2 | 27 | 2017
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Delivering Freedom The Virginia-Class Submarine Program held “Delivering Freedom” town halls at various locations throughout the yard Feb. 21-22. Matt Needy, vice president of Virginia-Class Submarine Program and Fleet Support, led the events to congratulate shipbuilders for recent accomplishments in safety, quality, cost, schedule, but also to motivate shipbuilders to continue to find new ways to improve. In his remarks, Needy emphasized the importance of teamwork. “In order to deliver a ship as... CONTINUED ON PG 3
The Apprentice School Graduates 184 Apprentices On Saturday, Feb. 25, The Apprentice School held commencement exercises for 184 graduates. The ceremony was held at Liberty Baptist Church in Hampton. Rear Adm. Mat Winter, the U.S. Navy’s deputy program executive officer for the F-35 Lightning II, delivered the commencement address. "Congratulate yourself and congratulate and thank those that have helped you get to where you are today and continue to move forward to be a better person, to strive for that next level. Lead from the front and make a difference,” he told the class. Eighty-eight apprentices completed an optional, advanced program, which includes coursework in subjects such as marine design, production planning, modeling and simulation, and marine engineering – culminating with an associate's or bachelor’s degree. Seventy-nine apprentices earned honors, which combines academic and craft grades to determine overall performance. Fifteen graduates completed the program
Evan George Danz, 2016 Homer L. Ferguson Award recipient, gives remarks during graduation exercises. Photo by John Whalen
with a perfect 4.0 grade point average in the required academic curriculum. Nineteen graduates were recognized as Gold Athletic Award recipients for outstanding achievement in four... CONTINUED ON PG 3
President Trump to Visit the Shipyard this Week The White House has confirmed that President Trump will visit the shipyard on Thursday and make remarks aboard the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), located at Pier 3. Newport News Shipbuilding will have approximately 2,000 tickets available to distribute across all shipyard divisions. Additional information will be provided as details are finalized.