March 7, 2022

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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

Photo by Ashley Cowan

NNS Completes Ford Work Newport News Shipbuilding recently completed the first planned incremental availability (PIA) for USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

“It is truly an honor and a privilege for our shipbuilding team to ready this most technologically advanced aircraft carrier for the Navy fleet,” said Lucas Hicks, vice president of USS Gerald R. Ford and John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) aircraft carrier programs. “We look forward to folding what we learned into the entire Gerald R. Ford class, extending the Navy’s power projection

advantage around the globe.”

The PIA involved six months of modernization and maintenance work to ensure CVN 78 has the most current upgrades prior to the carrier’s maiden deployment. The ship entered the PIA in September 2021 after completing full-ship shock trials and a successful post-delivery test and trials period.

Watch a time-lapse video of Ford’s departure on MyNNS.

Donation Will Help Children Rest Easier Dozens of children across the region will soon rest easier thanks to a donation from Newport News Shipbuilding to the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace. The organization consists of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering bunk beds to children who do not have a bed of their own.

“It is a great feeling when you can help those in the community and especially for what Sleep in Heavenly Peace can do for kids in need,” said O53 Manager Larry Trevathan. “Charitable donations, no

matter how large or how small, have a huge impact on the lives of those in need.”

NNS donated 52 bunk mattresses originally intended for a Virginia-class submarine.

They were the incorrect size and deemed unusable for the VCS program. Instead of scrapping the mattresses, the O53 team contacted NNS’ Corporate Citizenship and Government Relations Office and were connected with Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Volunteers picked up the mattresses from an NNS warehouse in Hampton last month.

“To see the look on the Sleep in Heavenly

Peace team’s faces when we started to load mattress onto their truck was a great feeling,” said O53 Supervisor Mike Sprouse. “And to know a kid wouldn’t have to sleep on a floor was just overwhelming.”

Apprentice School Men’s Basketball Team in Championship Hunt The Apprentice School men’s basketball team fell short in a quest to defend its 2019-2020 Eastern Metro Athletic Conference (EMAC) Conference Tournament crown in February, but the season isn’t over. The team takes the court today in the first round of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Small College National Championship. The No. 6 seed Builders are taking on Bryant & Stratton – Buffalo.

This comes after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of last season. “Anytime you get selected and have an opportunity to win a national championship, it’s huge. It means a lot for our school, our community, and we’re positively representing Newport News Shipbuilding,” said head coach Evan Kee. See results and follow the team’s progress at GoBuilders.com.

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Shipbuilders Honored for Work on Critical Weld A team of Newport News Shipbuilding welders was recently honored for quality work on a critical weld for Virginia-class submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798).

Leaders from the Virginia-Class Submarine Program and the Trades Division – including Xavier Beale, vice president of Trades – gathered in February to recognize the shipbuilders who worked on the Main Omega Seal weld – described as one of the most critical welds performed at NNS. “They executed that weld from start to finish with zero quality issues,” said Lead General Foreman Vernon Eason. “Several of the welders volunteered to go to night shift and worked extended shifts so we could work it around the clock. It would have been easy for them to get distracted as the team experienced COVID impacts, but they stayed focused and got the job done.

I’m very proud of these guys.”

The team’s performance bodes well for Massachusetts and for NNS. “This kind of quality, while keeping the schedule on track, absolutely speaks volumes to our credibility with the Navy,” said VCS Program Director Rob Check.

Nick Wobser (X18), a welder who worked on the project, said being part of the Main Omega Seal weld team is “like an ultimate goal” for pipe welders.

Shipbuilders who completed a critical weld for Massachusetts (SSN 798) were honored for their quality work. Photo by Ashley Cowan

“It’s like the highest-profile job we work, so it’s kind of something you want to work yourself up to. It’s a nice goal to set for yourself to be on this crew and do this job,” he said.

“It’s stressful, but it’s rewarding when you finish.”

Like Wobser, Adam Holbrooks (X18) has worked on several Main Omega Seal weld teams. He was proud of the newer shipbuilders who were part of the Massachusetts team.

“The number of guys who have done it are limited now. You’re seeing your veterans retire or they’re not on it any longer. What we had this time around – and on the past few boats – is a lot of younger guys stepping up to perform,” he said. “It’s a huge commitment. It can be nerve-racking, but they kept their composure, and it’s awesome to see what they’ve done.”

Richard Sewalish (X18), another welder who worked on the project, said this type of performance is expected from the team. He credits good leadership, experience and shipbuilders who take pride in what they do.

“I’m an Army veteran. For me, it’s all about the capabilities of VCS submarines and what they do for a warfighter on ground,” he said. “No one appreciates a cruise missile coming in more than guys on the ground, and I used to be one of those guys on the ground.”

Oregon (SSN 793) Delivered to Navy

Tornado Drill Set for March 8

General Dynamics Electric Boat delivered Oregon (SSN 793) to the U.S. Navy on Feb. 26. Oregon, the 20th Virginia-class submarine, was built in partnership with Newport News Shipbuilding through a longstanding teaming agreement.

Newport News Shipbuilding is participating in Virginia’s annual statewide tornado drill Tuesday, March 8. At 9:45 a.m. and again at 6:45 p.m., NNS will sound the shipyard whistle for three 30-second blasts at 30-second intervals. Five minutes after the drill is initiated, the one-minute all-clear whistle will sound to conclude the drill.

Delivery of a Virginia-class submarine is the culmination of almost 10 million work hours by the shipbuilders under the exacting standards imposed by Naval Sea Systems Command and Naval Reactors under the direct oversight of the supervisors of shipbuilding at both company locations.

Employees are not required to take shelter during the drill, but they should recognize the tornado warning signal and know where they would move in the event of an actual tornado. See the Distribution A memo for more information.

Watch Focus NNS The latest edition of Focus NNS showcases successful sea trials for Virginia-class submarine Montana (SSN 794). It also celebrates Newport News Shipbuilding’s 136th anniversary, introduces the shipyard’s new high-performing computer that pays tribute to naval shipbuilding trailblazer Raye Montague, and takes viewers into the Foundry as The Mariners’ Museum and Park pays a visit to connect the past with the present with the artwork of Thomas Skinner.

Watch Focus NNS on MyNNS or on the NNS to Go app.

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AROUND THE YARD NOTICE: Enhanced Security at NNS The U.S. Marine Corps Security Force is arriving at Newport News Shipbuilding this month to assist the shipyard in providing enhanced security. This enhancement will focus on measures during the refueling and complex overhaul of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Shipbuilders should follow these guidelines when interacting with the Marines or NNS Security personnel in the performance of their duties.

You should: • Promptly follow all instructions from the Marines or NNS Security.

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Obey all Security signs posted on or around facilities protected by the Marines. Individuals who violate these secured areas are subject to being treated as an intruder and may be detained for further investigation. Violations may also result in disciplinary action, up to and

COVID -19 UPDATES

Newport News Shipbuilding has updated nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411 to reflect the latest COVID-19 policies. Please note the following: •

No masks are required on shuttles or buses as long as Hampton Roads remains in the low community level as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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NNS policies on travel and waiting period pay remain the same. For details, see the 411 site.

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Managers and foremen are not required to perform daily symptom checks, but it is the employee’s responsibility to inform their supervisor if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, and to never come to work when feeling ill.

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For work on commissioned ships, follow Navy guidance when on board.

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Active cases: 1 NNS employees vaccinated: 78% See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.

including discharge from the company.

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Report any security violations, suspicious activity or threats to NNS Security personnel, or call the Security Command Center at 380-4031.

You should not: • Attempt to converse with, touch, surprise or closely approach an armed Marine.

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Make offensive comments or joke about assets the Marines are protecting, or attempt to position yourself between Marine personnel and these assets.

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Loiter near assets protected by Marines or any Marine facility.

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Leave backpacks, packages, etc. unattended in the vicinity of the Marines or the assets they are protecting.

During drills or alerts: • Stay clear of Marine and NNS Security response forces and do not make any threatening gestures.

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Stand fast and follow the directions of the Marines and NNS Security personnel.

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Be safe and await instructions from: • NNS Security.

• Your immediate supervisor.

• Ship’s force (if shipboard or in dry dock).

The Marines will treat all personnel in a courteous but convincing manner.

Shipbuilders should report concerns about interactions with Marines to their immediate supervisor.

Enrollment Open for Engineering Systems and Industrial Engineering Certification Program Enrollment is open for the Engineering Systems and Industrial Engineering Certification Program, developed jointly between Newport News Shipbuilding and Old Dominion University (ODU). The next cohort will begin in September.

The program emphasizes effective application of training to the practical problems routinely faced by shipbuilders. NNS employees are invited to attend an informational session from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. March 31 via WebEx. During this session, ODU will also discuss opportunities associated with earning a master’s degree.

Each class is seven weeks long and meets from 4:45 to 7:15 p.m. one day per week.

Students will receive a certification for each class completed. Each class carries 2.1 continuing education units (CEUs) and 21 contact hours.

Upon completion of the program’s six classes, students will receive an Advanced Certification in Engineering Systems and Industrial Engineering from the Engineering Management and Systems Engineering (EMSE) Department at ODU. Students will also have the opportunity to pursue admission into an EMSE graduate program at ODU with nine elective credit hours toward a graduate degree in EMSE. For more information or to sign up for the information session, contact Rob Gies (E02) at 688-6446 or via email.

Shipbuilders can take advantage of the NNS Educational Assistance Program to cover the costs associated with this certification program.

Note: Completing the certification program does not automatically qualify a candidate for a systems engineering position at NNS. Applicants must still meet the requirements listed for that position.

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DATEBOOK 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.

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.

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.

ED&I Spotlight We have put a spotlight on employee well-being, why it is important and what it means for the last two weeks. This week, we highlight how we get to optimal wellbeing by investing in our natural talents and abilities – our strengths. Check out the latest ED&I Spotlight to learn how being a Strengths-based organization supports employee total well-being.

NOTICE: Drainage Improvement Project to Impact Hidens As a result of a Facilities project to improve surface drainage at Hidens, parking availability in area C will be limited starting Friday, March 18, and tentatively ending Friday, April 29. During construction, two traffic detour plans will be implemented in the area to maintain one-way traffic through the parking lot. See the Distribution A memo to view maps of the traffic detours and available parking spaces during construction.

If additional parking is needed for employees, Zone B parking is available at the Bldg. 902 and Bldg. 903 garages. NNS shuttles regularly transport employees from these garages to the 31st, 43rd, 46th and 50th street gates. For more information about the parking lot closure and traffic detour, contact Mark Alley (O41) at 757-282-8772.

SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept.

HII Mechanical 16972 N910 Cost Estimating Analyst 2 Nuclear Quality Inspector 2 13706 O39 Outside Machinist (Trainee, 18324, 18326, X43 Entry-level & Experienced) 18325 Refueler Experienced 18317 X43 Socio Economic Business 16538 O55 Liaison 2 Welder 17864, 17826, X18 17824, 17804

Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.

Employee Referral Cash Bonus Not Eligible

Remote Work Considered No

Not Eligible Eligible

No No

Eligible Not Eligible

No Yes

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.