6 l 6 l 2022
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
U.S. Navy photo
Keel Laying Ceremony Held for District of Columbia General Dynamics Electric Boat laid the keel of submarine District of Columbia (SSBN 826) during a ceremony at its facility in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, on Saturday, June 4. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced Friday, June 3, that SSBN 826 would be named District of Columbia to alleviate any name conflicts with the already-commissioned Los Angelesclass submarine USS Columbia (SSN 771). District of Columbia is the first ship in the U.S. Navy’s new class of ballistic missile submarines. The Columbia class will replace the 14 Ohio-class submarines due to begin retiring from service in 2027. Newport News Shipbuilding is a principal subcontractor for the Columbia program and is constructing bow and stern modules. NNS President Jennifer Boykin spoke during the keel laying ceremony. “It’s hard to put into words what it means to build U.S. submarines. They are, after all, called the Silent Service for a reason, and we don’t usually get to talk about them publicly. With this submarine, there’s an even greater sense of responsibility that comes with knowing she will be the most survivable leg of our nation’s strategic triad,” she said. “To all the shipbuilders in the audience
today, and those watching back home at Newport News, thank you for answering the call to serve our nation as only you can. You represent a powerful deterrent for our country’s defense, and today is another great example of that.” During the ceremony, Electric Boat welder Maria Betance-Pizarro welded the initials of Ship’s Sponsor U.S. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton onto a plate that will be affixed to the submarine. Holmes Norton represents the District of Columbia in the U.S. House of Representatives. At a length of 560 feet and displacing 20,810 tons, District of Columbia will be the largest submarine ever built by the United States. Its reactor will not require refueling during the lifetime of planned service. In addition to its complement of missiles, the submarine will be armed with Mk 48 torpedoes and will feature superior acoustic performance and state-of-the-art sensors to make it the most capable and quiet submarine ever built. Construction of SSBN 826 is more than 20% complete and is scheduled for delivery in 2027. The Columbia class is expected to have a service life into the 2080s.
2 2
CURRENTS
6 | 6 | 2022
“Sailor of the Year” Has Special NNS Connection United Way Campaign Underway
Chief Select Logistics Specialist Romeika Dillingham, who serves on USS George Washington (CVN 73), recently earned an impressive honor. She was named Sailor of the Year for Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (CNAL).
The Newport News Shipbuilding 2022 United Way “Connected in Kindness” campaign runs through Friday, June 17. Dozens of local organizations that impact the health, education and financial stability of residents across the area benefit from United Way contributions.
“I never imagined this. My goal is to come to work every day to support the Navy’s mission,” Dillingham said. “I love to empower sailors because they are the heartbeat of the Navy. That’s all I was looking to do.”
Giving online through the Newport News Shipbuilding Gives application nns.yourcause.com is easy and provides greater transparency and access to donors’ contributions than ever before. Supporting United Way helps shipbuilders’ friends, neighbors and family members in need. To learn more about the campaign, visit the United Way website on MyNNS. Email unitedway@hii-nns.com to schedule a speaker from a United Way-supported nonprofit organization for meetings or events during the campaign. Learn about the United Way Women United and Emerging Leaders Society affinity groups by registering for the United Way Affinity Groups Lunch and Learn, which will be held from noon until 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15.
PREPARE NOW FOR HURRICANE SEASON
June 1 marked the beginning of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30. In the event inclement weather threatens the region, shipbuilders should call the Newport News Shipbuilding Employee Information Phone Line at 1-877-871-2058 or check the NNS to Go app, which is available for download in the Apple App and Google Play stores, for information regarding the status of shipyard operations. In addition to the phone line, employees are reminded of other NNS communication channels, including company email, social media (HII Facebook and Twitter pages and NNS President Jennifer Boykin’s Facebook page) and NNS websites. For information about how to prepare for storms and other emergencies, visit www.VAemergency.gov or www.ready.gov.
In the Navy for 11 years, Dillingham has been assigned to CVN 73 for more than two years as the aircraft carrier undergoes its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding. But her time on George Washington isn’t Dillingham’s only connection to NNS. Her husband, Jason Dillingham, is a lead general foreman in the ColumbiaClass Submarine Program and has been a shipbuilder for more than 12 years. However, the Dillinghams point out that they did not meet at work. They met the oldfashioned way – at the DMV. The husband and wife have embraced their work at the shipyard. “I think it’s amazing. Even though he works on submarines and I work on a carrier, we both cherish the fact that we serve our country in different facets and truly appreciate what the other does,” Romeika Dillingham said. “At the end of the day, the shipyard and the Navy are all one team. We’re trying to get this ship back to sea to do its job, and we could not do that without the expertise of these world-class shipbuilders.” Jason Dillingham – who was a welder before moving into leadership – said quality is always important for shipbuilders, but knowing his wife serves on ships built at NNS puts that value in “a different perspective.” “Before I met my wife, the first boat I ever worked on was USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Years later, my wife served on it, so I had direct correlation with her safety
on the boat since the welds are critical to the integrity of the ships,” he said. “Down the line, our kids could follow in our footsteps, and one of them could serve on a boat that I’ve worked on.” As leaders, both Dillinghams believe it’s important to lead with intent and to empower the sailors and shipbuilders on their teams. “I think what syncs us up together is our thinking on leadership and being servant-leaders to our people,” said Jason Dillingham. “I get to learn how the Navy operates from her, and she gets to learn how the shipyard operates from me. We can sort of ‘play tennis’ and use each other as a sounding board to lead in a better way.” The Dillinghams are parents of four and familiar with the pressures associated with being a military family and the importance of work-life balance. “This is truly a team effort on both ends. There are times when I’m out to sea, and he steps in and has to do everything. That’s why it’s important to have a good support system,” Romeika Dillingham said. “I can sleep peacefully at night because I know my kids are with their dad, and I know he is going to take care of them so I can go handle the mission and get back home.”
6 | 6 | 2022
CURRENTS 3
AROUND THE YARD NNS to Go Tobacco Free on July 11 Newport News Shipbuilding announced in April plans to become a tobacco-free employer in support of the No Fail Mission to improve performance and quality with a focus on the safety and health 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 have been collected to provide answers and address common concerns. Those who wish to quit tobacco use are encouraged to take advantage of tobacco cessation resources available through the company’s health and wellness benefits. Employees will not have to quit tobacco use to remain employed at NNS.
Honoring Fallen Veterans for Memorial Day The Veterans Employees Resource Group (VERG) joined American Legion Post 23 and other local groups to place flags on veterans’ tombstones Memorial Day weekend. The groups met at Peninsula Memorial Park, where 3,000 veterans are laid to rest. her with a challenging and fulfilling career as she is excited to be a part of something larger than herself and being able to work with her hands. She is thankful for this opportunity and plans to excel making her family and friends who have supported her proud. Ethan Moneymaker (X31) started his apprenticeship on April 4 as an electrician. Moneymaker plans to use this opportunity to be involved with student organizations that support The Apprentice School. He is interested in management and plans to excel at the school and NNS.
Pictured from left are Jessica Walker, Riley Cole, Angelica Jusino, Ethan Moneymaker, Ashleigh Stukes and Stan Best. Walker and Best are members of The Apprentice School Foundation Board.
Apprentice School Foundation Awards Scholarships The Apprentice School Foundation awarded $500 scholarships to the four apprentices listed below. Riley Cole (X18) started his apprenticeship on March 7 as a welder. Cole knew Newport News Shipbuilding was a great place to begin his career and apply the information learned in college. He jumped at the opportunity to attend The Apprentice School after being accepted as he has high interest in welding and the engineering field. Angelica Jusino (O38) started her apprenticeship on April 4 as a nondestructive tester. Jusino knew NNS and The Apprentice School would provide
Ashleigh Stukes (X33) started her apprenticeship on April 4 as an insulator. Stukes always wanted a position working at NNS. She plans to use this opportunity to succeed at The Apprentice School by working hard while being happy and showing gratitude to family, friends and her high school teachers for their support. The Apprentice School Foundation provides a taxdeductible opportunity for alumni, friends and community partners of The Apprentice School to help fund scholarships, historic preservation and community service projects that carry on the school’s legacy. The foundation awards scholarships annually. Visit www.tasfd.org for more information.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Active cases: 9
See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
4 2
CURRENTS
6 | 6 | 2022
DATEBOOK JUNE 8
The Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Community of Practice event scheduled for June 8 has been canceled. Look for more information in upcoming editions of Currents for events scheduled for August, October and December.
JUNE 8
Support the 2022 NNS United Way Campaign by visiting the Talbot Park Farmers Market, located at 6400 Newport Ave. in Norfolk, between 3 and 6 p.m. Participating market vendors Not Just Pies, Crunch on Snacks, Miami Fusion Catering and Simply Sweet Home Bakery will donate 10% of their sales to the NNS United Way campaign.
JUNE 9
The 2022 United Way campaign is underway. Join Engineering and Design for a virtual learning session on the impact of United Way from noon until 12:30 p.m. The speaker will be Traci Lynn Snyder from United Way. Register on MyNNS.
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
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.
JUNE 15
Join the Engineering and Design Change Agent Team from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a virtual learning session titled “Driving Engagement: Understanding Individual Needs.” The four drivers of employee engagement are basic needs, individual needs, teamwork and growth, but what do those actually mean? Join the team as they take a closer look at the meaning behind each driver and talk about ways to incorporate behaviors that leverage those drivers to build and sustain a more engaged workforce. Register on MyNNS.
JUNE 19
The African American Shipbuilders Association (AASA) is volunteering at a Juneteenth Festival hosted by Celebrate Healthcare at Darling Stadium (4111 Victoria Blvd., Hampton). This is a free event and open to the public. No charge will be provided. For more information, contact William Bond via email.
JUNE 22
The African American Shipbuilders Association (AASA) and the American Red Cross will host a Sickle Cell Anemia Blood Drive from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Bldg. 520 (James River Room). Donors can charge 1.5 hours to job order 0874-X. To register, visit www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive and enter sponsor code NNSBASA. For more information, contact William Bond via email.
JUNE 22
Join the Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) for a Familia Dinner from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. at Juan’s Mexican Café and Cantina at Peninsula Town Center in Hampton. This event is open to all employees and friends. Sign up on MyNNS by June 15. All food and beverage purchases are at your own expense. For more information, contact Andrew Hinojosa via email.
JUNE 25
Hampton Roads Pride is hosting Pridefest at Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk from 12 until 8 p.m. Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. to run the NNS booth. Sign up to volunteer on MyNNS or Contact J. Ariel Matthews via email.
JUNE 30
The Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) is reading “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey for its monthly book club series. Sign up on MyNNS to participate in the book club discussion from 5 until 6 p.m. Contact Samuel Byrne via email for more information.
More Than $53K Awarded for Employee Referrals this Year Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition, in partnership with Accounting, has processed more than $53,000 in employee referral cash bonus awards since the beginning of 2022. To date, 56 NNS employees have received cash bonus awards for referring a candidate who was hired by NNS. “I’m thrilled by the success of the program” said Cindi Wolfe, director of Talent Acquisition. “It’s exciting to see so many of our employees participate and become employee brand ambassadors to their friends and family looking for new jobs.” Employees can earn $500 to $5,000 for referring someone hired to select salaried and trades positions. More information about the REFER program, including guidelines, how to participate, and eligible jobs for cash bonus awards is available at huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refer-afriend.
MULHERIN NAMED L.E.A.R.N. EXECUTIVE SPONSOR
Learning Expanding Achieving Results Networking (L.E.A.R.N) welcomes Matt Mulherin Jr. as its new executive sponsor. He currently serves as vice president of Contracts and was appointed to his position in 2022. Mulherin is a second-generation shipbuilder who began his career at Newport News Shipbuilding as a financial analyst in 2004. He is a champion of continuous learning and personal and professional growth, which makes him the perfect sponsor for L.E.A.R.N. “I’m excited to join the L.E.A.R.N. team. The organization’s mission is critically important for individual growth and organizational success,” Mulherin said. L.E.A.R.N. looks forward to partnering with him to broaden the knowledge of NNS employees through exposure to a variety of divisional operations and information. For more information, visit the L.E.A.R.N. website on MyNNS.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept. Aerospace Engineer 4 19274 E46 Corporate Mgr. Tax 19890 N365 Accounting 3 Corporate Tax Accountant 4 14464 N365 Jr. 3D Animations Designer 12693 O36 Metallurgist/Engineer Material 15372 A572 Process 3 Patternmaker 2 17371 M71 Software Development 19145 E25 Analyst 3 Sr. Undersea Systems Engineer 21648 E35
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Employee Referral Cash Bonus Eligible Not Eligible
Remote Work Considered Yes Yes
Not Eligible Not Eligible Eligible
Yes Yes No
Not Eligible Not Eligible
No Yes
Not Eligible
Yes
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.