March 15, 2021 by Newport News Shipbuilding

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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

Photo by Matt Hildreth

Embracing Additive Manufacturing Newport News Shipbuilding’s Rubber Shop is taking a leap into the 21st century, using additive manufacturing – or 3D printing – to make shipbuilders’ jobs safer and more efficient.

used existing 3D printers at NNS and a specialized resin capable of withstanding the heat generated from injection molding to print a series of test molds to validate that this could work.

Shipbuilders in the shop have traditionally used metal molds for the injection molding process to create waterproof plug ends on cable assemblies. These metal molds are heavy, expensive and make it impossible to identify defects such as air bubbles or cable movement during the injection process.

“These molds proved the team could identify multiple defects at the time of injection molding,” said Industrial Engineer Anthony Ugoletti.

A few months ago, shipbuilders asked if there was a way to see what’s happening inside the molds during the injection process to help reduce rework and improve turnaround time. That’s when Industrial Engineering got involved and found that 3D printing is commonly used by injection molding manufactures. The team

With the support of Electrical, Sheet Metal, Hangar and Pad (ESHP) management, the shop purchased two 3D printers, which allowed shipbuilders to print the semitransparent molds in house. The 3D-printed molds are manufactured for about $100 each and take approximately 16 to 20 machine hours to produce. A metal mold can cost between $3,000 and $7,000 each. It can take six months to a year to secure funding and manufacture a metal mold. CONTINUED ON PG 2

COVID-19 Vaccinations Continue at NNS Between Feb. 5 and March 12, more than 3,000 vaccinations were administered at Newport News Shipbuilding’s COVID-19 vaccination site at the old Apprentice School gym (Bldg. 601), located off Marshall Avenue. Donta Sharpe (X82) oversees vaccination operations at the site. He said more than 300 individuals have been fully vaccinated by QuadMed medical staff, meaning they have received first and second shots.

NNS is receiving Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, which both require two doses. The company may receive the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the future.

last year. “I didn’t want to get it again,” he said. “I thought it was a good idea to get the shot. It helps protect your family and friends.”

“I chose to get the vaccination because I think it’s important for our safety and our health,” said Trina Garrett (E84). “Plus I miss being able to travel and see my friends and family safely.”

All NNS employees are now eligible to sign up for an on-site vaccination appointment via MyNNS. Shipbuilders may also call the COVID Hotline at 1-844-243-8749, option 6, to register. See the insert for more information.

Benjamin Hulvey (X43) had COVID-19

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3 | 15 | 2021 and thank her for her leadership and efforts to engage the team. “I had never seen someone reward their supervisor, so that moved me,” she said. “I never expected this. It’s priceless to me.” Pi leads a team that inspects weld joints for defects and cracks. Scott Humphrey (O38), who works on Pi’s crew, said the team decided to come together to honor their supervisor. “It’s common for supervisors to put praise on good employees and make them stand out, but you rarely see it going the other way. Nobody expects it,” he said. “But she puts in 120% every day. She’s always there, always trying to help us out. She goes way beyond her job description. She’ll come out on the deckplate and talk to and coach us. You can tell she cares, and her heart is always there.” Pi said she works to guide, encourage and recognize her crew. “I try to be their shield and provide everything they need to make sure they’re strong and knowledgeable,” she said. “We are the Quality Division, and what we do is really important. We are the last line of defense.”

Hee Joo “Jin” Pi holds a plaque presented by the crew she supervises. Photo by Ashley Cowan

Crew Honors Supervisor for Leadership When O38 Supervisor Hee Joo “Jin” Pi recently got a call from her manager asking her to meet him right away, she didn’t know what to expect. “I was nervous,” she said. Anxiety turned into shock when Pi arrived to find her crew waiting to present a plaque

At NNS for 11 years, Pi worked as an inspector for most of her shipbuilding career, and has been a supervisor for less than one year. The South Korea native never expected to be in a leadership role at the shipyard. “Someone saw potential in me to do more,” Pi said. Andy Morgan, Pi’s manager, was in full support of the crew’s recognition effort. He said the way Pi manages a large scope of work while implementing safety improvements and engaging and celebrating her crew is impressive. “They really have a dynamic that is unparalleled,” Morgan said. “Jin has had a lot of barriers and obstacles to overcome. She’s dealing with it, and she’s crushing it.” Pi’s advice to other leaders – or those who hope to be in leadership one day – is to value the team and try to make everyone excited to come to work. “I never give up on a person. People have a lot of potential, but you have to build trust,” she said. “I’m just doing what I like to do. I like to share my knowledge. I like to make people laugh and make them happy. If I do something to make them happy, it makes me want to do more. That’s what keeps me going.”

Embracing Additive Manufacturing CONTINUED FROM PG 1

The 3D-printed molds also are significantly lighter, an important improvement since a shipbuilder may have to carry several molds and their tools on to the ship. “This has been a great improvement, we’re constantly improving the mold designs with the feedback of the craftsmen, and we’re actually trying to scale it up. We can’t print every single mold the shop uses right now because some of them are too big for the printers we have,” Ugoletti said. There is already a funding request for additional printers to accommodate larger molds. Roderick Square, Tommy Norwood, Lewis Anderson and Corey Hill, who are using the new molds admit they were initially skeptical.

3D-printed molds with older metal molds in the Rubber Shop. Photo by Matt Hildreth

“I didn’t think it was going to work. I just didn’t see benefit of being able to see through while you were shooting the plug,” Anderson said. “When I actually used it, I could see the benefit.”

inside the molds is a huge improvement and is helping to improve the shop’s quality,” said Foreman Loveist Jacobs.

Hill agreed. “We’re still working the kinks out, but I think it’s going to be the wave of the future,” he said.

The Rubber Shop is using the 3D-printed molds for cable assemblies to support work on Los Angeles-class submarine USS Boise (SSN 764) and Virginia-class submarines.

“Now that we’re at this point, it’s almost a no-brainer. Giving the shipbuilders a way to see

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AROUND THE YARD Shipbuilders Recognized as Outstanding Apprentices Seven shipbuilders from The Apprentice School were selected by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry as Outstanding Apprentices of the Year for 2020. The third annual conference was held virtually this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The honor recognizes apprentices who have excelled in their respective programs in the areas of accuracy and efficiency; cooperation with supervisors and journeymen; initiative; leadership; decision-making ability; and outstanding accomplishments. The seven NNS apprentices selected for this year’s award are: • Ian Carrillo, heavy metal fabrication

• Molly Kranc, welder

• Mark Emorski, non-destructive tester

• Colton Messick, sheet metal worker

• Emily Hudgins, electrician

• Matthew Plogger, machinist

• Steven Hux, metrology technician A video of the virtual ceremony is available on the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s YouTube page.

Virtual Panel Discusses Inclusion and Celebrating Women Newport News Shipbuilding’s Engagement and Diversity & Inclusion offices hosted another virtual panel discussion as a part of the “Together Strong - Life Unites” Series on March 8. This month’s discussion focused on inclusion and celebrating women. The panel included Beth Silsdorf, Trades chief of staff; Jason Sutton, director of Structural Fabrication and Assembly; Cassandra Burks, manager of Non-nuclear Trades Training, Yesika Kain, Environmental Engineering manager; and Kathy Hansen, mechanical engineer who represented the Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) employee resource group. Watch the panel discussion on MyNNS. No charge is provided. Employees who watch the video must do so on their own time. Shipbuilders are invited to join the conversation on the second Monday of every month to learn and grow from each other’s experiences, embrace differences and create an impact together through awareness, education and action. Look for more information about April’s conversation in future editions of Currents.

March is Red Cross Month Newport News Shipbuilding employees can help commemorate American Red Cross Month in March by donating blood at an on-site drive. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries. One blood donation can save up to three lives. The Red Cross – which began collecting blood donations in 1940 – provides about 40% of the nation’s blood and blood components, all from volunteer donors. Since only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly, new donors are critical to keep up with demand. Blood drives are planned at NNS on Tuesday, March 30; Monday, April 5; and Wednesday, April 7. All three drives are from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and will be held in Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room). A time charge will be provided for employees who donate. The Red Cross also will test all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional health service. To schedule an appointment, contact Sunny Lee or Natasha Eck via email.

What is Your Team’s “One Thing?” All Newport News Shipbuilding teams should now have their 2021 action plans in place and be working to complete them. Like last year, the focus for 2021 is gaining trust and earning back confidence. The goal is to ensure all shipbuilders always know the “one thing” their team is working on to improve their business. This helps drive ownership, accountability, improved performance and pride in shipbuilders’ work. NNS is working toward a breakthrough goal that will place the company in the 75th percentile in terms of engagement by 2025. “It is important that each day we stay focused, stay committed and stay the course to fulfill our commitment to ourselves, the Navy and the world,” said Danyelle Saunders, manager of the Engagement Office. Watch a video on MyNNS to hear shipbuilders share their “one thing.” Do you know yours?

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported last week: 73 Total cases at NNS: 3,085 Total number of NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 2,357 See case details at

nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.

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DATEBOOK MARCH 16 & 18

Join Scale Back, a virtual program designed to help you build healthy habits and lose weight. Participants meet with BeWell for Life wellness coaches in weekly 30-minute group support classes to focus on movement, meals and motivation. Sessions begin Tuesdays at noon on March 16 or Thursdays at 5 p.m. on March 18. Space is limited so visit www.myquadmed.com/bewell to register for your preferred time.

MARCH 17

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 or email PEERProgram@hii-nns.com.

MARCH 18

Join the SHIPs Network employee resource group in partnership with the Virginia Living Museum for a Virtual Mother Nature Road Show: Animal Mythbusters from 4:30 until 5 p.m. Learn truth behind many myths about animals, and meet the stars of some of those myths. To participate, you must have the Zoom app on your personal device. Note: This is an after-work event, no charge information will be provided. You may not be on company property while attending this event. For more information, contact Lewis Fisher via email.

MARCH 19

Join the Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group for a virtual game night over Zoom at 5 p.m. To participate, you must have the Zoom app on your personal device. Note: This is an after work event, no charge information will be provided. You may not be on company property while attending this event. This event is open to all NNS employees. Register on MyNNS.

MARCH 23

Working from home? Get ergonomics tips from HII Family Health Center physical therapists to improve your home workstation. Register at www.myquadmed.com/bewell for the free webinar at noon.

MARCH 23

The L.E.A.R.N. Program and Shipbuilders Together Realizing Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality (STRIDE) will host an after-work presentation with Julia Jones, vice president of Manufacturing and Facilities, from 3:30 until 4:30 p.m. via WebEx. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on the L.E.A.R.N. website on MyNNS. No charge is provided. For questions, contact Tanika Vasquez (E08) at 688-7916, Chris Porro (E47) at 534-0332 or email LEARN@hii-nns.com.

MARCH 24

The Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group is hosting its first book club meeting from 5 until 6 p.m. Monthly book discussions will feature genres such as fiction, sci-fi, leadership and self-development books. The first book is “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek. Discussions will be held via Zoom on the last Wednesday of each month. Sign up on the HOLA website on MyNNS. For questions, contact Geena Quinones via email.

MARCH 24

Join Engineering and Design and guest speaker Margaret Williams from 12 until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on creating an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch (also known as an elevator speech) is a quick synopsis of your background and experience that is short enough to present during a brief elevator ride. An elevator pitch helps you to introduce yourself to connections in a compelling way. Attend the session to learn more about why you should create an elevator pitch. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. No charge is provided. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.

MARCH 31

In observance of Women’s History Month, join the Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) employee resource group, in partnership with Women in Business, for a panel discussion featuring Irin Hall, director of Reactor Servicing Engineering; Keisha Pexton, director of Trades Training director; Margaret Williams, manager of EEO and Diversity & Inclusion for HII; Sabrina Bailey, business area manager for the Technical Solutions division; and Julie Gresham, assistant general counsel and director of Compliance and Privacy for HII. This will be a WebEx event, and more information will be available soon. Note: This is an after-work event, no charge information will be provided. This event is open to all NNS employees.

ANNUAL TORNADO DRILL MARCH 16

Newport News Shipbuilding is participating in Virginia’s annual statewide tornado drill Tuesday, March 16. At 9:45 a.m. and again at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, NNS will sound the shipyard whistle for three 30-second blasts at 30-second intervals and activate the electronic Send Word Now notification for text and email messages. Five minutes after the drill is initiated, the one-minute all-clear whistle will be sounded to conclude the drill. Shipbuilders are not required to actually 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.

SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS

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

NNS SAFETY REPORT

Compared to figures from February 2020

Job Title

Req Number

Dept.

Location

Year-to-Date Injuries

Patternmaker Production Controller 3 Engineer Quality 3 Engineer 3 Ship Safety Watch Refueler Engineer Quality 2

2493 5185 3694 4172 5187 5188 1623

M71 K46 O05 O05 X43 X43 O96

Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Ballston Spa, NY

268 (up 58%)

Employees are encouraged to use MyHR or the “Current HII Employees Job Search” button at www.buildyourcareer.com to apply. The company continues to offer cash bonus awards for referrals to select positions, visit www.huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refer-a-friend for more information.

Year-to-Date Injuries with Days Away, Restricted or Transferred

172 (up 19%) Safety Task Team Inspection Closure Rate

86% (8% above goal)

March 15, 2021 Dear Shipbuilders, We have received an overwhelming response to our vaccination program so far, and last week, we vaccinated more than 2,300 shipbuilders. We have received an increased supply of the vaccine that is expected to continue in the coming weeks. With that in mind, the vaccination process is being opened to all shipbuilders, with the exception of leased employees who will be phased into the process at a later date. Subcontractors and shipbuilders out on short-term or long-term disability are not eligible for the vaccination program. A new registration process is now available that allows shipbuilders to sign up for a vaccine on MyNNS. Shipbuilders may choose a date and time that works best for them for their first dose. Appointments for vaccines requiring a second dose will be scheduled during the first-dose appointment. All employees who have not already received a meeting notice to be vaccinated should register and schedule an appointment. Supervisors will be responsible for registering employees without company email access. Shipbuilders may also call the COVID Hotline at 1-844-243-8749, option 6, to register. It’s imperative that employees show up for their appointments on time. Appointments are available for all three shifts. Hours of operation may be adjusted depending on vaccine availability. NNS is receiving the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, and we may also receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Due to limited availability, shipbuilders will not be able to choose between the three available vaccine brands. All three vaccines are authorized and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thank you for your efforts to help us stop the spread of COVID-19. Your patience and flexibility is appreciated as we work to get everyone vaccinated as quickly and safely as possible. Sincerely, The COVID-19 Crisis Action Group