Getting “Immersed” in Shipbuilding 6 | 15 | 2015
On June 1, Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition (O20) and Production and Maintenance Skills Training (O26) welcomed local active duty U.S. Navy service members who serve as military career counselors to the shipyard for the first “Military Immersion Experience.”
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
CONTINUED ON PG 2
Twenty-eight students from Booker T. Washington Middle School were recognized during the GEMS year-end ceremony June 4.
Shipbuilder Strong Program Continues to Roll Out More than 5,500 production employees are now “Shipbuilder Strong.” The yard-wide initiative to have all production employees complete the six-session, 18-month Shipbuilder Strong program is progressing. Shipbuilder Strong is a behavioral-based safety program that improves personal health and well-being. Trainers and coaches teach exercise routines specific to the employee’s job and physical ability, while providing insight as to why and how these exercises improve quality of life. Manufacturing, Virginia-class Submarine program, and CVN 79 crews have completed the first session with CVN 65, CVN 72, CVN 78, Supply Chain Management and Operations programs in process. Once the program is complete, workers receive the Shipbuilder Strong qualification. With safety being a number one priority at Newport News Shipbuilding, the exercises allow workers to develop better movement patterns, body mechanics, and material handling techniques. Results from this program have shown more than half the crews had safety improvements or maintained their “zero injury” status. The shipyard has also built time into the work day to enable employees to stretch. “I would definitely recommend the stretching program because it helps prevent injuries especially when you’re wearing a hard hat and working in tight spaces every day,” said Shipbuilder Benjamin Waycaster (X11). CONTINUED ON PG 2
Celebrating GEMS Career Pathways held a year-end ceremony for Girls with Engineering Minds in Shipbuilding (GEMS) June 4 at Booker T. Washington Middle School. The event recognized 28 students with certificates of achievements for completing the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program designed to introduce girls to careers in engineering through activities and mentorship. “This ceremony was a tribute to the dedication these girls made to stay after school to learn about STEM career opportunities at Newport News Shipbuilding,” said GEMS lead, Stephanie White (O20). “The shipyard engineering mentors and I are very proud of our girls.” During the ceremony, Jennifer Boykin, vice president of Engineering and Design and GEMS executive sponsor, presented each girl an E&D division coin to express her gratitude for the girls’ commitment to the program. Career Pathways will continue GEMS next school year at Booker T. Washington Middle School and will also start a GEMS group at Crittenden Middle School.
NNS to Break Ground on New Manufacturing Facility June 22.
Chloe Mallet Becomes the First Female to Crew and Drive SDV.
Thanks to Shipbuilders Involved in USS Barry Dry Dock Effort.
... READ ON PG 3
... READ ON PG 4
... READ ON PG 4