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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Mickeia Hunter and her children, Cinque and Nehemiah, cut a ribbon on the front porch of the family’s new home. Photo by Aaron Pritchett
NNS Dedicates 19th Habitat for Humanity Home Newport News Shipbuilding joined elected officials and community leaders June 16 to dedicate the 19th house shipyard volunteers have constructed in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg since 2002. The ribbon-cutting welcomed Mickeia Hunter and her children – Cinque and Nehemiah – to their new home. Julia Jones, vice president of Manufacturing and Industrial Manufacturing and Systems Engineering, presented the house keys to Hunter. “Whether you’re building a house or a ship, you need the right tools, processes and materials to get the job done,” Jones said. “While the outcome may be a little different, the builders’ dedication and pride is the same. It’s this same feeling that we celebrate in this new house and the promises it offers. Just like the crew of a ship, now it’s time for the Hunter family to take this house and make it a home.” The three-bedroom, 1,200-square-foot home is in Newport News’ Southeast community, built on land donated by the Newport News
Redevelopment and Housing Authority. More than 100 shipbuilders contributed more than 600 volunteer hours to help with construction outside of their work shifts. “Mickeia’s father is a retiree from the shipyard, so it was a special connection that volunteers from the shipyard partnered on this project. We couldn’t have done it without them,” said Janet V. Green, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. “We know the Hunters will be able to enjoy this home as family and create new memories for years to come.” The Hunters will take ownership of the home after agreeing to pay back the no-interest mortgage on time. The payments will be cycled back into the community so more homes can be built for qualifying families. Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg is a nonprofit organization serving the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg and the counties of Charles City, James City, New Kent and York.
Award Winners Announced Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin has announced the 276 shipbuilders who earned the President’s Model of Excellence Award this year. The award recognizes employees whose commitment and achievement act as a model for others. See the insert for a list of winning projects and shipbuilders as well as a message from Boykin to all employees.
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Taking Action to Help a Fellow Shipbuilder Last month, X11 Foreman Carl Prendergast was at his desk at Pier 3 eating lunch when a normal day took a turn. “I guess I took too big of a bite or something, and a chunk of rice got stuck in my throat to where I couldn’t breathe,” he said. “I tried to drink some water behind it, and that didn’t work. At that point, I went into panic mode.” Fellow X11 Foreman Jeremy Bryson, whose desk is near Prendergast’s, noticed the commotion and took action. “I was looking at him and his face was red, tears were coming down and I was asking if he was OK. He started shaking his head so I got up and started doing the Heimlich maneuver,” Bryson said. It was successful, and Prendergast – who called Bryson his “hero” – was able to clear his airway. For his part, Bryson said he’s no hero. He just did what “any good person would do.”
X11 Foreman Carl Prendergast, left, was choking when fellow X11 Foreman Jeremy Bryson noticed something was wrong and came to his rescue. Photo by Ashley Cowan
“I’m thankful,” Prendergast said. “He saved my life.” Both encourage shipbuilders to take first aid classes and not to hesitate to step in if they see someone in need of assistance. Earlier this month, HRSD notified NNS that 2021 was another perfect compliance year for both of the company’s HRSD discharge permits. The North Yard permit has maintained perfect compliance for 13 years, earning a Diamond Excellence Award. The Main Yard has maintained perfect compliance for five years, earning a Platinum Award. These awards reflect the dedication and coordination of many shipbuilders including:
Newport News Shipbuilding discharges more than 1 million gallons of sanitary and industrial wastewater daily to the Hampton Roads Sanitation District. The company was recognized for perfect compliance in 2021.
NNS Recognized by the Hampton Roads Sanitation District Newport News Shipbuilding discharges over 1 million gallons of sanitary and industrial wastewater to the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) every day.
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O46 Oily Waste Treatment plant and Oily Waste Treatment plant operators who pretreat industrial wastewater and make it suitable for transfer to HRSD.
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O46 and O45 Utility crews who maintain the sewer lines and calibrate metering equipment.
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O31 Sampling and Analysis staff who collect and analyze samples to verify permit compliance.
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All employees who responsibly dispose of industrial wastes.
As a reminder, the O27 Environmental Engineering website on MyNNS includes a waste disposal guide that identifies approved disposal pathways and packaging requirements for many common wastes.
Free HRT Passes Available for Shipbuilders Newport News Shipbuilding is providing Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) GoPass365 passes to employees on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost. They can be used on all HRT services, including Tide light rail, bus, ferry, VB Wave and the MAX from July 1, 2022, until June 30, 2023. These nontransferable passes are for NNS employee use only.
When your pass is available for pickup, you will be notified.
Employees interested in a pass should complete the electronic waiver form on the Parking and Transportation website on MyNNS.
Email ParkingSolutions@hii-nns.com for more information.
The Parking and Transportation team will also be at Applebee’s (Bldg. 227) from 9 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on June 22 and June 29 to distribute passes. Hardcopy forms will be available for employees who plan to obtain a pass at these sessions.
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AROUND THE YARD Open Interviews for Fitters and Welders Continue Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is hosting open interviews for entrylevel and trainee fitter (X11) and welder (X18) positions on June 22 and 29 at the NNS Employment Office, located at NetCenter (Suite 176, Entrance 3). Job seekers may stop by between 11 a.m. and 3 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 22406, 22424, 22524 or 22525 at buildyourcareer.com. These positions pay $21+ per hour. No experience is required, and training is provided. NNS is offering $500 sign-on bonuses and up to $1,500 for relocation. More than 250 job seekers participated in recent X11 and X18 hiring events. Visit HII’s YouTube channel to see fitters and welders in action. Employees are encouraged to share these opportunities. Current NNS employees who refer a trades candidate who is hired could earn a $1,000 employee referral cash bonus award. Visit hii.com/careers/refer-a-friend for more details.
NNS Rebranding Resources Since HII announced a corporate rebranding effort earlier this year, Newport News Shipbuilding has worked with the corporate office and other divisions to align with the new branding standards. NNS will maintain its name and legacy spear and gear logo. However, the logo has been slightly modified. While changes to the NNS logo itself are minimal, this rebranding transition does impact all written and digital correspondence, including letterhead, memo forms, fax covers, business cards, PowerPoint templates and company signage. Visit the NNS Brand Toolkit for rebranded templates. For more information, see the Distribution A memo.
Company Store Wants to Hear From You The Company Store, located in the lobby of The Apprentice School, wants input from shipbuilders as it looks for new items to stock. Those who are interested in purchasing new Apprentice School or Newport News Shipbuilding apparel can visit www.as.edu/company-store to let the store know what they would like to see in stock. The Company Store also is hosting a contest for new Apprentice School and NNS T-shirt designs. To learn more and submit a design for the chance to win a free T-shirt, visit www.as.edu/company-store.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported at NNS from June 6-19: 260 See updates at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411
Shipbuilders Showcase Modeling and Simulation at 13th International ModSim World Conference Held in Norfolk, ModSim World is an industry-centric conference hosted by the National Training and Simulation Association where members in manufacturing, homeland security, defense and other industries demonstrate the latest in modeling and simulation technologies. This year’s theme, “Building a Better Tomorrow” is focused on using modeling and simulation applications and practices to prepare for a more resilient future. Shipbuilders from Modeling and Simulation, Digital Capabilities Lab (Dogfish Lab) and HII participated in the three-day conference in May. The conference included an industry keynote by Terry Walley of Ingalls Shipbuilding, an augmented reality/virtual reality panel, and a STEM event for local high school students. “My first time experience at ModSim World was truly remarkable,” said Tiwana Greene, a Modeling and Simulation engineer. “It was exciting to see modeling and simulation being so widely used, in the history classroom using XR, in healthcare for nurses to experience a digital clinical training experience, in the cockpit to help military and civilian pilots via machine learning, virtual reality, real-time visual simulation systems in 3D, and so much more.” Visit the ModSim website on MyNNS to learn more.
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DATEBOOK 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). Please note, all are welcome to donate blood. 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.
Engineering and Design and Nuclear Propulsion Hiring Event
JULY 30
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.
AUGUST 15
The Apprentice School is applying for reaffirmation of accreditation with the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. Persons wishing to make comments should write to the Executive Director, Commission of the Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Rd., Bldg. 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350, or submit their comments via the Council website (www.council.org). Persons making comments must provide their names and mailing addresses.
JUNE 30
Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition, partnering with the Engineering and Design and Nuclear Propulsion divisions, is hosting an in-person hiring event July 14-15. Job seekers must apply by July 5 to select open positions to be invited to attend. Job seekers who participate will have the opportunity to interview, network with hiring managers and may receive an “on-the-spot” job offer if qualified. Positions include entry-level engineers and production planners and schedulers, as well as experienced designers, engineers and engineering technicians. Select engineering (E1/E2) positions may qualify for up to $5,000 in sign-on bonuses and relocation incentives for external new hires. Job seekers also will have the opportunity to participate in a live video interview if unable to attend the event in person.
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.
Visit hii.com/nns-hiring-event-july for a full list of positions and to apply.
DID YOU KNOW?: CAS 405 - ACCOUNTING FOR UNALLOWABLE COST
This standard requires that expressly unallowable costs be identified and excluded from any billing, claim, or proposal applicable to a Government contract. For this reason, it is important to understand what types of costs are unallowable.
Employees are encouraged to share this hiring opportunity. Employees can earn cash bonus awards for referring someone hired to select salary positions. More information on the REFER program, including guidelines, how to participate and eligible jobs for cash bonus awards is available at huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refer-afriend.
Corporate Topical Manual F200 defines the criteria to be followed for identifying and segregating allowable and unallowable costs. If you have questions, contact the government Financial Relations Department (O74) for assistance.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept. Engineer Manufacturing 2 22137 O52 Financial Analyst 3 22138 N364 Financial Analyst 4 22132 N364 Fitters 22406, 22424, X11 22426, 22425 Welders 22525, 22524, X18 22484, 22464
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Employee Referral Cash Bonus Not Eligible Not Eligible Not Eligible Eligible
Remote Work Considered Yes No No No
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.
Apprentice School Baseball Team Championship T-shirts Available The Company Store, located in the lobby of The Apprentice School, is selling T-shirts commemorating The Apprentice School baseball team’s national championship for $10. Congratulations, Builders!
Shipbuilders, Each of us answers a noble call to build and support our Navy’s ships in defense of our nation. While we celebrate this work every day, each year we take time to recognize those who have gone above and beyond to best serve their fellow shipbuilders and the Navy. This year, 276 employees have earned the President’s Model of Excellence Award, which recognizes employees at Newport News Shipbuilding whose commitment and achievement act as a model for others. Please join me in congratulating our 2022 Model of Excellence Award honorees on a job well done, and thank you, honorees, for demonstrating what it means to lead the way.
2022 Jennifer Boykin President, Newport News Shipbuilding
ENABLE OUR WORKFORCE
Digital Twin Creates Versatile Training and Operational Testing on Ford-Class Carriers Greta-Marie Alvesteffer, T55; Mohammad Elwir, E56; Mark Hoffman, E11; Emily Kodl, E59; Keith Mabry II, E44; Daniel McPeters, T55; Gabe Sava, E41; James Turso, E05 Nominator: Doug Mintz, E02
TRANSFORM BUSINESS OPERATIONS Additive Manufacturing Enhances Construction on Enterprise (CVN 80) Chris Arnold, E37; Shane Christian, E86; Andrew Collins, E86; Louis Cribb, E70; Andrea Dolan, E70; Gregory Fisher, X22; Troy Floyd, X24; Benn Frazier, E86; Randall Hall, E37; Rich Johns, K72; Stephen McGrew II, O22; Jade Nguyen, E70; Tim Pline, O31; John Ralls, E32; Robert Taylor, O31; Richard Wilmoth, E70 Nominator: Joe Loch, X02 Cross-Functional Team Develops Economical Solution for Relocating Shipyard Material Jacob Abercrombie, O54; Curtis Armstrong, O41; Jessica Armstrong, O53; Michael Berry, O15; Desi Bullock, O53; Michael Coleman, O54; Ann-Germaine Danz, O41; James Gregory, O53; Jeffrey Hammack, O41; Michael Hardy, O53; Ty Harrison, O53; Mondrale Hicks, O53; Sean Holt, O53; Robin Howell, O41; Stephen Johnson, O54; Lauren Jones, O45; Hipolito Justiniano, O53; Gerald Picot, O53; Kenneth Quinn Jr., M30; Kathleen Riffle, O54; Brian Simpson, O54; Gladys Smith, O53; Tori Stith, O53; Tico Strong Jr., O53; Jabarie White, O53 Nominator: Barry Fallon, O50 Out-of-the-Box Thinking Creates New Opportunities for Aircraft Carrier Construction John Anderson, X36; Mark Barker, X02, Adam Bierbauer, E02; Frances Glenn, X44; Kyle Harrington, E86; Dennis Knutson Jr., X23; Matthew Michael, E42; Jacob Peek, E21; Kevin Prussia, E22; Wilson Ray, X44; David Rockey, X23; Edwood Spruill, X02; Jeremy Tucker, E70 Nominator: Brian Fields, K70 Transformative Approach and Innovation Bring Change to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program Curtis Anderson, E81; Craig Comeaux, X82; Michael Davidson, E85; Leah Ewart, E87; Yonathan Kassaye, E81; Brett Kulhanek, E85; Joshua Tanner, K45; John Weisflog, X73; Susanna Whitehead, E85; Benjamin Wu, E81 Nominator: Patti Homan, E85
EXECUTE EFFICIENTLY
Applying Lessons Learned to Exceed Expectations on Enterprise (CVN 80) Vincent Barone, X18; Herman Bland, X36; Jimmy Ervin, X36; Lydia Fleck, X01; Christopher Gillitzer, X18; John Harrell, K47; John Hooper, X02; Taylor Johnson, X18; Fermond Jones Jr., X18; Asa Kelly III, X18; Ephony King, X18; Kelvin Larrimore, K47; Joseph Turner, X18; Marian Watson, X36; George Young, X18 Nominator: Brian Fields, K70 Complex Choreographed Nuclear Evolution Saves Time and Keeps Shipbuilders Safe Matt Butler, X73; Ryan Farries, E82; Sean Fitzpatrick, E82; Jarrod Griffith, E84; Doug Harsh, O39; Ronald Herrick III, X42; Brandon Hill, X43; Robert Hopfinger, E68; Brent Howell, E82; Matt Jeffery, E82; Jimmy Johnson, X73; Eric Kilner, E84; Tom Manley, X73; Sean McDonnell, E84; Nicholas McFatter, O67; Travis Messick, E82; John Mulvaney Jr., E85; Keon Odom, X09; Dean Pallera, E82; Darrell Patten, O96; Cory Sherwood, X73; Cesaere Watkins, O67; Bob Weinmann, E82; Tim Weisflog, E85; Marcus Woody, E82 Nominator: Mike Stronach, E82 Eager to Learn and Eager to Teach: Shipbuilders Collaborate to Meet Key Milestones Tristan August, X18; Bobby Aycock, K46; Reginald Best, X18; Michael Brown, X82; Chandler Burris, X18; Anthony Fisher, X18; Joseph Grice, X18; Amanda Hall, X82; Adam Holbrooks, K46; Isaac Howell, X18; James Martin, K46; Corinthious Nathan Jr., X18; Louis Norwood Jr., X18; Matthew Peters, X18; Demetrius Pittman, X18; Thomas Rivera, X18; Purcell Saylor, X18; Richard Sewalish Jr., X18; Sean Walters, X82; Charles Warner, X18; Jonathan Willard, X82; James Williams Jr., X18; Nicholas Wobser, X18 Nominator: Vernon Eason, K46 First-Time Quality Sets the Bar for Future Submarine Construction Kenny Bell, X10; Kyle Bell, X11; Zackary Boulanger, X43; Brandon Briggs, K46; Jerry Campbell, X62; Garland Chambliss, X11; Derrick Crews, E86; Caleb Daughtrey, X11; Ronald Hall, X36; Willie Hall, X11; Ryan Hecker, X11; Merrill Jennings, K46; Brian Knierim, X11; Derek Luck, X11; Timothy Madden, X62; Matthew Maisano, E86; Timothy Manning, X62; Jose Martinez, X11; Christian Moore, X43; Dannie Neal, X11; Robert Ramsey, X36; Nolan Randolph, E86; William Schulte, O68; Kevin Stewart, K96; Stephen Strand, O68 Nominator: Adam Read, K07
2022 HONOREES
Kesselring Team Innovates Tank Repair Work Scott Bailey, X09; Curtis Ballard Jr., X09; Lester Blauvelt, X09; Chrysany Collier, E81; Brandon Edwards, E91; Kelvin Evans, X11; Anthony Formica, E91; James Harper, E91; Bryan Herrin, X09; Sidney Hudson, X09; Travis Jackson, X09; Christopher Lambrecht, E82; Steven Marquez Martinez, E81; William Marshman, X09; Kevin Morgan, X09; Daniel Passamonte, E91; Edward Primeau, O96; Shawn Rollo, X09, Robert Scott, X09; Troy Toombs, X11; Colin Tschantret, X09; Charles Ward Jr., X09; Ian Webster, X09; Bradley Whittaker, X09 Nominator: Corey Boeninger, X09
USS Columbus (SSN 762) Work Packages Revolutionize the Fleet Support Value Stream Robert Corrigan, K03; Michael Dorsey, E25; Nathan Gibson, T53; David Goodman Jr., X35; Jason Hanson, X55; Mary Harrow, O48; Ryan Holloman, E25; Robert Hood, E25; Frances Jarabak, X75; Clinton Klink, K48; Timothy Luce Jr., X35; Christopher Matthews, E03; Craig Messick, O64; Michael Peregoff, X64; Kenneth Rodney, O64; Gabriel Rosa, X75; David Saba, K03; Robert Spitler, X75; Christina Stimson, K15; Bruce Thomas, E14; Brenda Viars, X75; Michael Westenberger, X35 Nominator: Gary Fuller, K70
Lean Thinking Improves Machining and Outfitting Performance Keller Beach, X43; Qwalin Bridges, X43; Charles Butler, X43; Christian Cledera, X43; Justin Cole, X43; Brian Dodge, X43; Matthew Elkins, X43; George Perry, K46; Robert Robertson, X43; Vernon Silver, K46; Tony Wood, X43 Nominator: Rick Plumlee, K46
Waterfront Support Team Improves Efficiency in Submarine Construction John Anderson, X36; Nathan Bush, X36; William Gaines, X36; Jeffrey Maffett, X82; Lamont Marshall, X36; Mathew Martins, X36; Stephen Pearce, X36; Scott Satterfield, X36; Jacob Sinniger, X36; Nicholas Smith, X36; Jennings Spease, X36 Nominator: David Vandegrift, K97
Redefining Deckplate Training Through Virtual Reality Bobby Briggs, X67; Jason Brindle, T53; Troy Butler, T55; Jovan Celar, T55; Dustin Floyd, X67; Ryan Foster, E59; Kevin Gardner, E59; Robert Gentry, X67; Jessica Hansford, X67; Alexander Hard, T55; Daniel Hufnal, E59; Nicholas Husk, E59; Lou Jackson Jr., E59; Emily Kodl, E59; Frankie Lowman, X67; Douglas Lowmaster, E59; Heather Mapp, X67; Daniel McPeters, T55; Jonathan Morris, X11; Adeline Ndeme, T56; Nicholas Rapoza, X11; Robert Schrock, X67; Becky Thompson, E59; Heinz Trulley, K46 Nominator: Timothy Sivertson, O39 Shipbuilder-Designed Tool Streamlines Pipe Shop Production Richard Ashworth, M30; David Dea, M30; Jacob Denson, O22; Thomas Doberneck, E26; Terence Fail, X44; Herman Gill III, E26; Aaron Goetz, X42; Ronald Heath, E26; Rich Johns, K72; Kent Paumier, E26; Kenneth Quinn Jr., M30; Christopher Skiba, E26; Christopher Smith, E26; Timothy Spikes, X42; Robert Teel, M30; Robert Tristani, X51; John Vandenberg, E26; Robert West, X43 Nominator: Rob Lane, M10
LEAD THE WAY
Shipbuilders Inspire a Safety Improvement Culture Through Fire Prevention Tashaunt Banks, X36; Mitchell Meidel, X36; Jack Molloy, X01; Jacob Pepper, X36; Kent Price Jr., X01; Kaitlin Troutner, X01 Nominator: Lucas Hicks, K70