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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
HII Family Health Center Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary This month marks the fifth anniversary of the HII Family Health Center opening its doors on Washington Avenue.
Thousands of doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered at Newport News Shipbuilding. Photo by Ashley Cowan
NNS Offering COVID-19 Vaccines Saturday, March 27 NNS will hold special Saturday hours March 27 at its vaccination site for the convenience of employees. Some employees may find it difficult to take the time during the weekday to get the vaccine so we decided a Saturday opening could make it easier,” said Donta Sharpe, an X82 construction supervisor who manages the site. The site at the old Apprentice School gym will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Register for an appointment on MyNNS. Supervisors are responsible for registering shipbuilders without company email access. Volunteers will also be at some of the shipyard’s cafés this week to help register those without computer access. Shipbuilders can also call the COVID Hotline at 1-844-243-8749, option 6, to register. Sharpe said it has been an “absolute pleasure” to be part of the effort. “The true highlight is the teamwork shown by the entire group,” he said. “Communication is second to none and everyone pulls together to assist any manner, regardless of size or importance.”
Like all complex undertakings, it has challenges, he said. “It’s extremely complicated to administer thousands of vaccines to our shipbuilders in an efficient manner, then do it twice with a mixture of second round and first-round shots on the same day.” To make the process easier, remember: • If you sign up and do not receive confirmation, do not sign up again. Report at your scheduled time. If confirmation is needed, email COVID19vaccine@hii-nns.com. Employees need their NNS badge and either a confirmation email or their name on the vaccine center’s list to be admitted. • It is imperative to keep your appointment. If you can’t make it, email COVID19vaccine@hii-nns.com to reschedule. • Don’t arrive more than five minutes before your appointment to prevent long waits.
In the last five years, the health center has served thousands of Newport News Shipbuilding employees and their families and has expanded to offer vision care, dental services and more. “When we first started the health center the purpose was to serve as a place for your primary health care,” said Susan Jacobs, vice president of Human Resources and Administration. “However, the health center has expanded to so many different areas. The fact that we have so many health care providers co-located really makes this place very unique.” Since March 2016, the HII Family Health Center has seen more than 19,400 unique patients and fulfilled nearly 103,000 appointments. The satisfaction rate is 97% among patients. “Since my first exposure to the health center I’ve seen the services grow,” said Ben Hudson (E83). “I’ve used so many services here. I really appreciate the feedback I get from the health coach. It’s nice to have someone care and have some accountability.” Find out more on the video available on Huntington Ingalls Industries’ YouTube channel and the NNS To Go app. The Family Health Center is available to Newport News Shipbuilding employees and their dependents enrolled in an HII medical plan. To schedule an appointment, call 757-327-4200.
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Innovative Thinking Keeps Project on Schedule Shipbuilders in the Machine Shop were in the middle of machining a submarine stabilizer when they found out the planned installation of a new overhead crane would likely throw a wrench into their schedule. “We were going to have to machine the job halfway and break it down because we weren’t going to have enough time to finish it,” said apprentice Austin Shrewsberry (M53). However, Shrewsberry – who operates a horizontal boring mill – noticed that a newer boring mill in the shop was able to complete the same work much faster because it could use a newer tool. The tool – an oil damped solid bar – helps with rigidity and reduces unwanted vibration, but it could not be used on his machine because it used a different type of threads. That’s when he got to work designing a drawbar for his machine with threads that would accept the newer tool. “It sped up the job significantly. We went from 40 minutes per pass through a hole to five minutes per pass,” Shrewsberry said. “It saved a lot of time, and we able to meet the deadline to have the job done by the time they had to come in to put in that new crane.” M53 Foreman Cole Irvine said an open environment where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas is vital
Austin Shrewsberry designed an adaptation that allowed an older horizontal boring mill in the Machine Shop to use a newer, more efficient tool. Photo by Ashley Cowan
for improvements like the one Shrewsberry developed. “It’s extremely important. In this case, if the environment didn’t exist, we would have been doing it the old way and a job would’ve been stuck on a machine,” he said. “I welcome all feedback.” Shrewsberry said the positive reaction from managers in the shop pushes him to want to do more, especially as he approaches the end of his apprenticeship. “It motivates me to keep progressing and finding better ideas,” he said. “It really makes you want to stay here and see how far you – and the shipyard – can progress in the future.” “I always felt like engagement was the No. 1 key for a good team, and that’s what we strive to work on every day,” said Desi Bullock, the team’s supervisor. He handed out face masks and crew members agreed to get matching hoodies emblazoned with symbols that represent the work they do, including a forklift, crane and aircraft carrier.
Shipbuilders show off their face masks and hoodies meant to promote engagement and team unity.
Building Engagement and Unity A team of O53 shipbuilders in the North Yard Pipe Field are sporting matching face masks and hoodies as part an effort to strengthen engagement and unity.
Bullock said he was glad everyone was onboard with the idea. Although guidelines in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 limit the types of engagement activities in which shipbuilders can participate, Bullock said he tries to find ways to bring his team together. “Engagement is important. It brings unity to the team. It helps with morale. It brings better communication and gives employees a chance to get to know each other,” he said.
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AROUND THE YARD X42 and X43 Seeking Applicants with Active Security Clearances Newport News Shipbuilding’s X42 and X43 departments are offering $2,500 sign-on bonuses to qualified job seekers with active security clearances interested in working as a pipefitter (Reqs 4745, 4787, 5169), outside machinist (Reqs 5229, 5227, 5189), refueler (Req 5188) or ship safety watch (Req 5187). Starting pay is nearly $20 per hour and increases with experience. Shipbuilders are encouraged to refer qualified candidates to apply at www.buildyourcareer.com. Employees who refer qualified job seekers could be eligible for referral cash bonus awards. Learn more at huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refera-friend.
Galley Reopens on USS George Washington (CVN 73) Earlier this month, sailors serving on USS George Washington (CVN 73) had their first meal on board the aircraft carrier since its refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) began at Newport News Shipbuilding in 2017. The galley reopening is an important milestone as shipbuilders work to redeliver CVN 73. U.S. Navy photo
Virtual 5K is May 15 and 16 The NNS 5K is now the BeWell for Life 5K. This year’s event on May 15 and 16 will be virtual to maintain social distancing guidelines. Shipbuilders interested in participating should mark their calendars and stay tuned for registration details. Go the Extra Mile Challenge Shipbuilders can sign up for the Go the Extra Mile Challenge, which begins April 5, to get fit as they prepare for the BeWell for Life 5K. Participants will receive an emailed training plan and tips each week for six weeks leading up the event. Additional support opportunities include virtual weekly training meetings and the BeWell for Life 5K Facebook group. Those who complete the challenge could win a runner’s kit bag. Visit myquadmed.com/BeWell to learn more and register.
Know Your Numbers Deadline is March 31 The deadline to complete this year’s Know Your Numbers program is March 31. Nonrepresented Newport News Shipbuilding employees enrolled in an eligible Huntington Ingalls Industries medical plan who want to keep their $600 medical premium discount must complete their wellness profile and health screening by the deadline. Visit the Know Your Numbers information page for program details.
Watch Focus NNS The latest edition of Focus NNS explores on-site COVID-19 vaccinations at Newport News Shipbuilding, recent milestones in the Virginia-Class Submarine Program and more. Watch Focus NNS on MyNNS, at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/focusnns or on the NNS to Go app.
Send Congratulatory Messages to Apprentice School Graduates Family and friends of Apprentice School Class of 2020 graduates are encouraged to submit congratulatory video messages ahead of the April 17 graduation ceremony. Content must be submitted by Friday, April 2. For a list of guidelines and submission instructions, visit nns.huntingtoningalls.com/graduation.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported last week: 56
Total cases at NNS: 3,141
Total number of NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 2,432
See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
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DATEBOOK 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 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 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 selfdevelopment 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.
Notice from Payroll
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
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 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. Note: This is an after-work event, no charge information will be provided. This event is open to all NNS employees.
Newport News Shipbuilding Payroll staff has recently received an influx of messages to department printers and fax machines without associated contact information. As a result, staff cannot identify the sender or provide assistance. Employees sending information to Payroll mailboxes, printers or fax machines are reminded to include contact information with the content being sent so staff can provide assistance.
Data Analytics Course Available T56 is offering its flagship data analytics course, Introduction to Data Analytic Thinking, April 26-30. As a benefit of enrollment, all students will be provided with a Udemy for Business license for free. For more information, and to register for the class, contact Anastasia Savina via email.
UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVES
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Engineer Quality 3 Engineer 3 Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Electromechanical 4 Engineer Electromechanical 4
3694 4172 1353 805 817 4528 813
O05 O05 E70 E56 E70 E70 E70
Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Ballston Spa, NY
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.
Editor: Nicholas Langhorne
Contributing Writer: Hugh Lessig Currents@hii-nns.com Currents is published every Monday for employees of Newport News Shipbuilding. To submit a story, visit nns.huntingtoningalls.com/currents.
Newport News Shipbuilding is hosting the following blood drives in support of the American Red Cross. 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. Tuesday, March 30 Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Monday, April 5 Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 7 Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, contact Natasha Eck or Sunny Lee via email.
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