5 | 7 | 2018
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Matt Hildreth
NNS Unveils Monument Honoring Fallen Workers
HII Family Vision Center Opens
A new monument honoring workers who died or were injured on the job is on display at Newport News Shipbuilding. Shipbuilders unveiled the monument at the three Workers’ Memorial Day ceremonies on April 30. A ceremony was held during lunch on every shift. “This monument, showing a walnut base, bronze boots and a hard hat, was created to serve as a constant reminder of our shipbuilders’ sacrifice, life, dedication and hard work,” said Willie Hayes, director for Submarine Construction in Structural Fabrication and Assembly.
The HII Family Vision Center celebrated its grand opening May 1. Operated by VSP, Huntington Ingalls Industries’ vision insurance provider, the vision center offers comprehensive eye care and a full retail section with eyeglasses, safety glasses, contact lenses and more.
“We put everything we had into making this monument something special for employees and family to see,” Hudgins said. “We wanted to build something that would remind everyone of the importance of working safely.”
“It’s very convenient since it’s right across the street from the shipyard,” said Charles Spivey, president of the United Steelworkers union. Spivey and Linwood Parrish, vice president of the United Steelworkers union, toured the vision center and met the staff at the grand opening. “It’s great to hear they don’t have to dilate your eyes when you do an eye exam. It gets you back to work faster.”
Dru Branche, director of Environmental Health and Safety, spoke at the second-shift ceremony and emphasized the importance of safety while working in an industrial environment. She said safety has improved significantly at NNS in the last few years. “Last year we closed out with about 900 injuries,” she said. “It’s one of our best years to date. I’m proud safety is better, but if you are part of the 900, it’s still way too many.”
An optometrist and opticians are on-staff to offer eye exams, treatment for eye conditions, frame fitting and more. The vision center is open to all HII employees and dependents and offers in-network rates to individuals...
The monument is currently located in the lobby of the Supplemental Modular Outfitting Facility (SMOF). It will move to different locations, including other lobbies and production areas. The patternmakers who built it include Chris Perry, George LaFrance, Zachary Hudgins and Zane Haden.
CONTINUED ON PG 4
CONTINUED ON PG 4