4 l 12 l 2021
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Shipbuilders and Suppliers Meet Pictured from left are Stephanie Conover, Kendra Queeney, Ray Montgomery, Bryan Caccavale and Richard Giannini, ACIBC chair. Photo by Lena Wallace
Shipbuilders and suppliers met virtually for the first phase of Aircraft Carrier Industrial Base Coalition (ACIBC) Action Days on March 31. The annual event is usually held in Washington, D.C., but this year it was livestreamed from Huntington Ingalls Industries’ corporate office in Newport News to abide by COVID-19 guidelines. ACIBC represents businesses that supply parts, equipment and services for the construction and maintenance of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. The coalition discussed updates on New Construction and In-Service aircraft carrier programs at Newport News Shipbuilding with a focus on new technology. Lucas Hicks, vice president of New Construction Aircraft Carrier Programs, said suppliers are essential to help with USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) shock trials and planned incremental availability. In terms of new construction, shipbuilders are making progress on structural units for Enterprise (CVN 80). “There is more preoutfitting occurring, and shipbuilders are using digital tools instead of paper drawings,” he said. Technological advancement is a priority to Navy leaders.
“Our responsibility is to modernize the naval force,” said Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, commander of Naval Air Forces and Naval Air Force, Pacific Fleet. “It’s essential to incorporate new technology into the aircraft carriers to remain competitive.” Todd West, vice president In-Service Aircraft Carrier Programs, said shipbuilders are preparing for the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), which will soon arrive at NNS. The overhaul will begin as shipbuilders continue RCOH work on USS George Washington (CVN 73). “The ability to transition from one RCOH to another without interruption is incredible,” he said. Stephanie Conover is the director of Supply Chain Procurement at NNS. “It’s important for us to understand the entire supply chain in a supplier’s organization for the integrity of the Department of Defense,” she said. “It is an honor to work with each of the suppliers.” The second phase of ACIBC is today, April 12. Suppliers are meeting virtually with members of Congress to discuss the importance of aircraft carrier programs.
Remembering the USS Thresher Tragedy Saturday marked the 58th anniversary of the sinking of submarine USS Thresher. On April 10, 1963, Thresher commenced a deep dive test as part of its sea trials off the coast of New England. At approximately 9:15 a.m., communications with the submarine were lost and all 129 officers, crew and civilians aboard perished. An investigation concluded the loss of Thresher was in all probability due to a casting, piping or welding failure that flooded the engine room with water, causing electrical and power failures and the eventual loss of the boat. Although Thresher was not built by Newport News Shipbuilding, its somber anniversary is a time to
reflect on the importance of first-time quality. Watch Ron Murray, vice president of Quality, share the story of Thresher on MyNNS. NNS sounded the shipyard whistle at 9:15 a.m. Friday, April 9, for 58 seconds and observed a moment of silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the tragedy. Shipbuilders were asked to reflect on ways in which they could ensure the first-time quality of all NNS products and processes.