March 21, 2022

3 l 21 l 2022

A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

Photo by Ashley Cowan

Shipbuilders Remove Stennis Rudders Newport News Shipbuilding recently removed the 48-ton rudders from USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as part of the aircraft carrier’s mid-life refueling and complex overhaul. This photo shows shipbuilders removing the port side rudder.

The rudders, which are used to steer the ship, were removed so shipbuilders can perform structural and mechanical repairs. While that work is taking place, shipbuilders also will perform repairs and bearing modifications inside the ship.

The American Aircraft Carrier Turns 100 Langley (CV 1) occupies a special place in history as the U.S. Navy’s first aircraft carrier, brought into service 100 years ago on March 20, 1922.

The ship wasn’t constructed at Newport News Shipbuilding and bears no resemblance to the nuclear-powered giants that rise from NNS dry docks today.

Langley wasn’t even built as an aircraft carrier. It was converted from Jupiter, a coal-carrying ship commissioned in 1913.

CONTINUED ON PG 2 Langley (CV1) is pictured in the Panama Canal Zone in March 1930. U.S. Navy photo

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The American Aircraft Carrier Turns 100 CONTINUED FROM PG 1

After its conversion at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, the ship attracted attention wherever it went and featured modern technology. For example, it retained Jupiter’s turbo-electric propulsion system, the first of its type for a Navy ship.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the aircraft carrier, Virginia Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine introduced a Senate resolution that pays tribute to Langley while recognizing that aircraft carriers have come a long way in 100 years.

Today’s Ford-class carriers are twice as long and weigh nearly eight times as much as their 1922 counterpart, yet they are twice as fast and carry nearly three times as many aircraft.

NNS and the Navy put considerable effort into developing and deploying new technology for the Ford class. According to various naval sources, Langley featured its own timely technology: a carrier pigeon house for sending messages. Unfortunately, it never got off the ground.

Because birds had served aboard seaplanes to transport messages, Langley included a carrier pigeon house. The birds were trained at Norfolk Naval Shipyard as the ship readied for deployment. However, they had other ideas about life at sea. When the flock was released during a training mission off Tangier Island, the pigeons flew south and roosted at the Norfolk yard, where they decided to stay.

The ship’s pigeon house was later turned into officer quarters.

Langley served only 14 years as an aircraft carrier before it was converted into a seaplane tender. The ship sustained heavy damage by Japanese bombers in World War II and was scuttled to avoid capture.

NNS Hosting In-Person Trades Hiring Event April 2 Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is hosting an inperson, open-to-the-public, trades hiring event for fitters (X11) and welders (X18) Saturday, April 2, at NetCenter (Zone 2) from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

This event is for job seekers interested in trainee, entry-level and experienced NNS trades positions. Job seekers will have the opportunity to meet NNS recruiters, apply on-site and interview.

Qualified candidates could receive an on-the-spot job offer.

Attendees also can participate in live welding demonstrations, women in trades panel workshops, enjoy local food trucks, raffles, and more.

Visit huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/040222-2 for event details, including job openings.

NNS employees are encouraged to share this hiring event opportunity. Employees who refer a trades job seeker who is hired could receive a $1,000 cash bonus. For more information about referrals, visit huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refer-a-friend.

More than 250 job offers were extended to job seekers who attended a trades hiring event in February.

NOTICE: International Compliance Office Export and Security Policy Newport News Shipbuilding’s International Compliance Office and Security Compliance Programs (O15) remind employees that they are responsible for obtaining approval from both the International Compliance Office and Security prior to taking any NNS-issued computer or portable electronic device

outside the U.S. and its territories.

Additional awareness, prevention, process approval and reporting guidelines are available in the International Travel - Export Approval Security News Flash or in cited policy documents.

For more information, email the International Compliance Office for exportrelated matters and/or Security Compliance Programs for security concerns.

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AROUND THE YARD Generations Forged by Steel Since the company’s earliest days, Newport News Shipbuilding has often employed multiple generations of the same families.

Take James Artis Sr. for instance. He had no idea his tenure at NNS would lead to generations forged by steel. Working as a welder in the 1960s, his determination to provide for his family was his motivation. While working at the shipyard, the father of six paved the way for legacy in shipbuilding that would continue through his son James M. Artis Jr. and granddaughter Topaz Artis.

Second-generation shipbuilder James Artis Jr. began his career at the shipyard 30 years ago as a mail carrier, a job he would hold for 25 years before settling into a material support role within Reproduction. His daughter Topaz Artis began her NNS career two years ago, as a third-generation shipbuilder as a production planner.

James Artis Jr. recalls his early years at NNS as technology was thriving and computers were making an impact on the workplace. “I can remember having a shipyard beeper or pager for communication purposes. All of which seems foreign today,” he said.

Security guards were a steady sight. “You would have to get validation from Security before entering the gates and shipyard parking lots, which would lead to long lines during shift changes,” he said.

salaried employees, which resulted in very minimal interaction between the two.

He also recalls the scarcity of women in management positions.

Through the years, James Artis Jr. witnessed many changes at the shipyard.

Specifically, the growth of technology, making timekeeping more accessible to Topaz Artis and James employees. One of the most memorable Artis Jr. moments he has enjoyed as an employee is the ability to see the progression of expansion throughout the shipyard, from the resurrection of the Innovation Center to the completion of VASCIC. Another highlight was seeing his daughter become a shipbuilder.

“Being able to come to work with my father has been a memorable experience as I have found that the manufacturing industry has many moving parts and unique teams working effortlessly to accomplish the goal of building good ships,” said Topaz Artis.

“I wanted to work at the shipyard to begin a career that had a foreseeable future. As a new employee, I believe in the company initiative of increased engagement. My career goal at NNS is to acquire as much knowledge necessary to support the business needs.”

James Artis Jr. remembers a solid distinction between hourly and

Shipbuilder Modeling the Way Brandon B. Shackelford (X84) was honored with a Level One On-the-Spot Ethics Award for displaying extraordinary ethical compliance and situational awareness when he investigated and located a box of lost material valued at thousands of dollars.

A box of stroke control assemblies was misplaced in March 2021. After extensive research by several departments, the material was written off as lost. Although it was not directly in Shackelford’s area of responsibility, he continued to search for the material.

After successfully locating the items, Shackelford personally delivered the material so it could be directly returned to inventory. Ultimately, his leadership and steadfast adherence to Newport News Shipbuilding’s company values are a perfect example for fellow shipbuilders.

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Active cases: 5

NNS employees vaccinated: 79%

See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.

Brandon Shackelford, second from right, was honored with a Level One On-the-Spot Ethics Award.

Ethics Awards Announced The following shipbuilders were recently honored with Level Two On-the-Spot Ethics awards: Jim Bean (X23), David Diggins (O96), Akavia Lee (X36), Eric Barnes (X36), Sarah Lemley (O19), David Wright (X33), James Yost (X41), Anthony Fortune (X44), John Glenn (O60), Wilson Ray (X44), Roger Lowman (X46), Frances Glenn (X44), Vanessa Harris (X33), Michael Bailey (X10), Abigail Sprinkle (X47) and Ronald Stalling (X11)..

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DATEBOOK 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.

APRIL 21

Volunteers are needed for Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual Earth Day Cleanup. NNS employees will help celebrate Earth Day by volunteering to clean up and spread mulch around trees and shrubs at Christopher Newport Park and the Victory Arch area in downtown Newport News. Volunteers also will cleanup the Huntington Park beachfront and Oakland Industrial Park. For more information visit the 2022 Earth Day website on MyNNS or contact Kristen Scarsdale at 688-2582 or via email.

The rain date is April 22. Information regarding the annual Earth Day Coloring Contest for kids (ages 4-17) also is available on the website.

MAY 1

Join fellow shipbuilders for the Peninsula Relay For Life at the Hampton Coliseum from 3 until 9 p.m. to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society.

This year’s theme is Pirates of the Cure-ibbean. Join the NNS Team or create one of your own. To register, create a team or make a donation, visit www.RelayForLife.org/NNS.

NNS SAFETY REPORT

Compared to figures from February 2021 Year-to-Date Injuries

191 (down 29%)

SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS

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

Job Title Req Number Dept.

Employee Referral

Cash Bonus Fitter (Entry-level & 18811, 18810, X11 Eligible Experienced) 18808, 18809 International Trade 17379 O17 Not Eligible Compliance Analyst 2 Summer Intern 8425 K21 Not Eligible (Engineering Majors) Welder 18846, 18845, X18 Eligible 18844, 18841

Remote Work Considered No

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

158 (down 8%)

Yes

Safety Task Team Inspection Closure Rate

No

91%

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.

HIRING IDEAS

Newport News Shipbuilding needs to hire more than 6,000 employees this year. NNS Talent Acquisition welcomes innovative ideas on how to support this effort. Employees are encouraged to send ideas to hiringideas@hii-nns.com.