March 28, 2022 by Newport News Shipbuilding

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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

Photo by Ashley Cowan

Wonders of Technology When Jasmyn Jerkins (X42) began her apprenticeship at Newport News Shipbuilding last year, she had no prior experience with a trade. “I came from teaching, so I didn’t know what to expect coming to a trade. But I loved it once I started,” she said. “I went to Welding School and did really well. As I started getting better, it just was rewarding to know that I was doing something I never thought I would and doing well with it.” While Jerkins took to welding, it wasn’t without some initial concerns. “When I first came to the Welding School, I was terrified

of catching myself on fire,” she said. New technology may help ease similar fears for new shipbuilders at NNS. Jerkins was among a group of apprentices who tried out an augmented reality welding machine, a virtual reality paint machine, a handheld laser scanning device and a 3D printer as part of their Digital Shipbuilding and Technology course. It’s a class that was introduced as part of The Apprentice School’s initiative to begin awarding academic degrees. CONTINUED ON PG 2

Shipbuilder’s 65-Year NNS Career Comes to Close Master Shipbuilder Lloyd Joyner Sr. came to Newport News Shipbuilding in 1957 with hopes to attend The Apprentice School. He had been a running back at Smithfield High School – scoring three touchdowns in the state championship game – and wanted to extend his football career as an apprentice. But there was one problem. “Back then, apprentices couldn’t be married. I was engaged and married Betty on Sept. 21, 1957,” Joyner said. While The Apprentice School didn’t work out, he built a satisfying career at NNS that has spanned generations and enabled Joyner

and his wife to raise three children – son, Dee, and daughters, Kim and Karen. The Joyners also have two grandsons, Matthew and Brian, and two great-grandchildren. This month marks Joyner’s 65th anniversary as a shipbuilder and the end of an era. He is retiring at the end of the month. “Over the years and decades, I have seen a lot of changes – not only in the art of shipbuilding – but in this great company,” he said. “The shipyard is the place to be for anyone who is looking for a future and willing to put out the effort and apply themselves.”

Joyner started at NNS in the Mold Loft, using full-sized paper, wooden and box molds. He also worked in the Mold Loft Drawing Room, and worked to help develop ships’ hull body lines. This was during the era in which NNS built both Enterprise (CVN 65) and John F. Kennedy (CV 67). In 1997, Joyner was promoted to Operations supervisor in X10, overseeing carrier units to be erected on ships. Later, David Eberwine asked Joyner to start working on carrier overhauls for SFA Shops exclusively. He became the go-to person, focusing on the upfront ordering of smart... CONTINUED ON PG 2

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3 | 28 | 2022 The team carried the new radar tower process into the refueling and complex overhaul of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), and also looked at a similar process for the main mast, which also represents a significant savings. Many of Joyner’s relatives also found a place at NNS. That includes his son; brothers, Durial Joyner and Lloyd Joyner; a sister, Evelyn Batten; a nephew, Jacob Camper; a niece, Brooke McHorney; and a brother-inlaw, Dennis Camper. Joyner’s daughters and one of his grandsons were summer interns at NNS. Although his Apprentice School football career didn’t pan out, Joyner stayed active in sports, playing in slow-pitch softball tournaments – being named MVP several times and pitching three no hitters. He also was asked to play on a shipyard-sponsored team in an industrial tournament. The NNS team won, and Joyner was named MVP.

Lloyd Joyner Sr. began his shipyard career in March 1957.

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He refereed high school basketball and served as an assistant football coach at Smithfield High School. Joyner also was athletic director for the Smithfield Recreation Association and was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame. He also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Smithfield Jaycees.

More than six decades into his career at NNS, Joyner still plays an important role in innovation at the shipyard.

Joyner and his wife started showing Arabian horses in halter and performance in 1986, winning several championships. They also enjoy horse racing, having attended the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness Stakes. “In May, after I retire, we are going to the Kentucky Derby, completing our own ‘Triple Crown’ of horse racing,” he said.

Shipbuilder’s 65-Year NNS Career Comes to Close ...start bulk material, man hours, schedules, durations and design build teams with Engineering, Production Control, Mold Loft, the ship and the program office.

When planning started for the refueling and complex overhaul of USS George Washington (CVN 73), Joyner said the team investigated building the radar tower in an upper and lower section and joining the two sections before being sent to the ship to be erected in one piece. “This had never been done before, and it was a big savings,” he said.

As he looks back over the past 65 years, Joyner said he has “no regrets” about his shipyard career. “I have worked for and with a lot of good shipbuilders too numerous to mention,” he said. “I will miss the daily interface with my co-worker friends.”

Wonders of Technology CONTINUED FROM PG 1

“The course is meant to expose our students – the future leaders of the company – to the Integrated Digital Shipbuilding (iDS) program and what it stands for,” said Apprentice School instructor Lonnie Elrod. “We were online for about a year and a half, and we weren’t able to do this. The great thing about being back face-to-face is students get to see and experience the technology. We can sit there and talk about

it all day long, but until they experience it and have it in their hands, they’re not going to really get it.” Students entering The Apprentice School now grew up with technology, and using tools like these for training is a natural fit, according to Elrod. It is a safer way to train and will help cut material costs. “The goal is definitely to use these tools for training.

It’s very friendly, and students are less intimidated,” he said. Jerkins said the machines will give new shipbuilders an idea of what to expect on the job “without the external elements.” “It helps to ease your mind,” she said. “You’re not blindsided when you go on the waterfront and try it out for the first time.”

HII Announces New Brand Last week, HII announced a redesign of the company’s logo and a refresh of the brand. Although the message did not address division logos, Newport News Shipbuilding employees should be advised the division will continue to use its legacy logo. There is a slight modification to the NNS logo – it now says “A Division of HII” instead of “A Division of Huntington Ingalls Industries.” Look for guidance soon regarding PowerPoint templates, business cards and more.

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AROUND THE YARD Digital Solutions Café to Open at NetCenter Shipbuilders who need IT assistance for PCs or mobile devices can stop by the newest Digital Solutions Café, located at NetCenter in Suite 150, beginning April 4. Digital Cafés are located in various buildings across Newport News Shipbuilding to provide IT support. In addition to the anchor location in Bldg. 520, Digital Cafés also are in the lobbies of Bldgs. 903 and 888. For a full list of Digital Café locations and hours, visit the Business Transformation and Technology (BT&T) Mobility Support website on MyNNS. Employees also can find locations on YardMaps Viewer.

What is Progressing?

The percentage of work that has been completed for a specific work package or cost account is known as progress and can be used to determine how much Newport News Shipbuilding bills the Navy. Learn more on MyNNS.

Know Your Numbers Deadline is 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. For step-by-step instructions to complete the program, visit myquadmed.com/kyn.

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Active cases: 0 NNS employees vaccinated: 79% See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.

NNS Hosting Open Interviews in Richmond Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition recruiters will host on-site open interviews for NNS trades positions until April 30 at Short Pump Town Center in Richmond. Job seekers will have the opportunity to meet NNS recruiters, apply on-site, interview and qualified candidates could receive an on-the-spot job offer. The NNS storefront location – next to Sports Nation and Cold Stone Creamery – is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. for open interviews. Starting pay for entry-level trades jobs, which do not require experience, is now more than $21 per hour. NNS is also offering various sign-on and relocation bonus incentives to trades new hires. NNS employees are encouraged to share this hiring opportunity. Employees who refer a trades job seeker who is hired could receive a $1,000 cash bonus award. Visit huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refer-a-friend for more information about how to refer someone.

Nominations Open for 2023 Diversity Conferences As a part of Newport News Shipbuilding’s commitment to demonstrate diversity and inclusion as a business imperative, the company takes pride in celebrating shipbuilders by recognizing success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through the participation in national conventions and award conferences. Through this effort, NNS supports six major STEM Diversity Conferences each year: Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA), Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), STEP (science, technology, engineering, and production) Ahead and Women of Color Awards and Conference (WOC). Twice per year, the company requests nominations of employees who are making significant contributions to be recognized during these conferences. Nominations for the 2023 conferences listed below are open through April 30. Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA): Founded in 1986, BEYA is a globally recognized event that celebrates the achievements of people who are underrepresented in STEM fields. Each year, the BEYA Conference brings professionals and students together for three days of networking, professional development, and celebrating excellence. STEP Ahead: The Manufacturing Institute launched the STEP Ahead awards as an initiative to recognize women in science, technology, engineering and production careers. Each year, the institute recognizes 100 women and 30 emerging leaders, a category to honor women under the age of 30 who have achieved unique accomplishments at the start of their careers. Society of Women Engineers (SWE): SWE strives to recognize the successes of its members and individuals who enhance the engineering profession and advocate for women in engineering through contributions to industry, education and the community. SWE seeks to recognize individuals who support the core values of the organization: integrity, inclusive environment, mutual support, professional excellence and trust. To learn more about nominating an employee, visit the Diversity Conference and Awards website on MyNNS.

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DATEBOOK THROUGH APRIL 8

Join the Generational Integration Focus Team (GIFT) and the Virginia Peninsula Salvation Army for their “Easter for Senior Citizens Event” to provide much-needed items for local senior citizens. Shipbuilders can help by donating toiletry items, games, Easter candy and gift cards. Donations can be placed in a drop box in the Bldg. 520 lobby through April 8. For more information, contact Cassandra Bonner at 534-3416 or Paula Young at 688-7634.

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

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 2

Talent Acquisition is hosting an in-person, open-to-thepublic hiring event for fitters and welders from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at NetCenter (Zone 2). For event details, visit huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/040222-2. As a reminder, current employees who refer a trades candidate who is hired could receive a $1,000 cash bonus. Visit huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refer-a-friend for more information about referrals.

BLOOD DRIVES

Newport News Shipbuilding is hosting blood drives in support of the American Red Cross. A time charge is provided for employees who donate. Blood drives will be held from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) on the following dates: •

April 5

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May 3

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April 20

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May 24

To schedule an appointment, contact Natasha Eck or Topaz Artis via email.

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 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.

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.

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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.

MAY 14 AND 15

The BeWell for Life 5K, formerly the NNS 5K, is a fun 3.1mile walk, jog or run to the finish line. The in-person race is scheduled for May 14, at 9 a.m. at Victory Landing Park. A virtual event will be held May 14 and 15. To sign up or to learn more, visit myquadmed.com/2022-bewell-for-life-5k. Those interested in volunteering during the race should contact Topaz Artis via email. Volunteers will receive free entry and a free T-shirt.

JUNE 10

The 17th annual F. Farrell Sanders Apprentice Athletic Club Golf Tournament will be held at Ford’s Colony Country Club. Look for more information about costs and how to register in upcoming editions of Currents.

APRIL 20

SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS

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. 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 Linesman Foreman 18537 K96 Not Eligible Outside Machinist (Trainee, 18324, 18326, X43 Eligible Entry-level & Experienced) 18325 Refueler (Experienced) 18317 X43 Eligible Welder 18846, 18845, X18 Eligible 18844, 18841

Remote Work Considered No 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.