARCH 16
Join Engineering & Design (E&D) and Christina Hayden (K51) from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on “Mastering Your Meetings.” If done well, meetings provide an opportunity for team members to contribute their ideas, collaborate and solve problems. Unfortunately, not all meetings are effective. Most of us have attended or even led an ineffective meeting. Register for this session to learn skills that will aid in meeting mastery. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For more information, email E&D Connections.
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.
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.
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. CNC Machinist 14827, 10031 M53 (Trainee, Experienced) CNC Machinist 12506 X42 Experienced Pipe Shop Cost Engineer 3 14775 O19 Engineer Mechanical 1 17343 K21 Pipefitter (Trainee, 12706, 12724 X42 Entry-level & Experienced) 12725 Welder 15885, 15904, X18 15884, 15750
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Employee Referral Cash Bonus Eligible
Remote Work Considered No
Eligible
No
Not Eligible Not Eligible Eligible
Yes Yes 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.
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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