5 | 2 | 2022
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Ashley Cowan
NNS Launches New Jersey (SSN 796) Virginia-class submarine New Jersey (SSN 796) was recently launched into the James River at Newport News Shipbuilding. The 7,800-ton submarine, which had been in a floating dry dock since being transferred from the Modular Outfitting Facility (MOF) in March, was submerged and moved by tugboats to a pier for final outfitting, testing and crew certification. “Achieving this construction milestone is a very rewarding event to our shipbuilding team,” said Jason Ward, vice president of Virginia-Class Submarine Construction. “Our shipbuilders
and suppliers have dedicated years of hard work to this critical capability that will maintain our customer’s undersea superiority. We now look forward to executing our waterborne test program, and working toward sea trials so we can deliver to the Navy.” Through the teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat, approximately 10,000 shipbuilders, as well as suppliers from 50 states, have participated in New Jersey’s construction since the work began in 2016. New Jersey is approximately 92% complete. Watch a time-lapse video on MyNNS to see SSN 796 moving to the Floating Dry Dock, being launched and being transported to a pier.
Benefits Annual Enrollment Ends Friday, May 6 Benefits annual enrollment is underway through Friday, 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 Friday, 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. For help choosing the right benefits, employees can visit ALEX at myalex.com/hii/2022. Benefit elections will take effect July 1. To enroll in benefits, log on to UPoint from hiibenefits.com. Select “Make Your Annual Enrollment Choices” and then select “Research and Enroll.” Then, review benefits and make selections. Once finished, click “Confirm Choices.” To enroll by phone, call the HII Benefits Center at 1-877-216-3222.