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NNS Hosting Events Focused on Employee Well-Being
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Newport News Shipbuilding is hosting employee events this week focused on employee well-being and reminding shipbuilders of the mission-critical role they play in support of the U.S. Navy. An Enable Our Workforce virtual lunch and learn focused on the impact of employee well-being in the workplace will be held via WebEx from noon until 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 25. Shipbuilders can RSVP on MyNNS. A special video – created by NNS’ Engagement, Diversity and Engagement (ED&I) Champions – is available on MyNNS and the NNS to Go app for those who are unable to attend the lunch and learn. Work is underway to allow Newport News Shipbuilding to build and transport larger modules for Virginia-class submarines. Photo by Aaron Pritchett
Preparing for the Future
NNS also will host advance screenings of “Top Gun: Maverick,” Wednesday, May 25, and Thursday, May 26, for 800 employees from across the company.
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The Virginia-Class Submarine Program at Newport News Shipbuilding recently celebrated a milestone that involved an American flag, a small tree and the promise of bigger things to come. NNS is expanding the Modular Outfitting Facility (MOF) to accommodate larger Virginiaclass submarines, including the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), an 84-foot section that will allow each submarine to launch additional missiles. In early May, workers placed the final steel on top of the expanded structure, and shipbuilders commemorated the event with a topping out ceremony – marking the steel placement with a U.S. flag and a small tree, symbolic of bringing life to the building. More work is needed before the expansion is complete, which is expected in early 2023. Contractors must enclose the building and install the mega-doors. Outfitting of electrical and mechanical systems will continue through the rest of this year. Engineering Manager Davis Hill (O41) and X82 Superintendent Jeff Maffett are helping to oversee the project. The expansion consists of a 200-foot extension of the four existing construction bays to accommodate the VPM, which will be included on future Block V submarines. Additionally, Bays 2 and 3 are being upgraded to support final assembly and testing. Currently, only Bays 1 and 4 are capable of performing these activities prior to moving submarines to the Floating Dry Dock for launch. In related work, the VCS Ocean Transport Barge (OTB) berth is nearing completion, aiming for a June commissioning in conjunction with NNS’ partner in the VCS program, General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut. This project will allow NNS to receive... CONTINUED ON PG 2
The Apprentice School baseball team returns to NNS with the national championship trophy.
Apprentice School Baseball Team Wins National Championship The Apprentice School Builders baseball team won seven elimination games to win the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) national championship last week. The team rallied back to win the championship game 23-17 after being down 13 runs at one point against Miami University Hamilton. Visit GoBuilders.com to read more.
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NNS Hosting Events Focused on Employee Well-Being
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The movie – which will be released to the general public Friday, May 27 – features scenes filmed on NNS-built USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Screenings will be held at different times to accommodate employees on all three shifts. Divisions are handling ticket distribution.
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Preparing for the Future CONTINUED FROM PG 1
...larger submarine modules from Electric Boat via barge. The ongoing work at the MOF and OTB is extensive, but it has not affected submarine critical path work, which has included two christenings and two rollouts to launch. Once completed, the expansion will provide more space on the construction floor, two quality of life rooms and improved lighting, both in quantity and quality, through LED
lighting. The VCS Program has seen expansions in previous years. However, this one was particularly challenging. Older projects such as the Rafted Module Facility and the Supplemental Module Outfitting Facility involved new construction. But the MOF extension has introduced new construction and technology to 1980s-era building, requiring many upgrades along the way.
In addition to the advance screenings, NNS is providing ticket vouchers for 1,200 employees to view “Top Gun: Maverick” at their convenience while it is still showing in AMC Theatres. Divisions also are handling ticket voucher distribution. “These events provide meaningful opportunities for team building and development to enhance team comradery and trust, and commitment to our mission and purpose,” said Xavier Beale, vice president of Human Resources and Trades.
High School Seniors Choose NNS and The Apprentice School Newport News Shipbuilding and The Apprentice School participated in the Good Life Solution Career Selection Day Ceremony with high school seniors May 12. A total of 33 students accepted offers at NNS – including 22 who will begin full-time entry-level trade positions and 11 who will attend The Apprentice School. The Good Life Solution Program is a collection of partnerships between the New Horizons Career and Technical Education Center and local employers looking to improve the way they recruit, hire, train and retain entry-level new hires out of high school. Watch a video on MyNNS to hear more about the Good Life Solution Program from some of the students who received offers at NNS; New Horizons leadership; and Xavier Beale, vice president of Human Resources and Trades.
USS West Point (AP 23), the former passenger liner SS America, leaves Newport News Shipbuilding in June 1941 after conversion to a troop transport. NNS photo archive
NNS-Built Passenger Liner Served in WWII Newport News Shipbuilding is known for its aircraft carriers and submarines, but even its non-military ships helped serve the nation in times of war. Eighty-one years ago this week, SS America, an NNS-built passenger liner designed by famed naval architect William Francis Gibbs, was pressed into military service by the U.S. Navy. Used as a troop transport, it was renamed USS West Point (AP 23) and commissioned on June 15, 1941. Enlisting in the Navy required a few changes. America’s rooms and suites sported a contemporary and informal look, the work of the women-led interior design firm of Smyth, Urquhart and Marckwald. Their work gave way to a camouflage paint pattern and anti-aircraft guns, according to Navy historical records. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was still several months away, and the United
States was officially neutral as the ship entered naval service. But with war raging in Europe, the ship helped transport British soldiers as part of a convoy to reinforce the Middle East. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, West Point served as a workhorse throughout World War II. Even before its military conversion, the ship was touched by war. Two civilian members of America’s crew were later found to be German spies. Both left the ship before the Navy took over and were later arrested as part of the Duquesne Spy Ring. According to FBI records, one was Erwin Wilhelm Siegler, the chief butcher aboard the ship. The second was Franz Joseph Stigler, who tried to recruit amateur radio operators in the U.S. to communicate information to German radio stations. Both men served time in prison.
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AROUND THE YARD New Facilitation and Continuous Improvement 101 Course Industrial, Mechanical, and Systems Engineering (IMSE) hosted the first 40-hour Facilitation and Continuous Improvement 101 course at Newport News Shipbuilding in April. The training was custom built to offer both new and seasoned shipbuilders a high-level overview of the skills and methodologies used to successfully facilitate meetings, projects and events at NNS along with a high-level overview of continuous improvement and how it helps the company improve quality, increase customer satisfaction and reduce waste inherent to processes, products and services. The course, which was sponsored by IMSE Director Dannon Butts, was created and presented by Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Michael Lynk, also of IMSE. “I sought permission to deliver this course as a tangible means to give something back to a company that has blessed me with so much during my career. I sincerely hope it will help NNS shipbuilders better enable our workforce, transform our business operations, execute efficiently, and lead the way,” Lynk said. Butts challenged the class to “be visible for your department and a voice for people with ideas,” during the kickoff. “The class was a pleasure to attend, and I will be encouraging many more people to sign up,” said Dakota Cunningham (K49). Another participant, Sean James (O06), called the course material and the entire experience
Pictured from left in the front row are Hannah Moonis (O52), Haijun Ramoundos (O06) and Ian McKinney (E44). Pictured from left in the middle row are Dakota Cunningham (K49), Gerald Miller Jr. (X51), Kyle Elmore (O45), Braden Troy Wilson (O06), Monica Schnautz (O06) and Kelsey Broussard (O06). Pictured from left in the back row are Michael Lynk (X51), Ronita Yohe (K93), Taiwana Holley (O79), Dylan Hogge (O43), Lynley Burton (X10), Aronya Fuller (O52), Sean James (O06), Jason Liu (X51) and Ashley Hill (K22).
“very informational and beneficial.” Facilitation and Continuous Improvement 101 will be offered quarterly.
Hampton Roads’ COVID-19 Community Level Rises to Medium The majority of Hampton Roads and its surrounding counties are experiencing increases in COVID-19 cases and are now in the medium COVID-19 community level, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a result, employees are encouraged to practice COVID-19 safety measures as a precaution. Social distancing and wearing a face mask are encouraged to slow the spread of the virus, especially for those who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised or at risk for severe illness. In addition, social gatherings held outdoors offer more ventilation and room for social distancing.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Active cases: 20 See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
Those hosting or attending Memorial Day weekend events are encouraged to consider outdoor gatherings. As a reminder, Newport News Shipbuilding’s COVID Hotline is available for employees to schedule a COVID-19 test at NNS’ testing site due to symptoms or exposure or to report a positive test result from a medical provider. The testing site is located at 1246 Merchant Lane in Hampton. Before visiting the site, employees must contact the COVID Hotline at 1-844-243-8749 and use the following options: •
Option 4: To schedule a test at the
NNS testing site due to symptoms or exposure from a close contact, or to report a positive test result. •
Option 3: To report an updated returnto-work date that you have obtained from a doctor or medical facility.
Employees who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should notify their supervisor. Do not come to work if you feel sick, and call the COVID Hotline, option 4. For general information about NNS COVID-19 policies, review the COVID 411 site. For medical advice, please contact your primary care provider.
Parking and Transportation Updates As a reminder, 250 parking spaces are available at Bldg. 600 in the corner by 44th Street and Madison Avenue. Employees with any Newport News Shipbuilding hangtag can park at this location. NNS shuttles are operating from the Bldg. 600 parking lot to 50th, 46th, 43rd and 31st streets between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A constant loop is running from 5 until 8 a.m. and from 2 until 5 p.m. Outside of the hours for the constant loop, employees should call the NNS taxi at 757-262-6516 for a ride to the parking lot. All employees should ensure that their zone hangtag is clearly visible when parked on company property. Vehicles without a hangtag and those not parked in their assigned zone are subject to towing. For more information, visit the Parking and Transportation website or email ParkingSolutions@hii-nns.com.
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DATEBOOK MAY 16- JUNE 3
The Generational Integration Focus Team (GIFT) is partnering with the Salvation Army of the Virginia Peninsula to host 25 children in the Summer Day Camp Program. Shipbuilders can support the effort by donating snacks listed on the flyer in a drop-off box in the Bldg. 520 lobby. For more information, contact Paula Young at 688-7634 or Cassandra Bonner at 534-3416.
MAY 25 AND JUNE 1
Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is hosting open interviews for entry-level and trainee fitter (X11) and welder (X18) positions on May 25 and June 1 at the NNS Employment Office at NetCenter (Suite 176). Job seekers may stop by from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for the opportunity to apply on-site, interview and receive an “on the spot” job offer if qualified. Job seekers may also apply in advance to reqs 18810, 18811, 18845 or 18846 at buildyourcareer.com.
MAY 26
Spear and Gear Toastmasters welcomes all shipbuilders to a virtual Toastmasters meeting on at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Those interested will hear Brandon Jones (E63) deliver a presentation on the “Effect of Sleep on Overall Health and Productivity” and Taylor Chamberlain (E91) deliver a presentation on “49 Degrees North: History and Oddities of the U.S.-Canada Border.” Both are a part of the research and presentation project in the Presentation Mastery educational path. Toastmasters is a safe and welcoming environment for those seeking to enhance their communication and leadership skills. For Zoom information and to RSVP contact Tammy Smith (N358), Paul Gee Jr. (O52) or Jamar Skyles (E03) at NNS or Taylor Chamberlain (E91) at KSO.
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 1
Join Shipbuilders Together Realizing Inclusion, Diversity, & Equality (STRIDE) and Ingalls Shipbuilders Equality Alliance (ISEA) for an engaging panel event on gender, sex and sexual orientation from 4:30 until 5:30 pm via Zoom. Panelists from NNS, Ingalls and local community organizations will discuss topics ranging from terminology to current events. Register on MyNNS. Contact J. Ariel Matthews via email for further details.
JUNE 4
FitNNS will attend a Lionsbridge FC game at 7 p.m. at TowneBank Stadium. Contact Kat Henry (X74) via email or at 757-586-7956 for a 20% off coupon code.
JUNE 7
The Apprentice School is hosting a recruiting event on at Applebee’s (Bldg. 227) from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. to provide information about the school’s admissions and transfer process. A representative will be on-site to answer questions, provide information about The Apprentice School, review unofficial transcripts (if provided), and offer guidance based on a review of transcripts. Learn the benefits of attending The Apprentice School and information about Night School. No charge will be provided. Employees should stop by during their lunch break or before/after their shift.
JUNE 10
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.
JUNE 14
The Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) and the Department of Veterans Affairs will host a Suicide Awareness discussion from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. Megan Flaherty, suicide prevention coordinator for the Hampton VA Medical Center, will provide information. This is a WebEx event and open to all NNS employees. No charge will be provided. Register on MyNNS. For more information, email VERG@hii-nns.com.
JUNE 15
Pictured on the front row from left are Jennifer Dunn, Nicholas Langhorne, Lauren Shuck and Aaron Pritchett.
Shipbuilders Steering the Way Lauren Shuck (O29), Aaron Pritchett (O29) and Nicholas Langhorne (O29) were honored with Level One On-the-Spot Ethics Awards for taking action to ensure safety and security protocols were being maintained during tours at Newport News Shipbuilding. Jennifer Dunn, vice president of Communications, thanked Shuck, Pritchett and Langhorne for raising concerns and presented their awards.
FitNNS and SHIPs Network will host a night at the Peninsula Pilots baseball game at 7 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium. Contact Kat Henry (X74) via email or at 757-586-7956 to register.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept. Aeroacoustics CFD/ 19274 E46 Engineer Mechanical 4 Electrical Systems 2 18425 K73 (Risk Manager) Engineer Electromechanical 4 21214 E70 Engineer Lead Test 3 20027 E25 Fitter (Trainee, Entry-level & 18811, 18810, X11 Experienced) 18808, 18809 HII Mechanical – Production 18930 N910 Planner & Scheduler 3 Industrial Hygienist 4 20252 O27 Metallurgist/Engineer 15372 A572 Material Process 3 Software Development 19145 E25 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 Eligible
Remote Work Considered Yes
Not Eligible
Yes
Eligible Eligible Eligible
Yes No No
Not Eligible
No
Not Eligible Eligible
No No
Not Eligible
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.
LONG SERVICE Master Shipbuilders with 40 years of dedicated service April • 2022
Michael Burns Ken Chesson Michael Connell Mark Creamer Doug Crockett
Steve Dartt Chris Davis W. J. Edwards III James Evans Gary Fuller
Jonathan Harris Paul Hodges Russell Holland Jimmy Leary Edward Lemon
Ed Lilley Kenton Meland Michael Munday Pamela Olson Kevin Parcetich
Glenn Pruitt W. Lee Simmons Craig Simons E. L. “P-Nut” Swilley Michael Taylor
Kevin Thomas James B. Wheless Dwight Wilson Henry Wilson Marty Womack
APRIL • LONG SERVICE 50 YEARS Wayne Ellison O53 Johnnie Rainey X18 45 YEARS Ronnelle Ames X11 James Kearney K47 Frank Kelsey Jr. X18 Garnell Melvin O26 Howard Smith X24 Rene Thomas O69 Joanne Ward O53 Preston Wilson O43 Don Wynn X18 40 YEARS Kenneth Bazemore O43 Michael Burns E22
Kenneth Chesson E83 Carla Coleman E92 Michael Connell O68 Ronald Creamer X71 Douglas Crockett X74 Stephen Dartt O55 Robert Davis O22 William Edwards III X11 James Evans X42 Gary Fuller K70 Peter Gravely X62 Jonathan Harris X18 Paul Hodges E84 Russell Holland Jr. X18 Jimmy Leary N960 Edward Lemon X18 John Lilley Jr. O67 Kenton Meland M10
Michael Munday K48 Pamela Olson E25 Kevin Parcetich E92 Glenn Pruitt O53 Donna Reavis X44 William Simmons X36 Joseph Simons K45 Terry Stall X43 Bruce Stinson O26 Elmer Swilley X11 Michael Taylor X43 Kevin Thomas O39 James Wheless O39 Dwight Wilson K48 Henry Wilson X36 Marty Womack X15
35 YEARS Mark Davis M10 Gary Mccullough E18 30 YEARS Stacey Chestnut O64 Demetria Futrell X73 25 YEARS Myron Bowers E85 Joseph Charland O05 William Crow E81 Victor Goss E12 Alton Harris M30 Todd Heberling K93 Nancy Hill E70 George Incheck E70 Timothy Kelly E85
Kevin Laliberty E82 Henry Moore Jr. X11 William Nelson M53 Ronald Reavis E85 Matthew Rinck T56 David Trull T55 Bernard Williams E85 Jon Williams T54 Michael Williams K46 20 YEARS Russell Ames X24 Hugo Belfiore N960 Travis Bivins X67 Sonya Boone O53 Denver Bostic Jr. X18 Julie Coke O41 Andrew Copeland T52
Valentino Crawford Jr. X41 Vernon Dickens X18 Thomas Evans K45 Benjamin Hammer O98 David Hendricks E64 William Henley E25 James Horner X21 Andrew King X82 Kevin King X36 Theodore Lemon O53 Thomas Ligon O43 Antoine Manson Bey X18 Charles Mcbride X24 Larry Schmitz K23 Steve Slater E24 Shirley Spell O53 Michael Wilder X18
RETIREMENTS Carlton Bacon X73 Robert Balas T56 Gilbert Bartlett X31 Carson Boone O21 Gayron Boone X31 Paul Clear E68
Jackie Everett E82 Janice Fritz N356 David Hamm X02 John Hoffler X33 Brian Ingram O48 Jay Kang X18
Anthony Mabry X31 William Mann O58 Daniel Newman M40 Glenn Norcutt O64 Carl Normandeau E21 Bernard Novakoski E92
Annie Parker X31 David Pearce E20 Michael Peters E70 Sharon Pierce X64 Matthew Prasky O39 Akeem Pretlow X36
Frances Robinson X33 Steven Schmitt O05 Richard Shelton E70 Richard Sherman O46 Keith Sutton T54 Aaron Whitaker X32
Phillip Williams X43