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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Full Steam Ahead Newport News Shipbuilding continues to make progress on the refueling and complex overhaul of USS George Washington (CVN 73). This photo shows steam testing on one of CVN 73’s catapults, which are used to launch aircraft on the ship’s flight deck. Photo by Ashley Cowan
NNS Ends Mask Mandate In response to updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Newport News Shipbuilding is relaxing polices regarding masks, meetings and social gatherings, effective March 1.
meeting location’s capacity guidelines are followed. Attendees and presenters do not need to wear masks or social distance. Gatherings such as employee resource group, retirement and team recognition events can now be held indoors. Food and drink can also be shared.
Under the updated policy, employees are no longer required to wear masks on NNS property, including indoor and outdoor settings. This applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Although the transmission rate in Hampton Roads is now categorized as low, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) still requires NNS to track and report all COVID-19 cases. To monitor cases, COVID-19 testing will continue at the NNS Testing Center (Old Apprentice School Gym, Bldg. 601) and employees must still call the COVID Hotline at 1-844-243-8749 if they have COVID-19 symptoms, come in close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual, or test positive for the virus.
Per Navy regulations, masks are still required on commissioned Navy ships. Masks also are still required in the clinic. Although masks are no longer required in most situations, employees can choose to wear them based on their individual comfort level. The policy also allows for in-person meetings, as long as the
NNS Announces Organizational Changes Newport News Shipbuilding is combining its Human Resources and Trades divisions. NNS President Jennifer Boykin announced the move in a message to employees Monday, Feb. 28. “As part of our transition plan, and because our 2022 priorities include hiring and retention, continuous learning and development, and training, we have an opportunity to better align and centralize the ‘people organizations’ of our business,” she wrote.
Xavier Beale, who has served as vice president of Trades since 2018, has been named vice president of Human Resources and Trades. Dave Horne has been promoted to senior director of Trades, reporting to Beale. Susan Jacobs, who currently serves as vice president of Human Resources and Administration, is returning to Ingalls Shipbuilding to serve as vice president of Human Resources, effective April 1.
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Navy Names CVN 81 Ship’s Sponsors Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced Feb. 25 that Charlene Austin and Taya Miller will serve as ship’s sponsors for Doris Miller (CVN 81), which is currently under construction at Newport News Shipbuilding. Austin, wife of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, has an extensive history of supporting initiatives for military families. Miller is the great-niece of World War II hero Doris Miller and was selected by the family to represent them. As ship’s sponsors, Austin and Miller will share a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.
Pictured from left are U.S. Reps. Elaine Luria, Donald McEachin and Rob Wittman; NNS President Jennifer Boykin; Sen. Tim Kaine; and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott.
Other members of the Miller family – Lakisha Bledsoe-Stansberry, Carra Miller Boykins, Tina Shedd and Selena James – are matrons of honor for CVN 81.
March 4 is National Employee Appreciation Day
Miller – the fourth Ford-class ship – is the first aircraft carrier ever named for an African American and the first named in honor of a sailor for actions while serving in the enlisted ranks. The keel is scheduled to be laid in 2026, and delivery to the Navy is expected in 2032.
Celebrating Women’s History Month As Newport News Shipbuilding celebrates Women’s History Month in March, take time to recognize the great achievements and innovations of women throughout our nation’s history and their significant impact on the success of NNS. The 2022 Women’s History theme is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” Visit womenshistorymonth.gov and at the HII Diversity and Inclusion website (huntingtoningalls.com/employees/diversity) to learn more.
Congressional Representatives Visit NNS Five members of Virginia’s congressional delegation visited Newport News Shipbuilding last week and toured the facility. Sen. Tim Kaine and U.S. Reps. Rob Wittman, Elaine Luria, Bobby Scott and Donald McEachin spent time with shipbuilders learning about Integrated Digital Shipbuilding and had a firsthand look at submarine and aircraft carrier work underway at the shipyard.
Friday, March 4, is National Employee Appreciation Day. The Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Office encourages shipbuilders to use this time to consider ways to appreciate each other – not just on the first Friday in March, but every day. Employee appreciation is a catalyst to build trust and accountability. It translates into meeting basic needs of each employee on an individual and team level, acknowledging the impact of collective efforts when strengths are used to demonstrate core values and reach the company’s goals, mission and purpose. Take time to appreciate those who: •
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Made you laugh or brightened your day.
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Listened for understanding and offered support.
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Solved a problem.
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Offered perspective and helped you or your team think outside of the box.
The ultimate goal is to spark the creation and sustainability of a culture of continuous recognition – one where employees feel valued and appreciated and are excited to show up to work every day and be a part of something larger than themselves. It takes each of us united through our differences impacting through awareness, education and action.
Helped you complete a project or job.
2022 MyHR Mentoring Modules The Mentoring Program is launching the 2022 MyHR Mentoring modules. Sign-ups for the salaried individual contributor module will open in March. This is an excellent opportunity to seek guidance and partner with an experienced shipbuilder. The enrollment timeline for salaried individual contributor module is March 13-27 for mentors and March 28-April 10 for mentees.
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AROUND THE YARD PEER Program Pivots Since the Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) program’s first cohort, capstone presentations have been the final deliverable for the team’s two-year experience. Capstone presentations summarize each cohort’s growth, development and work contributions. The PEER program traces its roots to 2013, when Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin – who was then vice president of Engineering & Design – launched the Engineering & Design Rotation Program to accelerate development of engineers and designers. In 2017, the program was expanded companywide and rebranded as the Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) program.
PEER Cohort 12
Until 2020, white papers, live presentations and executive reviews were the traditional methods for capstone presentations. In December 2020, Cohort 12 delivered the first all-video presentation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cohort’s close bond allowed participants to exceed their original project scope. Not only did they summarize their two-year body of work, they also had the courage to address the timely topic of social awareness in the workplace. The vulnerability to share personal stories with one another served as an inspiring example of engagement, diversity and inclusion. In December 2021, Danyelle Saunders of the Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Office invited the PEER program to participate in their last monthly “Together Strong Life Unites” panel discussion series. The session focused on the “Art of Becoming.”
The panel included Cohort 7 graduate Joshua Buchanan (X51), and Gary Figg, PEER program manager, was the guest moderator. The audience was introduced to the Cohort 12 capstone video before the panelists shared experiences and words of wisdom for growth and development. Watch Cohort 12’s capstone video on MyNNS. No charge is provided. For more information about the PEER program, which is open to all full-time, salaried individual contributors at NNS, contact Gary Figg via email. Watch the December 2021 ED&I Together Strong Life Unites panel discussion on MyNNS. No charge is provided. Contact Danyelle Saunders or Cassandra Bonner via email for more information about ED&I initiatives.
NOTICE: Outstanding Time Certifications In an effort to reduce the number of outstanding time certifications across the company, Labor Compliance (O73) has implemented a new policy requiring any employee with 50 or more outstanding time certifications to participate in a mandatory labor floor check audit. In addition, the employee’s supervisor also will be required to participate in a labor floor check audit. Time certifications are generated when someone other than the employee enters or changes the employee’s time. When this
occurs, employees must certify whether or not the modifications made to their time are accurate. Employees can address their time certifications through MyTime or time clocks at any time during their shift. Furthermore, per the Newport News Shipbuilding time charging policy – SSO No. 10-403 – employees are required to accurately enter their own time on a daily basis. Employees are expected to comply with this policy, which will also reduce the number of time certifications generated throughout the company.
ED&I Spotlight As we continue to navigate life in a global pandemic, it takes a toll on many aspects. In a recent Gallup study, career, community, financial, physical and social elements of well-being are common threads that people need to thrive. Check out the latest Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Spotlight to learn more about the common elements of well-being.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Active cases: 5
NNS employees vaccinated: 78%
See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
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DATEBOOK MARCH 1
FitNNS welcomes guest speaker Michelle Pope from 12 until 12:30 p.m. for a Lunch & Learn about the Five Elements of Employee Wellbeing. Contact Cailee Helmick for questions. Register on MyNNS.
MARCH 8
The FitNNS Book Club is reading “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman and discussing it over Zoom at 6:30 p.m. This novel has recently been adapted into a series on Netflix. Register on MyNNS.
MARCH 9
ASIAN x SASE Pro Webinar: Unlocking Asian Leadership Potential. The speaker will share four common factors limiting advancement for Asians and include an examination into the cultural differences that drive those factors. Additionally, we will discuss a path forward for Asians to develop the cultural agility needed to achieve greater professional success, including how SASE Pro is approaching this challenge. This discussion is from 4 until 5 p.m. via Zoom and is open to all NNS employees. No charge will be provided. Register on MyNNS. For more information, email ASIAN_ERG@hii-nns.com.
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.
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 14
Join us for our first HII courageous conversation event under the theme “Today’s Decisions Set the Stage for Tomorrow’s Realities.” The STRIDE employee resource group and the Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion offices will host a discussion on “Intersectionality: Building Inclusion Together.” Participants will explore an approach that teaches not to focus on or stop at a single dimension such as gender, race, ethnicity, etc. It rather considers to what extent the overlapping of this combination produces systems of oppression and discrimination at various levels. Panelists will include Julia Jones, vice president of Manufacturing and Facilities; Michael Weems (Ingalls Shipbuilding); Amanda Riley-Gross (O18), Miranda Williams (Technical Solutions division) and Robert Brauchle (HII Corporate). This discussion will be a Zoom event and is open to all HII employees. No charge will be provided. Register on MyNNS. For more information, email DiversityAndInclusion@hii-nns.com.
MARCH 15
The Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) will host a Salute to Women in Trades virtual event from 12 until 12:30 p.m. Panelists will include Gary Fuller, vice president of Fleet Support; Xavier Beale, vice president of Trades; and Cassandra Burks, manager of Training. This event is for shipbuilders to gather to discuss the success stories and struggles of being a woman in the skilled trades. This WebEx event is open to all NNS employees. No charge will be provided. Register on MyNNS. For more information, email VERG@hii-nns.com.
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 24
Join Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for its annual Women’s History Month event. This year’s theme is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” Speakers include Mary Cullen, vice president of Nuclear Propulsion; Amy Iveson, corporate benefits manager; and Kelsey M. Lai, engineer. This WebEx event is open to all employees. No charge will be provided. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For more information, contact Kathy Hansen (E35) or email Wisehamptonroads@hii-nns.com.
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 Veterans 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.
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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.
SLOGAN CONTEST
Do you have an idea for a slogan on Virginia- and Columbia-class submarine banners in the Joint Manufacturing and Assembly Facility (JMAF)? The team is seeking a slogan to show the importance of the APCO fixtures in the facility. Think about what this technology does for the future of shipbuilding. Send ideas to Crystal Billman via email by March 21.
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. Engineer Systems 3 14376 X51 Fitter (Entry-level & 17905, 17906, X11 Experienced) 17907 Pipefitter (Trainee, Entry level & 17771, 17784, X42 Experienced) 17785 Welder 17864, 17826, X18 17824, 17804
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Employee Referral Cash Bonus Eligible Eligible
Remote Work Considered Yes 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.
LONG SERVICE
Master Shipbuilders with 40 years of dedicated service JANUARY • 2022
Michael Clements Chris Gibson James Gross Eric Jordan Sr. Joseph Kramer
Kevin Lafountain Darrell Lakin David Messina Jerry Newcomb Tony Penza
Valerie Ward
50 YEARS Roosevelt Spence X42 45 YEARS Frank Barr X47 Gary Bates X32 Tommy Benton O43 Phillip Church X18 John Clifton X11 Curtis Debraux X18 Elvis Dildy X11 Paul Holland X18 David Martin O43 Donald Mclain X42 William Oss E82 David Schmidt O46 Weldon Warren Sr. O53
40 YEARS Michael Clements X43 Chris Gibson X44 Ralph Gibson Jr. X47 James Gross O31 Eric Jordan E83 Joseph Kramer E37 Kevin Lafountain E02 Darrell Lakin E83 David Messina E82 Jerry Newcomb T52 Tony Penza E12 Valerie Ward E25 35 YEARS Michael Clark E51 Christopher Howell X01
30 YEARS Brian Brenton T56 David Ellis E56 25 YEARS James Brady K46 James Carter E83 Jack Daszkowski X84 Jerry Dingus E82 Robert Drew X47 Robby Evans X84 Edward Flowers E03 Demondell Hewlin E27 Travis Hutcherson O43 Timothy Jones O19 John Kearse E27 David Lockett E64 Victor Morrow K47
John Schiavone O38 Matthew Weaver K45 20 YEARS George Allshouse III E56 Karen Anthony X33 Thomas Apostolico E84 Melvin Bradshaw Jr. E82 Britta Brown O30 Jamie Brown X33 Jamul Brown X11 Alexander Bussell E12 Edeliza Carter E82 Quentin Cavanaugh X11 Levi Christopher III E56 Patricia Cook O53 Deric Cooke X18 Douglas Cree X44
Pamela Delar O05 Cleon Disnew Jr. O43 Christopher Dove T54 Michael Earnest E27 Morgan Gargaro E33 Travis Harper X36 Derwin Howard X36 Timothy Jacobs X18 David Jenkins O52 Damon Kindred X18 Raymond Lichniak O58 Jeffrey Maffett X82 Michael Marchal X11 John Masi E70 James Mcdowell Jr. X33 Terri Mills T56 Thomas O’Bryan E64 Larry Parham X36
Michelle Pope E08 Stephen Poplin O53 Jill Sanders T54 Logan Shelman O27 Lawrence Slaughter II K47 Brettlan Stateman O43 Chantrabuth Sun E70 Valarie Thomas E82 James Tierney O69 Marianne Tully O53 Derrin Warren E83 Anthony Williams Sr. X11 Richard Wilmoth E70 Anthony Wilson X18 Nathaniel Windsor E81 Yakong Wong O55 Jason Wood E49
Hosea Salaam O64 James Sawyer E85 Barry Seltzer X70 Debra Trueman E22 Alfred Vega E83 Robbin Vines X36 Timothy Webb X43 Herman Whaley X43
William White E12 Earl Wiese K47 Brian Wilkins X36 Ann Willis O69
RETIREMENTS Donald Basnight X31 Michael Blair E44 Earl Brewer O58 Stephanie Brooks X31 Janice Carlton E81 Gregory Connor X11 Jerome Cook X33 Dennis Dancy E92
Cecil Eley X42 Robert Elliot X31 George Foreman X33 Alan Fry E86 Ronnie Gibbs K45 Mark Goodwin E37 John Gular E92 Michael Hobson X47
Milton Jones X11 Charles Joyce X47 Anthony Kiemer X74 Rory Kraus E10 Thomas Lambert X44 Samuel Mason X11 Michael Mcdonald X44 Paul Mcfall O31
Keith Miller O41 Christine Miller X42 Steven Oyer M21 Larry Parks X10 Roger Peckham X44 Richard Plachta E21 Dennis Porter X36 David Redd X43