April 25, 2022

4 l 25 l 2022

A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

Andrew Wiles, left, and Kernskia Marshell hang a Workers’ Memorial Day wreath at the 41st Street gate. Photo by Ashley Cowan

Recognizing Workers’ Memorial Day Workers’ Memorial Day is observed every year on April 28 to remember and honor workers around the world who lost their lives, were injured or became ill on the job.

At Newport News Shipbuilding, it is an opportunity for all employees to reflect and recommit to making good, safe decisions; looking out for others; and speaking up when they see something unsafe. Wreaths have been placed at major entry points at NNS to commemorate Workers’ Memorial Day.

important to understand the hazards shipbuilders face on the job and to follow the rules in place to keep employees safe.

“Our ultimate goal – our absolute top priority – is to keep each and every shipbuilder safe so they can go home at the end of shift in the same manner they arrived,” he said.

Watch a video on MyNNS to hear Hicks share more thoughts about safety and why it should always be at the forefront at NNS.

Lucas Hicks, vice president of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) Aircraft Carrier Programs, said it’s

NNS to Go Tobacco Free in July Beginning July 11, Newport News Shipbuilding will be a tobacco-free facility. Xavier Beale, vice president of Human Resources and Trades, made the announcement in a message to shipbuilders Thursday, April 21.

“Tobacco use at Newport News Shipbuilding has historically posed a risk to employee safety, wellness and productivity,” Beale wrote. Prohibiting the use of tobacco products on company property supports the NNS’ No Fail Mission to deliver first-time quality on schedule in a safe environment.

Shipbuilders will not have to quit tobacco use to remain employed at NNS. Tobacco products can be used when not on company property and not on company time. Employees who currently use tobacco products are encouraged to take advantage of tobacco cessation programs available through the company’s health and wellness benefits.

More details, including frequently asked questions, will be communicated in early May.

Celebrating Earth Day Shipbuilders planted longleaf pine trees near tugboat Dorothy and Bldg. 520 Friday, April 22, in honor of Earth Day. See page 2 to learn more about how Newport News Shipbuilding commemorated Earth Day.

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Shipbuilders Celebrate Earth Day Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual Earth Day cleanup was held last week. Shipbuilders spread mulch around trees and shrubs and cleaned up at Christopher Newport Park and the Victory Arch area in downtown Newport News, as well as Huntington Park, Oakland Industrial Park and Bldg. 600.

Shipbuilders also gathered to plant longleaf pine trees near tugboat Dorothy and Bldg. 520. Longleaf pines – widely used in early shipbuilding – once were plentiful in southeastern Virginia, but were harvested to near extinction in the region. Special thanks to the Virginia Department of Forestry; Lisa Deaton, area forester; and Meghan MulroyGoldman, community forestry specialist, for helping to provide the trees that were planted at NNS. Shipbuilders participate in the annual Earth Day cleanup. Photo by Ashley Cowan

Earth Day: Barrel Recycling at NNS

Have you ever wondered how the barrels you see around Newport News Shipbuilding are recycled? At NNS’ Material Recycling Facility, they are washed, scraped and separated for various uses. Barrels that are not recyclable are crushed at the facility, and sent to the scrapyard.

Watch a video on MyNNS to see Maynard Brinkley (O46) and Derrick Johnson (O46) explain the process. with New Carrier Construction teams and leadership in Structural Fabrication and Assembly (SFA) to restart tours of waterfront facilities for supply chain specialists and project managers. The monthly tours are coordinated by Ashley Guill (O59), who ensures each participant is familiar with what to expect in the manufacturing environment and provides safety briefs prior to the tours.

In March, Ed Spruill, Enterprise (CVN 80) superintendent, led a tour of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) and James Insley (X02), construction supervisor, led an SFA tour. The tours were well received by the participants.

Supply Chain Procurement employees who participated in a tour of Structural Fabrication and Assembly (SFA). Pictured from left are Li Hoffman (O51), Pauli SanGiovanni (O51), Ashley Guill (O59), Monique Warren (O51) and Kevin O’Donnell (O51).

Connecting to the Mission In September 2020, Supply Chain Procurement (SCP) moved from Bldg. 520 to NetCenter. That move away from Newport News Shipbuilding’s main campus, coupled with the majority of SCP personnel working from home during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, removed the daily opportunity to see construction progress and attend meetings on the waterfront.

Dozens of SCP personnel began working at NNS during the pandemic and have never been inside the shipyard gates.

Now that COVID-19 protocols have eased, SCP is working

“CVN 79 was possibly one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. I really appreciated our guide taking a particular interest in our buying queues and answering questions. The view is certainly sweeter from the Kennedy flight deck than my makeshift office at home,” said Moriah Montoya (O51).

Timothy Newman (O51) said getting to see “just how massive these ships are was a great experience.”

“We were able to go down into the shaft alley and see the exact parts I am working for CVN 80, and the amount of work that will need to go into installing them if they are late,” he said.

Having every buyer and project manager visit a ship or shop on the waterfront is an O51 department goal for 2022. SCP is grateful to Spruill, Insley and Guill for Leading the Way by sharing their time and expertise with SCP shipbuilders and providing them a personal connection to the mission.

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CURRENTS 3

AROUND THE YARD Take Action During Benefits Annual Enrollment Benefits annual enrollment is underway through May 6. Annual enrollment is a great time to review benefits and make changes. This year, United Steelworkers must enroll in the medical plan by May 6 to have coverage for the 2022-2023 plan year. Current medical elections will not roll over.

All non-represented and salaried employees, United Steelworkers and guards must update their tobacco-use status to “tobacco free” during annual enrollment if they do not use tobacco. Those who are tobacco-free but do not update their status will lose the $660 medical premium discount on July 1.

Employees enrolled in the health care and/or dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) must reenroll to continue coverage.

Visit hiibenefits.com to review the annual enrollment guide and other resources on UPoint.

Shipbuilders can visit hii.vfairs.com to attend the virtual benefits fair through May 28, including live presentations on April 26 and 27. For help choosing the right benefits, employees can visit ALEX at myalex.com/hii/2022. Benefit elections will take effect July 1.

Raymond Gray Jr. is pictured with Karey Malyszko.

Shipbuilder Steering the Way Raymond Gray Jr. (O43) was recently honored with a Level One On-the-Spot Ethics Award for taking action after an incident. Karey Malyszko, vice president of Plant Operations, presented Gray’s award.

Look Out for Fraudulent Unemployment Claims

The Importance of First-Time Quality Chris Yaras, quality ambassador at General Dynamics Electric Boat, visited Newport News Shipbuilding last week to share his emotional story about the importance of first-time quality with shipbuilders at NNS. Yaras was a sailor on Los Angeles-class submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768) when it collided with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Strait of Hormuz in 2009. He said the quality work of shipbuilders allowed sailors like him to survive the collision and return home to their families.

Following a nationwide trend, the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is experiencing a surge in fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits. As a large employer, Newport News Shipbuilding is similarly seeing an increased number of fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits being filed in current NNS employees’ names without their knowledge or consent. If you receive information (ie tax forms, paperwork, benefits) from the VEC and you have not filed for benefits, immediately call 1-866-832-2363 or visit employer.vec.virginia.gov/eForms/ff04 to report fraud. Thank you for your help in fighting fraud.

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Active cases: 2

NNS employees vaccinated: 79%

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

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DATEBOOK APRIL 26

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 27

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.

APRIL 27

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.

APRIL 28

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.

APRIL 28

Shipbuilders interested in mastering presentation skills in a safe and welcoming environment are welcome to join the Spear and Gear Toastmasters Club at NNS. 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).

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

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!

MAY 3

As part of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the ASIAN employee resource group will host a private screening of the film “Everything, Everywhere, All At Once” at AMC Theatres in Hampton at 6:45 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to see Asian representation, storytellers and insight into the Asian American cultural experience. A limited number of complimentary seats are available to NNS employees on a first come, first served basis. If interested, contact Conlan Hsu via email by April 27. Disclaimer: This movie contains mature content, as well as strobing effects for photosensitive viewers.

SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept.

Engineer Lead Test 2 19286 E84 Fitter (Trainee, Entry-level & 18811, 18810, X11 Experienced) 18808, 18809 Outside Machinist (Trainee, 19591, 19592, X43 Entry-level & Experienced) 19595 Pipefitter (Trainee, 18981, 18984, X42 Entry-level & Experienced) 18985 Quality Analyst 3 19255 E81 Refueler (Experienced) 19594 X43 Software Development Analyst 19145 E25 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

Eligible

No

Eligible

No

Not Eligible Eligible Not Eligible Eligible

Yes 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

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.

MAY 12

The ASIAN employee resource group will host its annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month event, “Leveraging Asian Values in Your Career,” from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. in Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room). Panelists Sonia Gopal, Leah Colvin and Jonathan Calma will share how their cultural upbringings have influenced their careers. Registration for the event is available on MyNNS. Email ASIAN_ERG@hii-nns.com for more information.

This event is open to all shipbuilders. No charge will be provided.

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.

MAY 17

Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) will host a Leadership – Improvement through Empowerment Event from 12 until 12:30 p.m. Dr. Latitia McCane, director of Education at The Apprentice School, will be the speaker.

This WebEx event is open to all NNS employees. No charge will be provided. Register for this event on MyNNS. Email WiSEhamptonroads@hii-nns.com for more information.

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.

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: •

May 3

•

June 2

•

May 24

•

June 7

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