6 l 5 l 2017
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
CVN 78 Delivered to Navy Newport News Shipbuilding delivered Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) to the U.S. Navy on Wednesday, May 31. The announcement came after the carrier returned to its homeport in Norfolk following acceptance trials. “Today is a historic day for Newport News Shipbuilding and one that is personally rewarding for me,” said NNS President Matt Mulherin. “I’ve had the pleasure of watching our shipbuilders bring this great warship to life. From her first cut of steel to her final round of testing, Ford is proof of our shipbuilders’ exceptional skills and talents. I am proud of their innovation, perseverance and unwavering commitment that has built the most advanced aircraft carrier in the world. We are honored to deliver Gerald R. Ford to the... Photo by Matt Hildreth
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Employee Town Halls Commence READ PG 2
Rolf Bartschi Set to Retire June 30 In a letter sent to employees on June 1, Newport News Shipbuilding President Matt Mulherin announced Rolf Bartschi’s intention to retire on June 30, 2017. Bartschi is currently the vice president of Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Carrier Construction, and has been with the company for 36 years. The news comes after successful sea trials and delivery of CVN 78. In the letter, Mulherin noted that with this change, responsibility for the ship’s post-delivery work and Post Shakedown Availability will fall under Chris Miner, vice president of In-Service Carrier Programs. Dave Batdorf, CVN 78 program director, will support this work and will report to Miner. These changes become effective July 1. Read a letter from Mulherin announcing the organizational change on page 5 of this edition.