March 14, 2022

3 l 14 l 2022

A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

Photo by Ashley Cowan

Apprentice School Graduates 170 Newport News Shipbuilding hosted commencement exercises Saturday, March 12, for 170 graduates of The Apprentice School’s Class of 2021. The ceremony was held at Liberty Live Church in Hampton.

NNS President Jennifer Boykin kicked off the event by addressing the graduates as the shipyard’s newest leaders.

“I want you to know how proud I am of each of you for everything that you’ve accomplished,” she said. “Today is just the next step toward your leadership role at Newport News Shipbuilding, and we and our country need you more than ever. As shipbuilders, we take on the truly unique honor of building vessels that protect our country and go into harm’s way.”

The commencement address was delivered by Karen Henneberger, program manager for New Ship Design at Naval Reactors, a joint Department of Energy and Department of Navy program. Like Boykin, she emphasized the Navy’s need for shipbuilders while also encouraging graduates to always prioritize safety and quality.

“The systems we build are complex and unforgiving,” Henneberger said. “Our ships go into harm’s way to defend our nation, and we depend on you to safely build ships that work every time as intended so that when our sailors need their might the most – they work – 24/7.”

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Virginia-class submarine Montana (SSN 794) is shown during sea trials last month. Photo by Ashley Cowan

NNS Delivers Montana Newport News Shipbuilding delivered Virginiaclass submarine Montana (SSN 794) to the U.S. Navy Saturday, March 12. More than 10,000 shipbuilders and suppliers from all 50 states came together to bring the fast-attack submarine to life.

Watch a video on MyNNS or on the NNS to Go app featuring NNS Shipbuilder Stanley Britt, Ship’s Sponsor Sally Jewell, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and others as they celebrate this milestone for the 21st Virginia-class submarine.

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3 | 14 | 2022 recently earned a Career Achievement Award at the Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) 2022 STEM Conference.

Her shipyard career has been marked by a thirst for education and a determination to face challenges head on. She came to NNS after graduating from high school, then graduated from The Apprentice School in less than three years, but she wasn’t finished with classwork.

“During my apprenticeship, I knew I wanted to continue my education and get my engineering degree,” she said.

Thomasina Wright has often been the first African American and first woman to hold key roles at Newport News Shipbuilding during her nearly 40-year career at the shipyard. Photo by Ashley Cowan

Trailblazing Career Earns National Recognition

She earned that degree in 1989. After a manager noticed Wright’s leadership abilities, she ended up supervising men old enough to be her father, “and in some cases, even my grandfather,” she recalled with a chuckle.

Some were skeptical. She recalled having to recite her resume and educational background to those who wondered if she belonged. But she turned that into a positive.

“With those challenges, it definitely made me work harder, to make sure that I proved myself that I belong in a position, not because I’m a minority female,” she said. “I have the technical background. I have the experience. I have the ability to perform the work.”

Thomasina Wright began working at Newport News Shipbuilding in 1983, aiming to apply her lifelong love of science and math to the complex task of building nuclear-powered Navy ships.

She’s done that, and much more.

Wright led more than 4,000 shipbuilders and managed a $3 billion budget in overhauling USS George Washington (CVN 73), and is currently overseeing the refueling and complex overhaul for USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

Wright is the first Black female program director at NNS, and over the years was often the first African American and first woman to hold key roles as she rose through the ranks.

She became interested in the business side of shipbuilding, and later received an MBA from the College of William & Mary. Now she finds herself mentoring others who are climbing the company ladder.

“Being the first female in a lot of these positions, it puts that role-model stress on me, to make sure that I do excel, not for my personal satisfaction but for the folks behind me,” she said. “That stress is bigger than running a $3 billion program.”

Her trailblazing career has now garnered national recognition: Wright

Apprentice School Graduates 170 CONTINUED FROM PG 1

In Apprentice School tradition, Chris Rose – the apprentice receiving the Homer L. Ferguson Award, which recognizes the graduate with the highest honors – also addressed graduates.

“Always watch your step, plan where you are going, and put the journey before the destination,” Rose said. “No matter what you’re doing, the most important step is the next one. Once you know what you need to do, it’s just a matter of logistics,” he said.

Also participating in the ceremony were Latitia McCane, director of Education at The Apprentice School; Xavier Beale, vice president of Trades; and Antuan Barnes, a senior reproduction clerk, who sang the national anthem.

Replay coverage of the ceremony is available at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/graduation.

Homer L. Ferguson Award recipient Chris Rose addresses fellow Apprentice School graduates. Photo by Ashley Cowan

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AROUND THE YARD USW-Represented Employees to Receive Essential Personnel Bonus Members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 8888 recently voted to ratify a new 60-month labor contract.

In accordance with the newly ratified agreement, USW-represented Newport News Shipbuilding employees who are fully vaccinated – not including booster shots – will receive a $2,000 essential personnel appreciation bonus, and unvaccinated employees will receive a $1,500 essential personnel appreciation bonus. The bonuses will be issued March 18.

Employees who currently are unvaccinated have additional time to become fully vaccinated and report their vaccine status to receive the additional $500 bonus. Employees must provide proof of vaccination by submitting a COVID-19 vaccination card, an immunization record from a pharmacy/health care facility, an employee medical record or another official document that lists vaccination date, where administered and vaccine type to NNSVaxCard@hii-nns.com. The email should include the employee’s name and PERNR. The reporting process must be completed by April 22 to receive the additional $500 bonus, which will be issued May 6.

Employees should contact their supervisor or Labor Relations representative for questions regarding the bonus.

REMINDER: 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 all instruction from Marines and NNS Security.

Additional guidelines for shipbuilders are listed in the March 7 edition of Currents when interacting with the Marines or NNS Security personnel in the performance of their duties.

COVID-19 Updates

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19

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

See case details at

nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.

Hundreds Attend Trades Hiring Event Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition hosted a trades hiring event Saturday, Feb. 19, at NetCenter. This was the first open-to-the-public hiring event since 2019. Hundreds of job seekers were in attendance with 225 job offers extended that day.

Did You Know?

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The current starting pay rate for entry-level trades is $21.26 per hour. No experience required.

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NNS is offering trade hiring incentives: • $1,000 sign-on bonus and $1,000 for relocation for high school seniors.

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No masks are required on shuttles or buses as long as Hampton Roads localities remain 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.

• $500 sign-on bonus and $1,500 for relocation for trainees.

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Managers and foremen are not required to perform daily symptom checks, but employees should inform their supervisor if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, and to never come to work when feeling ill.

• Up to $5,000 sign-on bonus and up to $2,500 for relocation for experienced candidates.

Active cases: 2 NNS employees vaccinated: 79%

Hundreds of job seekers attended a trades hiring event last month at Netcenter.

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Masks are no longer required on commissioned Navy ships.

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Employees who call the COVID Hotline at 1-844-243-8749 should be aware that the options have changed.

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COVID-19 vaccines are available at the HII Family Health Center for all employees, regardless of insurance status. Call 757-327-4200 to schedule an appointment.

• $500 sign-on bonus and $1,000 for relocation for entry-level candidates.

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NNS employees can earn a $1,000 cash bonus award for referring a trades candidate who is hired.

NNS employees are encouraged to share these opportunities. To apply for open positions, job seekers should visit buildyourcareer.com.

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3 | 14 | 2022

DATEBOOK 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

The Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) Program is hosting a learn at lunch WebEx event for potential candidates from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

The program is open to salaried individual contributors.

To sign up, visit the PEER Program website on MyNNS. For more information, contact Gary Figg at 688-4495.

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 23

The Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) Program is hosting a learn at lunch WebEx event for potential candidates from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

The program is open to salaried individual contributors.

To sign up, visit the PEER Program website on MyNNS. For more information, contact Gary Figg at 688-4495.

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 30

The Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) Program is hosting a learn at lunch WebEx event for potential candidates from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

The program is open to salaried individual contributors.

To sign up, visit the PEER Program website on MyNNS. For more information, contact Gary Figg at 688-4495.

MARCH 30

The L.E.A.R.N. Program and Generational Integration Focus Team (GIFT) will host a virtual after-work presentation with Ron Murray, vice president of Quality, from 4 to 5 p.m. via WebEx. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on MyNNS. No charge is provided. For questions, contact Christina Hayden (K51) at 534-1612 or email LEARN@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.

APRIL 6

The Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) Program is hosting a learn at lunch WebEx event for potential candidates from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

The program is open to salaried individual contributors.

To sign up, visit the PEER Program website on MyNNS. For more information, contact Gary Figg at 688-4495.

APRIL 6

The NNS Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Community of Practice (CoP) is holding a kickoff event from 3:45 until 4:45 p.m., sponsored by Julia Jones, vice president of Manufacturing and Industrial Manufacturing and Systems Engineering. This is an in-person event at the PCU building (Bldg. 4931). Shipbuilders in manufacturing, production or those with interest in this career field are welcome to attend. The event will introduce WiM and the CoP’s goals, and host a mixer to facilitate networking. To register and for more information, check out the NNS WiM website on MyNNS.

APRIL 7-9

The FIRST Robotics Chesapeake District Championship, sponsored by Newport News Shipbuilding, will be held at the Hampton Coliseum April 7-9. This event will bring 140 middle and high school robotics teams to our area.

SEEKnns is looking for volunteers for this event. Sign up to volunteer on NNS Gives. Shipbuilders can volunteer for one, two or all three days. Contact Lewis Fisher (X46) at 688-0111 or via email for more information about volunteering.

APRIL 13

The Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) Program is hosting a learn at lunch WebEx event for potential candidates from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

The program is open to salaried individual contributors.

To sign up, visit the PEER Program website on MyNNS. For more information, contact Gary Figg at 688-4495.

APRIL 20

The Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) Program is hosting a learn at lunch WebEx event for potential candidates from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

The program is open to salaried individual contributors.

To sign up, visit the PEER Program website on MyNNS. For more information, contact Gary Figg at 688-4495.

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 3 17200, 17199 E82 Engineer Material Process 3 18384 E33 Engineer Technician 4 15594 E18 Fitter (Entry-level & 18810, 18808, X11 Experienced) 18809 Manager Engineering 2 15906 E85 Outside Machinist (Trainee, 18324, 18326, X43 Entry-level & Experienced) 18325 Product Trainer 3 (X11) 14588 O26 Project Management Analyst 4 14724 O93 Quality Analyst 2 14724 O06 Refueler (Experienced) 18317 X43

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

Employee Referral Cash Bonus Eligible Eligible Not Eligible Eligible

Remote Work Considered Yes No Yes No

Not Eligible Eligible

No No

Not Eligible Not Eligible Not Eligible Eligible

No No No 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.

N E W P O R T N E W S S H I P B U I L D I N G C O N G R AT U L AT E S

CLASS OF 2021 Miguel Ivan Aguilera David Greggory Alexander Tyler Edward Allen Phillip William Appleby Jr. Phillip Peter Armstrong Rebecca Lynn Arnold Jeremiah Braxton Artis Angelo Marquis Autry Tra’shawn Marquis Bacon Stephen Brandon Balinski Marvin Jeffrey Barnes Jr. Patrick Allen Bederka Raven Alexis Belvin William Stanley Best Jr. Taelor Renay Bierhuizen Kwatayvous Jerome Blackwell Blake Sawyer Brasure Kristin Marie Brensinger Ashley Latoya Brown Kiana Ashley Brown Precious Ayuanna Brown Tatiana Isabella Burkhart William Austin Capps Chad Samuel Cashdollar Brandon Patrick Chilcote Sabre Moné Clegg Caden Tayler Clore Logan Alexander Coates Alma Marie Cochran Justin Lance Cole Stormy Love Coleman Zachery James Colley Tyler Jackson Collins Chelsea Michelle Cotton Ryan Matthew Cournoyer Ian Thomas Cowcer Steven Craig Davies John Alexander Dawson William Kristopher Deach Patrick Douglas Decker Nathaniel Tavis Dent Johnathon David deTiere Kenneth Bruce Diggs

Jonathan Caleb Edwards Cameron Joseph Eldridge Osman Faruk Erdogan Noah Preston Ethington Joseph Jefferies Evans III James Wilton Forrest Brian Jacob Fritzinger Darren Francis Fulton Hunter Alan Fusco David Anthony Gambino Erik Tiznado Garcia Matthew Paul Gardner Zachary Christopher Gardner Travis James Gault Joseph Austin Davis Goodman Hunter Redvers Goodrich William Ross Graham Mitchell Philip Grawey Michael Glenn Green Alejandra Grey Kari Michelle Grice Nestor Sael Guardado Bradley John Guilford Christopher Michael Guimond Phillip Edward Hall Cody Shay Hammonds De’Von Darnell Hancock Carl Lorin Hardee III Sasha Gabriel Sanders Harris Cole Leondrus Hawkins Dominique Hayes Sarah Faison Haynes Frederick Marques Hendrieth Jesse Romario Hepburn Christopher Scott Hickman Cedric Jeuvon Hines Sarah Michele Relph Howell Daniel Thomas Huber Colton Lee Hurley Davis Willard Ivey II Coleman Lee Jackson Kolin Charles Johnson Shiaira Olescia Jones

Blake Lewis Jordan Breanna Antionette Jordan Robert James Jordan Jr. Sean Daniel Keefe Ephony Tamerah King Billie Kay Kloc Joshua Matthew Lauthers Aaron Kain Lee Robert Joseph Locher John Patrick Lombard Taylor Michelle Lufholm Anthony Michael Luna Robert Lee Mayfield III Harrison James Maynard Hunter Evan McCollum Michael Anthony Meadows Grant Lee Melvin John Lee Miles Jr. Adam Taylor Miller Timothy Daniel Mills Matthew Thomas Monteith Marie Elise Murray Josiah Christopher Myer Rachel Norvell Nodurft Clayton Lee Noel III Charles Robert Norford Timothy John O’Donnell Andrew Criston Ollenberger Thomas Ortega Jasmine Hall Overbey Matthew Shawn Page Tommy Thai Pham Toby Jordan Poet William Thomas Pope Jr. Cameron Todd Powell Deborah Leigh Quintas Tavon Clyde Randall Alanna Helen Redmond Jordan Michael Ritz Henry Banner Robson Christopher Scott Rose Noah Reid Satchell Tyler James Schindel

Vandan Wayne Schmidt Zachary Richard Schwenke Charlotte Jane Seibel Rebekah Tereska Shelby Austin Lee Shrewsberry Nathaniel Lynnwood Shrewsberry Philip Lamar Silver Jacob Fredrick Smith Ryan Paul Smith Alexander Manaloto Soliza Jr. Daniel Christopher Stanley Tyler Allan Stewart Hunter Davis Stormer John Christopher Swartz Rachel Kelley Talbott Sarah Melvena Taylor Richard Joseph Tetlak III Ashley Nichelle Thompson Taliah Neshea Tillman Alex Virgil Torralba Nolan Matthew Toti Justin Aaron True Michael Theodore-Thomas Trussell Andrew Jeffery Tucker Sarah Ward VanLandingham Isaiah Kevin Washington Latrice Dickson Washington Peter Anthony Watson Kayla Marie Watts Sabrina Faye Werth Alexis Shauntae Wethington Crystal June White Jordan Edward Whitlock Nathaniel Lee Whitman Michael Kent Wilson Jr. Garrett James Withers Alec Michael Wonders Bryson Monroe Woody Quinton Levar Wrenn Rachel Lauren Wuska Brandon Ray Wynn

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