March 29, 2021 by Newport News Shipbuilding

3 l 29 l 2021

A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

A New Approach to Training Photo by Ashley Cowan

X32 apprentices at Newport News Shipbuilding are building mockups that will provide a realistic environment for many of the same apprentices to learn about outfitting work on submarines and aircraft carriers. The mock-ups – two compartments that are 8 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8 feet high – were built from scratch and contain similar structural components to a ship. Each mock-up has a workbench, and they will share a welding machine. “We’ve been using the actual build process to train apprentices. We have a couple who are further along, but most of the apprentices are at about the six-month mark, so building these is a huge undertaking for them,” said Apprentice Craft Instructor Sam Shoun.

Once construction is complete, X33 apprentices will paint and O43 apprentices will install shipboard-style lights. The mock-ups can be repurposed and used for a training on a variety of work, including installing and removing ventilation or nonstructural bulkheads. They also will give apprentices practice with awkward welding positions, learning how to level and other skills. Located in the X32 Apprentice Gallery in Bldg. 5, the mock-ups are taking over the footprint of two of the final sheet metal pattern tables in the shipyard. That skill largely has been replaced by technology such as computer-aided design (CAD) programs and digitizers. Shoun and other apprentice instructors are confident this new style resource will supplement fabrication-focused training and help reduce the time-to-talent for new apprentices when they get to shipboard locations. CONTINUED ON PG 2

HII Celebrates 10 Years Huntington Ingalls Industries is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week. HII was formed on March 31, 2011, combining Newport News Shipbuilding and Ingalls Shipbuilding to become America’s largest shipbuilding company. Today, HII is Fortune 400 company with 42,000 employees. While the company continues to build ships for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, it also has become a primary player in the Department of Energy arena and unmanned maritime markets.

Huntington Ingalls Industries is headquartered at VASCIC in Newport News.

Visit huntingtoningalls.com/anniversary to learn more about the company’s anniversary. Shipbuilders should also look for a special anniversary ad in Wednesday’s Daily Press and special coverage on HII social media channels.

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A New Approach to Training CONTINUED FROM PG 1

“When apprentices leave here, they know how to use band saws and different types of machines like that, but this will give them some sort of comprehensive knowledge of how to do the installation work so they won’t be shocked when they go on a ship,” Shoun said. Kevin Murphy II (X32), one of the apprentices working on the mock-ups, said he thinks the compartments are a valuable training tool. “As someone who has had no experience with welding or anything, this is a nice jumping-off point. This is how we would work on the actual ship, so I think it’s great for training and team building,” he said. “I’m a hands-on learner. When you experience something, it’s easier to learn than just hearing someone talk about it.”

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Graduation Ceremony Set for Apprentice School’s Class of 2020 The Apprentice School will celebrate the Class of 2020 during a graduation ceremony next month. However, it will be a unique drive-in event as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “Completing an apprenticeship is a major accomplishment, and we knew we had to find a way to safely celebrate this milestone with our graduates and their families,” said Dr. Latitia McCane, director of Education at The Apprentice School. “Although we have to forgo some of our traditions this year in the interest of health, our goal is to ensure this is still a special day for all of our graduates.” The 10 a.m. Saturday, April 17, ceremony will be held outdoors in the southeast parking lot of the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Howard E. Hoege III, president and CEO of The Mariners’ Museum and Park, will deliver the commencement address. Graduates can invite guests, but only as many as can safely fit into one vehicle. Vehicles will be parked in every other parking space to allow guests the opportunity to get out of their vehicle and to safety social distance from others. Guests who get out of their vehicle will be required to wear a face covering at all times. For guests who can’t attend in person, the ceremony will be broadcast live at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/graduation. Family and friends of graduates are encouraged to submit congratulatory video messages by Friday, April 2. Visit nns.huntingtoningalls.com/graduation for submission guidelines and instructions.

Shoun said the goal is to provide that hands-on experience early in an apprenticeship. “With so many new people coming into the company, apprentices are being looked to as lead mechanics in their crews with a year or less experience,” he said. “We’re trying to speed up the process and make them even more valuable to their foremen on the deckplate.”

HII Business Ethics Survey Begins April 12 The Huntington Ingalls Industries 2021 Business Ethics Survey will be held April 12-30. Read a letter about the survey from HII President and CEO Mike Petters. All employees are encouraged to participate and individual responses will remain 100% confidential. Employees with computer access will receive an email with a link to the survey. Those without company computer access will be able to take the survey online, via the NNS to Go app or by visiting an NNS survey site. More information will be cascaded in the coming weeks.

Pictured from left are Charles Spivey, United Steelworkers Local 8888 president; Donta Sharpe, vaccination site coordinator; Nicole Joy, QuadMed; U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott; and Dr. Jefferson Harman, QuadMed.

Congressman Tours NNS Vaccination Site

U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, whose district includes Newport News Shipbuilding, visited NNS’ COVID-19 vaccination site during a special Saturday vaccination event on March 27. As a reminder, the site at the old Apprentice School gym is open Monday through Friday. Register for an appointment on MyNNS. Supervisors are responsible for registering shipbuilders without company email access. Shipbuilders can also call the COVID Hotline at 1-844-243-8749, option 6, to register.

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AROUND THE YARD VERG Salutes Vietnam Veterans NOTICE: NNS to Go App Update The NNS to Go app is scheduled to undergo an update between March 31 and April 2. As a result, users who have the app installed on their mobile device will need to update the version. To update the app, go into the Apple or Google Play store, select the NNS to Go app and click “update.” A push notification with this information will be sent to NNS to Go users prior to the update.

Know Your Numbers Deadline is Wednesday, March 31

March 29 is recognized as Vietnam War Veterans Day. More than 3 million people, including more than 58,000 Americans, lost their lives in the controversial war. Many young Americans and shipbuilders were drafted into service from 1964 to 1973 to battle the ongoing threat of communism in Southeast Asia. “Following this brutal conflict, many Vietnam veterans did not get the medical attention or respect that any warrior deserves after coming back from battle,” said Mike Altrogge, chair of Newport News Shipbuilding’s Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG). VERG encourages NNS employees to take some time this week to reflect on the sacrifices that many shipbuilders and family members made. Read the stories of four shipbuilders listed below who served during the Vietnam War on MyNNS. • William “Wild Bill” Rowe (E92)

• Jack Darden (O68)

• Joseph Caden (O35)

• Jim Borden (E84)

The deadline to complete this year’s Know Your Numbers program is Wednesday, 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.

April Blood Drives

Visit the Know Your Numbers information page for program details.

To schedule an appointment, contact Natasha Eck or Sunny Lee via email.

WiSE Woman Honorees Announced

New research and development ideas are always welcome and can be submitted by visiting the Research and Development (E32) website’s Innovation Station link. The current campaign, which is for Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) proposals, is scheduled to run through May 28. Any research ideas that support improvements in manufacturing cost, schedule and safety should be submitted for ManTech funding consideration. For questions or assistance in submitting ideas, contact Tammy Rossi (E32).

Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) presented “WiSE Woman” awards to the following employees during the first quarter of 2021: • Thominice “Kitty” Hargett (E89) was recognized for commendable and sustained performance in January. • Holly Whitley (X44) was recognized for outstanding leadership in February. • Chona Kelly (E89) was recognized for commendable and sustained performance in March. WiSE presents this award each month and award winners are published in Currents on a quarterly basis. For questions regarding the program, visit the WiSE Woman website on MyNNS or contact Janice Boone (E68). Submit a nomination by completing a WiSE Woman nomination form.

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. 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.

New Research and Development Ideas Sought

REMINDER: Accounting for Unallowable Costs Cost Accounting Standard (CAS) 405 requires that expressly unallowable costs be identified and excluded from any billing, claim, or proposal applicable to a government contract. For this reason, it is important to understand what types of costs are unallowable. Corporate Topical Manual F200 defines the criteria to be followed for identifying and segregating allowable and unallowable costs. For questions, contact the Government Financial Relations Department (O74).

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported last week: 79

Total cases at NNS: 3,220

Total number of NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 2,496

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

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DATEBOOK 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

The Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) is hosting a virtual panel discussion from 12 until 1 p.m. with Old Dominion University focused on opportunities for ontinuing education for veterans. This will be a WebEx event, and no charge will be provided. Register on MyNNS. This event is open to all NNS employees.

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, at 4:30 p.m. 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. No charge information will be provided. This event is open to all NNS employees.

APRIL 5

The Go the Extra Mile Challenge begins April 5 and is a fun way to get fit for the BeWell for Life 5K, which will be held May 15-16. Participants will receive a training plan and tips each week via email for six weeks leading up the event. Additional support opportunities include virtual weekly training meetings and the BeWell for Life 5K Facebook group. Complete the challenge and you could win a runner’s kit bag. Learn more and register at myquadmed.com/BeWell.

APRIL 7

National Walking Day is Wednesday, April 7. The event encourages people to increase physical activity and serves as a reminder of the health benefits of taking a walk.

APRIL 7

Join Engineering & Design and guest speakers Wayne Cribb and Steve Ward from 12 until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on the Technical Graduate Partnership (TGP) Programs. TGPs consist of master’s degree programs specifically designed and developed by NNS and universities to advance the technical competency of NNS working professionals. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. No charge is provided. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.

APRIL 8

Join Shipbuilders Together Realizing Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (STRIDE) for an after-work Zoom event with Equality Virginia Executive Director Vee Lamneck from 5 until 6 p.m. Equality Virginia is the leading statewide advocacy organization seeking full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) Virginians. During the event, Lamneck will discuss initiatives the organization has tackled in the last year and how shipbuilders can support future efforts. Sign up on MyNNS. For more information, contact J. Ariel Matthews (X74) at 688-0220 or via email.

EARTH DAY COLORING CONTEST

APRIL 14

Join Engineering & Design and guest speaker Butch Brenton from 12 until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on design thinking. Design thinking is an innovative problem-solving process rooted in a set of skills, that help people apply creativity to effectively solve problems in daily life and any industry. Learn how to apply design thinking to problems you are trying to solve. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. No charge is provided. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.

APRIL 21

Join Engineering & Design and I&DENTITY from 12 until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on Unconscious Bias 102. The session will include a recap of Unconscious Bias 101 and dig into three additional types of unconscious biases, how they might show up in the workplace, and what you can do to avoid them. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. No charge is provided. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.

APRIL 28

Join Engineering & Design and the E&D Change Agent Team from 12 until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on work-life balance for managers. Managers have more influence over the work-life balance of their direct reports than you might think. As a participant, you will learn some tips and tools to help you give your people what they need to better manage their work-life while increasing their productivity and engagement. You do not have to be a manager to attend, leaders can apply these tips and tools. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. No charge is provided. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.

As Newport News Shipbuilding celebrates Earth Day, the company is hosting a coloring contest that is open to employees’ children who are ages 4-17. Visit the O27 Earth Day website on MyNNS for more information. The URLs below can be used to download the coloring sheets on a personal device. •

Ages 4-10: nns.huntingtoningalls.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Earth-Day-Contest-Youth.pdf

•

Ages 11-17: nns.huntingtoningalls.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Earth-Day-Contest-Teen.pdf

SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS

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

Job Title

Req Number

Dept.

Location

Cost Estimating Analyst 3 Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Mechanical 3 Monitor Trainee Payroll Assistant 3

5314 5271 5318 5277 5306

O19 E70 E83 E85 O95

Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News

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.

Cover photo: Apprentice Skylar Rhoades works on a mock-up that will be used to train apprentices in Bldg. 5. Photo by Ashley Cowan