3 l 6 l 2017
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
President Trump Visits NNS President Donald Trump visited Newport News Shipbuilding March 2 to give remarks centered around his plans for a major build of the nation's military. The trip came two days after his speech to congress, where he proposed a boost in defense spending of $54 billion. When the President arrived at NNS, he held a round-table discussion with shipyard leadership, Navy officials, shipbuilders and sailors and was given a tour of aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
Prior to his remarks, shipbuilders presented the President with a steel paperweight with a raised "45" machined into it. The backside of the weight was engraved with the following words: "Aircraft carrier steel to commemorate President Donald J. Trump on board USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) March 2, 2017." Shipbuilder Juanita Bivens (O82) led the pledge of allegiance and the CVN 78 Choir sang the national anthem.
Ship Sponsor and former first daughter Susan Ford Bales introduced President Trump to a crowd of 4,000 guests. As President Trump took the stage, he said, "The soon-to-be commissioned Gerald R. Ford USS -- what a place. Congratulations to all of the men and women who helped build it. This is American craftsmanship at its biggest, at its best, at its finest. American workers are the greatest anywhere in the world..." CONTINUED ON PG 2
Onsite Prescription Safety Glasses Program Coming to NNS Newport News Shipbuilding's Health and Safety Department has arranged an opportunity for employees to purchase prescription safety glasses onsite. Beginning March 15, 2017, NNS will grant onsite access to Walman Optical, a provider of prescription safety glasses, at various locations across the yard to provide convenient access to personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees. All prescription safety glasses styles available from Walman Optical have been approved for use at NNS. View a flier about the program or read the EH&S "Take 5" for times and locations. More information about the program will be available in future editions of Currents. For questions, contact Brittany Dorsey (O27) 688-6077.