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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Shipbuilders recently performed the first two superlifts for Enterprise (CVN 80) in Dry Dock 12 . Photo by Ashley Cowan
NNS Completes First Enterprise Superlifts Enterprise (CVN 80), the U.S. Navy’s third Ford-class aircraft carrier, is officially taking shape in Newport News Shipbuilding’s Dry Dock 12.
General Foreman Justin Barefoot said his team’s role ramps up once units are in the dry dock as they work to ensure compartments are structurally complete.
Shipbuilders recently completed the first two CVN 80 superlifts. Eventually, the 850-ton and 550-ton units will make up the base of the ship’s machinery areas.
“It’s always fun to get going in the dock. You see the units being built on the platen, but once you actually start seeing the ship get put together, it’s just a different kind of feeling,” he said.
“There was an excitement in the air across the Final Assembly Platen when every employee realized we were getting ready to put the very first piece of this aircraft carrier in dry dock,” said Mike Butler, CVN 80 construction director. “Every lift we make into the dock is a time to celebrate the team that built that superlift.”
While CVN 80 will carry the legacy of Enterprise (CVN 65) with its name, it also will carry part of the ship. Some of the steel used to form one of the superlifts came from CVN 65. The team building the newer Enterprise – the ninth Navy ship to bear the name – is doing so in a digital environment and with lessons learned from the first two Ford-class carriers.
Leshaun Pruden (X11) was part of the team. A shipbuilder for five years, he had not worked on an aircraft carrier at this early stage and said he had a sense of pride watching the first superlift. “A lot of us put in a lot of hard work and dedication to get that unit to where it is now,” he said. “It was honestly a great experience for me. I’m just looking forward to seeing how everything grows as we work the other units.”
“Every day, we’re able to gather something new that we’re incorporating to make us more efficient and allow us to build an even better ship,” Butler said. Watch a time-lapse video of the first two CVN 80 lifts on MyNNS. NNS will celebrate with a ceremonial keel laying later this year.
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4 | 18 | 2022 a success. Brian Tapajna (X51) was a game announcer. This was his first year volunteering, and he was pleased to see “the workforce of the future” in action. “I hope these students take away that all things are possible,” he said. “The future is bright, and they can provide some creative solutions and make the world a better place.” Isaac Wigfall (X23), who was the master of ceremonies, has volunteered for the event in the past. He said it’s important for shipbuilders to pass along their knowledge to the generations to come – including the students participating in the FIRST competition.
NNS volunteer Isaac Wigfall was among the 48 shipbuilders who supported the event. Photo by Ashley Cowan
NNS Supports FIRST Robotics Championships Middle and high school robotics teams from across Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia gathered at the Hampton Coliseum last week for the 2022 FIRST Chesapeake Robotics District Championships. Student teams conceptualized, designed, built, programmed, modified and tested remote-controlled robots to participate in the competition. Teams began with a common core set of parts but determined on their own how to accomplish tasks. The Newport News Shipbuilding-sponsored event included 140 teams and was supported by 48 NNS employee volunteers. Student participants competed for a chance to go up against robotics teams from around the world at the FIRST Championship this week in Houston. NNS volunteers performed a variety of duties to ensure the three-day event was
“It’s very important for them to understand the opportunities that are in front of them,” he said. “They can use the things they’ve done in the competition to propel their future. They just need to know the options that they’re able to take.” First-time volunteer Mikal Lee (E26) was floor reset during the event, working to clear the Coliseum floor before and after robot matches. He said it’s important for shipbuilders to be involved because they could be role models for students. “It means a lot to be able to give back to my community and youth and be a part of a good organization like this,” Lee said. “We are seeing future shipbuilders come up through these events.” The event was open to the public. To show student participants and other guests the technology NNS uses, the company’s MX trailer was open for visitors outside the Coliseum. Representatives from NNS Talent Acquisition also were on-site to share employment opportunities.
Shipbuilder Receives Patriotic Employer Award Brian McIntyre (E25) recently received a Patriotic Employer Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program. Dominic Goga (E25), a member of the Navy Reserve who works on McIntyre’s team, nominated him for the award. “I joined Newport News Shipbuilding in July 2021 as a Virginia-class submarine testing engineer. I had yet to figure out exactly what my schedule for the reserves would be and would need to know in order to deconflict my work at NNS. Once I received my reserve schedule, it was quite active, and Brian McIntyre was extremely supportive and flexible in allowing me to do my reserve duties,” Goga wrote in his nomination. “Brian McIntyre is a huge supporter of the military. He has encouraged and has helped me succeed in both my civilian and Navy careers.”
Pictured from left are Dominic Goga, Brian McIntyre and Walter Goodwyn.
Walter Goodwyn, ESGR area chair, presented the award, which was signed by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
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AROUND THE YARD Get Ready for Annual Enrollment Benefits annual enrollment is April 25-May 6 this year. Annual enrollment is a great time for employees to review their benefits and make necessary changes. Employees represented by the United Steelworkers must actively enroll in a new medical plan by May 6 to have medical coverage for the 2022-2023 plan year. All employees can take advantage of HII’s virtual benefits fair to learn about benefit plan options, listen to presentations and chat with benefits representatives. The virtual benefits fair opens Monday, April 18, to allow employees to explore their benefit options prior to annual enrollment. Special live presentations will be held April 26 and 27, but employees can access the fair and visit the virtual booths, watch videos and more any time from April 18 to May 28. Visit hii.vfairs.com for more information.
NOTICE: 41st Street Gate to Close April 25-May 9 The 41st Street gate, located near the Rock, will be closed Monday, April 25, through Monday, May 9. The closure will allow the installation of an additional turnstile. Pedestrians planning to use the gate during the closure will need to use an alternate route.
New Preventive Maintenance Training Course Now Available in LX The O53 Preventive Maintenance Team recently created a preventive maintenance course that is now available in LX. The target audience for this training is first-line supervisors who handle, store and work with material that requires preventive maintenance. This training course increases understanding of the NNS Preventive Maintenance Program for shipboard installed material and the vital role employees play in helping to accomplish the goals of this program. NNS has contractual obligations to the U.S. Navy to maintain material and equipment in “like new” condition until the ships are delivered. Preventive maintenance is periodically scheduled to prevent failure, deterioration, corrosion, or the decline in accuracy or efficiency of material and equipment. Shipbuilders who are custodians of preventive maintenance material and interested in taking this course should reach out to their department’s LX coordinator to register for the course: ENPA-PRMASHEQMA-NN-WBT-00060274 – Preventive Maintenance of Ship’s Equipment and Material Overview.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Active cases: 2 NNS employees vaccinated: 79% See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
PMSA Congratulates Shipbuilders The Project Management Shipbuilder Association (PMSA) congratulates the following shipbuilders and PMSA members on becoming newly certified Project Management Institute (PMI) project management professionals (PMP): Kristoph Lucas, Todd Wiatt, Rodney Gilchrist Jr., Mohamed Elrahhal, Paul Lindgren, Robert Claggett, Shameka Warren, Gary Cassell and Rishard Robertson. After many hours of preparation, these shipbuilders successfully passed the PMP exam.
NNS Team Supporting New OSHA Rules The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) now requires Newport News Shipbuilding to strip back all preservative coatings at least 4 inches from an area of heat application before starting any hot work. The previous standard was 2 inches, per a longstanding agreement between OSHA and NNS. OSHA has suggested ways to lessen the impact of this change while still ensuring shipbuilders’ safety. In support, NNS has stood up a Global Paint Strip Back Team led by Engineering Manager David Cash (E42) to assist Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), which is sponsoring the effort. “Our team is examining near-term opportunities that depend on such factors as coating type, location, tooling and processes while EH&S is leading the way to obtain necessary data to ensure technical rigor in making informed and safe decisions,” Cash said. More communication is planned, including FAQs and a MyNNS site to promote dialogue and answer further questions.
Register for the BeWell for Life 5K The BeWell for Life 5K, formerly the NNS 5K, will have in-person and virtual options this year during the weekend of May 14. Shipbuilders can bring family and friends to join in the fun and walk, jog or run to the finish line of this 3.1 mile race. Kids activities and a vendor expo will be available before the event. The Challenge Cup is also up for grabs this year for the division with highest amount of friends and family members registered. Those who need help training for the 5K can join the Go the Extra Mile Challenge. Register for the event and training plan at myquadmed.com/BeWell5K.
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DATEBOOK APRIL 19
APRIL 26
We’ve Got Your Back is a quarterly program designed to help prevent and manage acute and chronic lower back pain. This quarter, you’ll learn about proper ergonomics, workplace risk factors and how to evaluate and correct your workstation to prevent injuries and boost productivity. A virtual session will be held at noon April 19. In-person sessions will be held noon May 3 and 17. Register at myquadmed.com/BeWell.
The L.E.A.R.N. Program and the Lean Community of Practice (CoP) will host an after-work presentation with Karey Malyszko, vice president of Plant Operations, 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 more information, contact Christina Hayden (K51) at 534-1612 or email LEARN@hii-nns.com.
APRIL 20
The Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) and the Department of Veterans Affairs will host an overview of the Women Veterans Health Care program event from noon until 12:30 p.m. Catherine MacDonald, Women Veterans Program manager, and Lisa Riha, deputy Women Veterans Program manager, will share information. This will be a WebEx event and is open to all NNS employees. No charge will be provided. Register on MyNNS. For more information, email VERG@hii-nns.com.
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
The African American Shipbuilders Association (AASA) will host a membership drive from 3:45 until 5 p.m. in the VASCIC Auditorium. Hear current AASA members share their experiences, the importance the employee resource group and how it provides a voice for our employees. This event is open to all NNS employees and no charge will be provided to attend.
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 27
MAY 1
Join us for the 2022 Relay For Life at the Hampton Coliseum from 3 until 9 p.m. Visit the Relay For Life website on MyNNS or RelayForLife.org/nns to donate, register or join a team. NNS Relay For Life T-shirts are available for a $10 donation. Face masks are a $5 donation, and luminarias are $10 each or three for $25. For more information about registration and donations, contact Jenn Cherry (O22), Heather Slaughter (O53) or Adam Krininger (X02). Volunteers are needed to help support the event and can contact Heather Slaughter (O53) to register.
MAY 3
APRIL 27
The Builders baseball team will face Thomas Nelson May 3 at War Memorial Stadium. Currently enrolled apprentices and active AAA and AAC members are welcome to attend the Builders Baseball Social at 4 p.m. The game starts at 5 p.m. RSVP on Eventbrite. For more information, contact Tamieka Williams. See you at the ballgame!
APRIL 28
The Project Management Shipbuilder Association (PMSA) will host a lunchtime presentation on Earned Value Management with Jennifer Miller, director of Business Management (O79), from noon until 1 p.m. via WebEx. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on the PMSA website. For questions, contact Sandra Valentine or email PMSA@hii-nns.com. No charge is provided.
ManPower is a virtual program designed to empower men to achieve their best selves. Join the session at noon to learn about the most common causes of lower back pain such as overuse, straining and sitting and what to do about them. Learn how to prevent lower back pain through core strength building, proper ergonomics, increasing flexibility and improved posture. Register at myquadmed.com/BeWell. Join the Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) from 5 until 6 p.m. for the monthly virtual book club. The club will discuss “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek. Too many workplaces are driven by cynicism, paranoia and self-interest. But the best ones foster trust and cooperation because their leaders build what Sinek calls a “Circle of Safety” that separates the security inside the team from the challenges outside. He illustrates his ideas with fascinating true stories that range from the military to big business, from government to investment banking. Contact Samuel Byrne via email for additional information.
INTERESTED IN EARNING A PMP CERTIFICATION?
Are you interested in getting your Project Management Professional certification through the Project Management Institute in 2022? Classes are forming for May. For more information, visit the PMP Training and Ed Assist section of the Project Management Shipbuilder Association (PMSA) website on MyNNS or contact PMSA Prep Course Lead Debra Brand via email. To get started, check the “Do I Qualify” button. Shipbuilders can also visit the PMSA PMI Certification SharePoint site and select PMP Exam Prep Courses tab.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept. Engineer Lead Test 2 19286 E84 Fitter (Trainee, Entry-level & 18811, 18810, X11 Experienced) 18808, 18809 Manager Vault Services 1 17729 O14 Quality Analyst 3 19255 E81 Welder (Trainee, Entry-level & 18846, 18845, X18 Experienced) 18844, 18841
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Employee Referral Cash Bonus Not Eligible Eligible
Remote Work Considered No No
Not Eligible Not Eligible Eligible
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.
MAY 12
SPEAR AND GEAR TOASTMASTERS
Shipbuilders interested in mastering presentation skills in a safe and welcoming environment are welcome to join the Spear and Gear Toastmasters Club at NNS. To join, you must be 18 or older and an NNS or HII-related entity employee. The club seeks members who are positive, team oriented, willing to participate and embark on a journey of self-development and discovery. There is a nominal fee for membership. Join the club for a virtual new member interest meeting from 6 until 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, via Zoom to find out more. For Zoom information and to RSVP, contact Tammy Smith (N358) and Jamar Skyles (E03).
NNS SAFETY REPORT
Compared to figures from March 2021 Year-to-Date Injuries
292 (down 32%) Year-to-Date Injuries with Days Away, Restricted or Transferred
244 (up 3%) Safety Task Team Inspection Closure Rate
95%