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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Aaron Pritchett
New Pier Will Support Columbia Program A new pier now under construction in the North Yard will be a crucial piece in the Columbia-Class Submarine Program, where Newport News Shipbuilding plays a major supporting role.
But that simple description doesn’t do justice to the complexity and breadth of this project. It’s been a rewarding experience for Aaron T. Kenny, the O41 facilities engineer overseeing the work.
Construction began about a year ago on the pier, which is just north of Dry Dock 12. It will allow NNS to load Columbia submarine modules onto a barge for transport to General Dynamics Electric Boat, the prime contractor for the program.
“We’re building the largest modules we’ve ever shipped out, and we’re utilizing a whole new design for something to carry these modules,” he said. “The engineering being done is amazing.” The new pier will accommodate an Electric
Boat barge that is nearly 400 feet long, big enough to carry modules for what will be the Navy’s largest-ever submarine. Once assembled, Columbia-class submarines will be slightly longer than the Washington Monument is tall. The barge will not use typical mooring lines to remain at the pier. As Kenny explained, the barge has two transom arms that will lock the barge into place. A pair of pins embedded in the pier will work in concert with the transom arms.
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Shipbuilders Complete Milestone on USS Boise The team of shipbuilders involved in overhaul work on USS Boise (SSN 764) recently removed the Los Angeles-class submarine’s shaft – a major milestone.
“This was a huge evolution for the Boise itself,” said Construction Supervisor David Lemon. “Most of us had never seen or done this before, Shipbuilders work to remove the shaft of USS Boise (SSN 764).
and to come together and perform it a couple of days early on schedule with no major flaws or safety concerns is just outstanding. It’s a testament to the foremen and mechanics. They took a lot of pride in their work.” Removing the about 60-foot-long shaft was a coordinated effort that included shipbuilders from multiple trades. CONTINUED ON PG 2
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Shipbuilders Complete Milestone on USS Boise CONTINUED FROM PG 1
That includes X36 Foreman Steven Parker and his rigging and crane crew that did the heavy lifting for the shaft, which weighs about 70,000 pounds. X43 Foreman Jesus Roman Bosch said most of the shipbuilders on his team did not have experience doing this type of work, but he was proud of how they all came together to successfully complete the job. “I’ve got two guys who are experienced out of the eight or nine that we have. They all jumped in and really learned a lot working through different problems, and they never gave up,” he said. “Everybody just came in and did an awesome job.”
Shipbuilders from multiple trades worked together to remove the shaft on USS Boise (SSN 764). Photo by Ashley Cowan
One challenge the team encountered involved equipment that was needed for the evolution. During a pre-inspection, X31 shipbuilders discovered deficiencies that needed to be corrected for the equipment to be operated safely.
O64 Superintendent Ken Rodney said the success of the evolution depended on every shipbuilder who took part. “In a nutshell, it was the cohesiveness, the teamwork, the communication with everybody and knowing who’s doing what and when,” he said. “We had a good plan, and the team executed that plan well.”
very quickly and make the equipment safe to use again,” said X31 Foreman Michael Barnes. “My guys completely went out of their area of responsibility and got things back online quickly with no issues. That was a big deal.”
The shaft removal was part of ongoing early production period (EPP) work on Boise to prepare the submarine for an extended overhaul. “Right now, we are full-speed ahead – taking things apart and doing all the work we can in the EPP period,” Rodney said.
“We were able to correct those deficiencies
New Pier Will Support Columbia Program CONTINUED FROM PG 1
The modules will be moved from the Joint Manufacturing Assembly Facility (JMAF), transported down 65th Street and carefully rolled on the barge, which has a series of ballast tanks for stability and proper weight distribution.
Columbia-class submarines are a priority for the Navy. They will replace the aging Ohioclass submarines as the most survivable leg of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. The program is high profile, and NNS’ new pier is gradually getting attention, too.
That entire process will take a full day, Kenny said.
The pier work is one of several expansion projects taking place at NNS. Its construction can be seen when crossing the
James River Bridge, and Kenny said they regularly get questions about the pier. “We get a lot of people taking a look at it,” he said. “It is definitely fascinating to be a part of the Columbia program and getting those modules up to our partners at Electric Boat.”
U.S. Secretary of Labor Visits The Apprentice School Newport News Shipbuilding welcomed U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott last week for a tour of The Apprentice School. Xavier Beale, vice president of Human Resources and Trades, and Apprentice School Director of Education Latitia McCane led the tour through training demonstrations and classrooms, where Walsh and Scott were able to interact with trainers and apprentices, including first-day students.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh speaks to apprentices in a classroom at The Apprentice School. Photo by Ashley Cowan
“The Apprentice School is a model of how successful partnerships, scaling up apprenticeships, and upskilling can create a stronger, more prepared workforce of the 21st century,” Walsh said.
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AROUND THE YARD NNS to Undergo Security Review in September Watch Focus NNS The latest edition of Focus NNS showcases the shipbuilders who are helping to bring Enterprise (CVN 80) to life as the legendary name lives on. It also takes viewers along as shipbuilders volunteer in the community and provides quite a view of New Jersey (SSN 796), as the Virginia-class submarine made her move to the James River in preparation for sea trials.
Fundraising Updates Newport News Shipbuilding employees and their associated fundraising events play a significant role in support of nonprofits and citizens in our community. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted fundraising both inside and outside of the shipyard due to restrictions on social gatherings. Now, COVID-19 safety protocols have been eased, in-person fundraisers are permitted and NNS fundraiser guidelines have been revised to adhere to post-pandemic protocols. Upcoming NNS-sponsored events include the 2022 United Way Campaign from June 6-17; the School Tools Drive from Aug. 1-12; and the Holiday Food Drive from Nov. 7-18. Fundraisers for NNSsponsored and non-sponsored events must be approved by the Corporate Citizenship Office (corporatecitizenship@nns-hii.com) as well as division vice presidents.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Active cases: 6 See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
Newport News Shipbuilding has been formally notified by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) that the company will undergo a security review during the week of September 12-16. This security review will assess the effectiveness of the overall security posture of NNS’ industrial security programs to validate compliance with the 32 Code of Federal Regulation Part 117, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). This security review will focus on all security-related matters and capabilities – including physical, personnel, industrial, information protection and operations security; foreign business; cybersecurity; and need-to-know. While all areas of NNS are subject to review, the focus areas selected for assessment will primarily center on classified holdings and computer systems
throughout the complex, including the shipyard and external buildings. The DCSA security review can tour facilities during first, second and third shifts. To be better prepared and informed for this security review, employees should review the Security Newsflash on MyNNS. The DCSA security review team may select any employee for an interview. Employees should limit their responses to what is requested only and answer each question fully. Remember to always be polite, professional and fully cooperative with DCSA representatives. With the help and engagement of employees, NNS can demonstrate its full security competencies, capabilities and compliance, and in turn match its 2016 superior rating every time.
Tobacco-Free Policy Frequently Asked Questions Newport News Shipbuilding announced plans to become a tobacco-free workplace in support of the No Fail Mission to improve performance across every organization and every team with a focus on the health and safety of shipbuilders and the work environment. As a result, beginning July 11, NNS will prohibit the use of tobacco products on company property and during company time. To help employees prepare for the change, frequently asked questions are available via the NNS to Go app to provide answers and address common concerns. Employees are also encouraged to take advantage of tobacco cessation programs available through the company’s health and wellness benefits.
Mental Health Resources Available May is Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness each year. As a reminder, Newport News Shipbuilding employees and their families have access to free, confidential mental health professionals through HII’s HERO Program. To access the program, visit hiihero.com (using access code ‘Huntington Ingalls’) or call 1-855-400-9185.
COVID-19 Testing Site Moves to Hampton Newport News Shipbuilding’s COVID-19 testing site has moved to 1246 Merchant Lane in Hampton. The new facility, located in Peninsula Town Center, allows NNS to reconfigure the old Apprentice School gym for athletic use and gives QuadMed dedicated space to perform COVID-19 testing. Parking is available in the nearby JCPenney lot and in the Cunningham parking garage on Cary Street. QuadMed’s testing protocol covers employees who have symptoms of COVID-19, as well as those who have come in close contact with someone who has the virus, either at work or in the community. Employees must contact the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-844-243-8749, option 4, before visiting the testing site. The site does not offer COVID-19 vaccinations.
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DATEBOOK MAY 11
Please join FitNNS as it brings attention to mental health by wearing green on May 11. Group photos will be taken at Bldgs. 903, 600 and 872, Brooks Crossing and Dorothy at 12:05 p.m. If you’re unable to make it to a group photo, send your own individual or group photos to FitNNS@hii-nns.com. As a reminder, photos must be taken on an approved NNS device by an employee who is approved to take photos at NNS (has a camera icon on their badge). Photos should not be taken on ships or platens and cannot show Navy work (ships, units, etc.), drawings or company badges.
MAY 12
MAY 28
The Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) is teaming up with the local American Legion Post 25 and other local organizations to place American flags on the tombstones of our veterans at Peninsula Memorial Park, located at 12750 Warwick Blvd. in Newport News, from 7 a.m. until noon. If you and your family can spare one to two hours, please come out and show your support. Register for a shift at nns.yourcause.com. Volunteers can also sign up to help remove flags from 7 a.m. until noon on May 31. Contact Michael Altrogge via email for further details.
JUNE 10
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.
The 17th annual F. Farrell Sanders Apprentice Athletic Club Golf Tournament will be held at Ford’s Colony Country Club. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and there will be a 10 a.m. shotgun start. To learn more and sign up, visit https://one.bidpal.net/aacgolf/welcome. Contact Kimberly Jordan-Dillard via email or at 757-371-4127 for more information.
MAY 12
Join The Apprentice School Student Association at Kingsmill Resort at 7:30 a.m. for its first golf tournament in support of breast cancer awareness. The entry fee will be $100 per person, with teams of four. Each team must include at least one apprentice or alumnus to participate. Lunch will be provided along with raffles and giveaways. We hope to see you on the course. RSVP at ApprenticeStudents.com/events. For more information, contact Jessica Lawson via email or at 757-703-6090.
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. A catered reception with snacks and refreshments will follow the event. 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.
JULY 30
BeWell For Life 5K is This Weekend; Register by May 10 The BeWell for Life 5K, formerly the NNS 5K, will have in-person and virtual options this year. The in-person event is at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at Victory Landing Park in Newport News. The virtual event is May 14 and 15. Participants should register by Tuesday, May 10. Shipbuilders can bring family and friends to walk, jog or run to the finish line of this 3.1mile race. Kids activities and a vendor expo will be available before the event. Registration for the in-person event is $15 for adults and $10 for youth and includes a T-shirt. There is no registration fee for the virtual event, which does not include a T-shirt. Learn more and register at myquadmed.com/BeWell5K.
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.
MAY 25
Join the Enable Our Workforce Virtual Roadshow lunch and learn from 12 until 12:30 via WebEx. The lunch and learn will focus on the impacts of employee well-being in the workplace. Register on MyNNS. For those unable to attend the event, six-minute animated video (closed caption) will be played on monitors during lunch shifts throughout the yard.
STAY SURVEYS
The Human Resources and Administration team is establishing ways Newport News Shipbuilding can be more intentional with employee retention and attracting new talent. To help guide this process, stay surveys are being sent to all employees starting with the salaried workforce. Salaried employees received a message from Gallup with a link to the survey last week. Feedback will help create a work environment that inspires shipbuilders to be their best as NNS works to retain current employees and attract new talent. Once dates for hourly survey are determined, information will be cascaded to employees.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept. Compensation Analyst 4 15008 O23 Electrical Systems 2 18425 K73 (Risk Manager) Engineer Electrical 3 13545 E63 Engineer Electrical 4 11346 E70 Engineer Electromechanical 4 11087 E44 Engineer Lead Test 2 19286 E84 Engineer Material Process 3 15372 A572 (Metallurgist) Engineer Mechanical 4 19274 E46 (Aeroacoustics CFD) Fitter (Trainee, Entry-level & 18811, 18810, X11 Experienced) 18808, 18809 Quality Analyst 3 19255 E81 Software Development 19145 E45 Analyst 3 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 Not Eligible
Remote Work Considered Yes Yes
Eligible Eligible Eligible Not Eligible Eligible
No Yes No No No
Eligible
Yes
Eligible
No
Not Eligible Not Eligible
No Yes
Eligible
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.