2 l 28 l 2022
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.