4 | 19 | 2021
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Ashley Cowan
Apprentice School Graduates 154 Newport News Shipbuilding hosted commencement exercises on April 17 for 154 graduates of The Apprentice School. Due to the COVID-19 environment, and in an effort to keep all employees, staff, graduates and their guests safe, the ceremony was held outdoors at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton. “A drive-in movie-style graduation is likely not what you expected, but I think it’s pretty safe to say that the past year in many ways isn’t what any of us expected,” said NNS President Jennifer Boykin. “Graduating from The Apprentice School is not an easy feat and when you couple the long hours balancing your work and your studies, along with new obstacles you faced this year, like remote learning and working with your entire family in the same area, it makes this accomplishment even more extraordinary,” Boykin told
the graduates. “The lessons you’ve learned during the past year have molded you in a way unlike any other apprenticeship experience. The past 12 months, with all its twists and turns it’s brought, have helped train you for challenges yet to come. It is your ability to adapt and your innovative spirit that will help Newport News Shipbuilding continue to thrive, and it’s that spirit that will help our United States Navy be the absolute best it can be.” The commencement address was delivered by Howard Hoege III, president of The Mariners’ Museum and Park, who shared a message on leadership. Rebekah Jones, a member of The Apprentice School’s Class of 2023, sang the national anthem. Mark Byerly received the Homer L. Ferguson Award, which recognizes the apprentice graduating with the highest honors. CONTINUED ON PG 2
Benefits Annual Enrollment Begins Today Benefits annual enrollment is April 19-30. Newport News Shipbuilding employees should use this time to review their benefits and make changes as needed. During annual enrollment, shipbuilders should: • Update their tobacco-use status: United Steelworkers, guards and salaried employees who do not use tobacco must update their status to “tobacco-free” to save $660 on their Huntington Ingalls Industries medical insurance starting July 1. • Re-enroll in health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs): Employees enrolled in FSAs must re-enroll to maintain coverage.
• Review benefit changes: Employees should review their plan options and make sure they have the coverage they need for themselves and their families. Employees can make changes to their benefits and update their tobacco-use status on UPoint through www.hiibenefits.com or by calling the Huntington Ingalls Benefits Center at 1-877-216-3222. To learn more about HII’s benefits, employees can explore the new virtual benefits fair at www.hii.vfairs.com or access the ALEX decision support tool at www.myalex.com/hii/home/hiibenefits.