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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Nicholas Langhorne
Connecting to the Mission As Enterprise (CVN 80) begins to take shape in Dry Dock 12 at Newport News Shipbuilding, program leaders want to ensure shipbuilders connect to the aircraft carrier’s mission and purpose – especially in this early stage of its life.
as a complete vessel. But, eventually they will turn into a massive, complex aircraft carrier that this country relies on to protect our freedoms and to protect the sailors who are on the front lines for us.”
Brian Fields, vice president of Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81) Aircraft Carrier Programs, said it was a particularly important message since there are so many new shipbuilders working on the program. That’s why the CVN 80 program held engagement events last week for the entire team on all three shifts.
To drive the point home, guest speakers addressed the CVN 80 team. Capt. Cassidy Norman, commanding officer of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), spoke during the first shift event. Mark Colombo (K01), a retired Navy pilot, spoke during the event for second- and third-shift employees.
“We want to make sure everyone understands that the purpose of what they’re doing is a lot bigger than the job in front of them every day,” Fields said. “At this stage of construction, a ship’s force crew has not yet been assigned and you may not see these pieces of steel
Norman, who has deployed overseas numerous times on aircraft carriers – including Enterprise (CVN 65), shared his experiences as a pilot flying over Iraq and Afghanistan. He thanked shipbuilders for doing “a fantastic job” building the nation’s carriers. CONTINUED ON PG 2
Navy Commissions USS Montana (SSN 794) USS Montana (SSN 794) officially joined the U.S. Navy’s fleet during a commissioning ceremony Saturday, June 25, at Naval Station Norfolk. Montana is the 10th Virginia-class submarine delivered by Newport News Shipbuilding and the 21st built as part of the teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat.
Sailors participate in the commissioning ceremony for USS Montana. U.S. Navy photo
During the commissioning ceremony, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, the ship’s sponsor, gave the crew the traditional order to “man our ship and bring her to life,” after which Montana’s sailors ceremonially ran aboard the submarine. CONTINUED ON PG 2
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Cranes Installed in CVN Assembly Hall Two top-running bridge cranes were recently installed in the CVN Assembly Hall, a new facility under construction in the North Yard that will support aircraft carrier construction. The cranes span 140 feet and are both equipped with two trolleys with 75-ton hoists providing a combined capacity of 150 tons per crane and 300 tons between both cranes. One trolley on each crane is also equipped with a small auxiliary hoist rated at 15 tons. Three of the CVN Assembly Hall’s six bays are expected to come online in late 2022. The remaining three are expected to be operational by April 2023. The facility will help boost production and provide quality of life improvements for shipbuilders.
Navy Commissions USS Montana (SSN 794) CONTINUED FROM PG 1
“With awe I have witnessed the USS Montana come to life through hardworking shipbuilders, capable submariners and supportive families – all operating through a global pandemic – to ready her for service to our nation and allies,” Jewell said. “I’m proud of the impact the USS Montana will have in furthering freedom around the world and confident she will live up to the spirit of adventure and resilience of her namesake state.”
the submarine’s construction.
NNS President Jennifer Boykin also spoke during the ceremony, representing the thousands of NNS shipbuilders who participated in
NNS delivered SSN 794 – the second Navy vessel named for the state of Montana – to the Navy in March.
“Today is a testament to the dedication, expertise and commitment by our shipbuilding and Navy team. The submarine before you represents the best our nation has to offer: American manufacturing at its finest. American ingenuity in all its splendor. And American protection like none other,” she said.
Shipbuilders Complete Enterprise Superlift Employees at Newport News Shipbuilding continue to make progress on Enterprise (CVN 80), the U.S. Navy’s third Ford-class aircraft carrier. Watch a time-lapse video of shipbuilders lifting the heaviest unit to date – weighing in at 901 metric tons – into the dry dock on MyNNS or on the NNS to Go app.
Connecting to the Mission CONTINUED FROM PG 1
“When you deploy on an aircraft carrier, it is a city. It’s a living city with an airport on top. But more than that, it is our home. It is where we live. It’s where we go back to feel safe when we conduct combat missions,” Norman said. “Thank you to all of you for what you’re doing on behalf of our Navy and on behalf of sailors in the future who are going to sail on CVN 80.” He noted aircraft carriers are vital in war and also in times of peace to promote relationships with allies and deliver humanitarian aid.
Howard Watford (X31) said he believes hearing from Norman and Fields helps to inspire shipbuilders to work even harder. “It was nice to hear them say they appreciate the job we’re doing,” Watford said. Fields plans to continue these events in the future. Once the Navy assigns a crew to Enterprise, he will look to those sailors to help share the “mission and purpose” message with shipbuilders.
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AROUND THE YARD Celebrate Independence Day at Victory Landing Park
Spaulding to Retire
Newport News Shipbuilding is a sponsor of “Fourth of July Stars in the Sky” at Victory Landing Park in downtown Newport News, Monday, July 4.
Rick Spaulding, Newport News Shipbuilding’s vice president of Business Process Standardization, is retiring July 1. For nearly 40 years, he has held roles at NNS, Ingalls Shipbuilding and the HII corporate office.
The event is from 7 until 9:15 p.m. and will include live music, giveaways, food vendors and children’s activities. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Admission and parking are free, and the event is open to the public. Victory Landing Park is located at 50 26th St.
The L.A.W. Program Wants to Hear From You
REMINDER: HRT GoPasses Available
For many years, Newport News Shipbuilding offered Learning After the Whistle (L.A.W.), a series of short courses designed to provide professional learning and development after working hours, typically in a classroom setting. L.A.W. classes were postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19. As normal operations resume, requests from shipbuilders for L.A.W. classes have increased. The L.A.W. program team is eager to return and be even more successful.
The Parking and Transportation team will distribute Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) GoPass365 to employees at the southeast corner of Bldg. 103-1 (roll-up garage door and in the first office on the right) on Wednesday, June 29, from 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-2:30 p.m. Passes will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Send questions to ParkingSolutions@hii-nns.com.
The L.A.W. program team wants to make sure the program continues to offer employees meaningful, timely development. Input from shipbuilders is needed to understand how the program can best meet employees’ needs to support personal and professional growth. Employees are encouraged to complete a short survey to provide feedback. For more information, contact Vickie Robinson via email.
REMINDER: NNS Will Be Tobacco-Free on July 11 Beginning July 11, Newport News Shipbuilding 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.
“During his tenure, he has supported construction for nearly all of the U.S. Navy’s current fleet, to include aircraft carriers and submarines, amphibious warships and large surface combatants, as well as U.S. Coast Guard national security cutters,” NNS President Jennifer Boykin wrote in a June 21 message to shipbuilders announcing Spaulding’s retirement.
REMINDER: Update TobaccoUse Status by June 30 Updating your tobacco-use status is an annual requirement to continue receiving the $660 annual medical insurance discount for the 2022-2023 plan year. If you are tobacco-free but don’t change your status by June 30, you will be charged the standard medical rate starting July 1. A tobacco user is anyone who has used cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah, e-cigarettes, vape, clove cigarettes or any form of smokeless tobacco, including chewing tobacco, dip or snuff, in the last six months. To update your status, log on to UPoint at www.hiibenefits.com. For more information, contact the HII Benefits Center at 1-877-216-3222.
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DATEBOOK JUNE 29
Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is hosting open interviews for entry-level and trainee fitter (X11) and welder (X18) positions between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on June 29 at the NNS Employment Office, located at NetCenter (Suite 176, Entrance 3). Job seekers may also apply in advance to reqs 22406, 22424, 22524 or 22525 at buildyourcareer.com.
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.
JUNE 30
Spear and Gear Toastmasters welcomes all shipbuilders to a virtual Toastmasters meeting at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Toastmasters is a safe and welcoming environment for those seeking to enhance their communication and leadership skills. There will also be a new membership induction ceremony. If you are interested in joining the club or to receive Zoom information and to RSVP, contact Tammy Smith (N358), Paul Gee Jr. (O52) or Jamar Skyles (E03) at NNS. At KSO, contact Taylor Chamberlain (E91).
JULY 14
Spear and Gear Toastmasters welcomes all shipbuilders to a virtual Toastmasters meeting at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Toastmasters is a safe and welcoming environment for those seeking to enhance their communication and leadership skills. If interested in joining, reach out to the following for Zoom information and to RSVP: Tammy Smith (N358), Paul Gee Jr. (O52) or Jamar Skyles (E03) at NNS and Taylor Chamberlain (E91) at KSO.
JULY 14-15
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. Visit hii.com/nns-hiring-event-july for a list of positions and to apply.
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.
Shipbuilders Learn About Apprentice School Opportunities The Apprentice School held a successful recruiting event in the shipyard at Applebees (Bldg. 227) earlier this month. Apprentice School staff enjoyed sharing information with shipbuilders about opportunities at the school for those who wish to further their education, advance in their career, and grow their leadership skills. Shipbuilders came ready with transcripts to be reviewed. The Apprentice School thanks each shipbuilder who stopped by and looks forward to having another recruiting event in the yard come fall. Current Newport News Shipbuilding employees who meet the academic requirements and have completed the six-month probationary period are encouraged to apply. Individuals short of a few academic requirements or in need of improving grades can take advantage of the Night School Program. All up-to-date material regarding admissions requirements, the admissions process and Night School classes is available at www.as.edu.
JULY 28
Spear and Gear Toastmasters welcomes all shipbuilders to a virtual Toastmasters meeting at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Toastmasters is a safe and welcoming environment for those seeking to enhance their communication and leadership skills. If interested in joining, reach out to the following for Zoom information and to RSVP: Tammy Smith (N358), Paul Gee Jr. (O52) or Jamar Skyles (E03) at NNS and Taylor Chamberlain (E91) at KSO.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept. Aerospace Engineer 4 19274 E46 Fitters 22406, 22424, X11 22426, 22425 Jr. 3D Animations Designer 12693 O36 Refueler (Experienced) 19594 X43 Software Development 19145 E25 Analyst 3 Sr. Undersea Systems Engineer 21648 E35 Welder Trainee 22944 X18 Welders 22525, 22524, X18 22484, 22464
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Employee Referral Cash Bonus Not Eligible Eligible
Remote Work Considered Yes No
Not Eligible Eligible Not Eligible
Yes No Yes
Not Eligible Eligible Eligible
Yes No 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 Joseph Adams Jr. John Arnt David Beason Wally Bele Reginald Best
Reginald Bonney Jr. Stephen Carpenter Rodney Cowan Thomas Daughtrey Bob Davenport
Steven Davis Jim Faulks Roland Greene Joe Greene Roger Gundy Jr.
Lenvil Holland Karen Jefferson Merrill Jennings Phillip Lamb Bill Lucy II
Don McDermott Joy Mendoza Chuck Moody Scott Mooneyham Donnie Morris
Bev Prillaman Charles Rhodes George Riddick Jr. Bob Shaffer David Shaffer
Master Shipbuilders with 40 years of dedicated service May • 2022
Frank Sutherlin Art Voris Patrick Woodington Lori Woods Jack Wright
D. R. Wyatt
MAY • LONG SERVICE 50 YEARS Wayne Ellison O53* Johnnie Rainey X18* 45 YEARS Mark Barker X02 John Beale X18 Gregory Jordan O54 Alexander Redcross Jr. X36 Thomas Sandman X18 Lloyd Watson Jr. X36 40 YEARS Joseph Adams Jr. O64 John Arnt E51 David Beason M40 Walter Bele E13 Reginald Best X18 Reginald Bonney Jr. O53 Stephen Carpenter E83
Clinton Conner Jr. X18 Rodney Cowan K47 Thomas Daughtrey K47 Robert Davenport X62 Steven Davis E70 James Faulks E22 Roland Greene E82 William Greene Jr. O43 Theodore Gundy Jr. X18 Lenvil Holland X36 Karen Jefferson E92 Merrill Jennings K46 Ronald Johnson X74 Phillip Lamb M53 William Lucy II O26 Stephen Madre E85 Don Mc Dermott E13 Joy Mendoza X67 William Moody O53 Warren Mooneyham K47
Donald Morris X24 Rodney Pickett X24 Beverley Prillaman T54 Charles Rhodes K48 George Riddick Jr. O14 David Shaffer X34 Robert Shaffer III E03 Lincoln Strickland E83 Frank Sutherlin X11 Arthur Voris E81 Patrick Woodington O58 Lori Woods X21 Ernest Wright Jr. X18 Dale Wyatt N356 35 YEARS Denson Bell E27 David Buxton E25 Maxwell Crenshaw III K47 Ivan Eley O51
Robert Gerlach E24 Robert Horne E70 Daryl Mccoy E21 Scott Shields E13 Steven Tilashalski T53 30 YEARS Jamie Abston X41 Kevin Greene X24 Eric Turner E70 25 YEARS Stephen Ashton E37 Juanita Bivens X10 Richard Destefano E70 Shawn Huffaker E83 James Madden Jr. X44 Michael Olsen E83 Demetria Petty-Manes E49 Jayston Stamper O43
20 YEARS Ricky Austin X84 Marcus Brown E82 Michael Burton N364 David Ceriani E81 Lorrie Costello E70 Matthew Crockett O46 Anthony Edwards O51 Anthony Fortune X44 Jared Freeman X18 Jerry Fryar X32 Dianne Graves O46 William Halverson X51 Tabetha Hanks E44 Deborah Harvat O51 Joseph Hearn X18 Lillian Howard X36 Michael Joyner X22 Samuel Knight X18 Brandon Kuptz E27
Tony Lassiter X24 Lee Legette E56 Lonnie Massenburg M53 Michael Miller N363 William Miller E27 Jeffrey Newell X22 Billi Ontiveros X36 Roger Patterson E21 Carla Seaborn N352 Joshua Sterling E82 Thomas Suits E92 Milton Taylor O38 Matthew Tillas E37 James Webb K93 Maurice Webb E79 John Williams O46
John Payne E85 Carolyn Prevette K22 Mark Prevette E18 Roy Price X33 Ronald Reavis E85 Wayne Reed X31 Jeffrey Robbins E68 William Santabar X44 Richard Schenk X73 John Shelley X47 Michael Shelton O45 Larry Shoulars X33
Duane Smith X36 Samuel Smyth X51 Robert Stafford X31 Frank Taft X83 Lyubov Taylor O53 Richard Tierney O19 Kenneth Tyler N910 Paul Vukson E81 Sterling White X11 Joseph Winfrey E18
* April anniversary
RETIREMENTS William Aldridge M53 Thomas Auth E42 James Bentley E24 Paulette Brooks E68 Philip Brouillard E12 Michael Brown X32 Robert Callis X34 Ladevra Cary O14 Jay Clark O53 Darrell Cofsky E20 Robert Cole O69 Mark Cornwell E42
Peter D Amico X64 Patricia Dunay E70 Martin Erdossy K01 William Ermatinger N350 Bruce Fisher K48 Efrem Fortes X31 Deborah Garris O71 Kevin Gentry E21 Brian Grubbs E25 Betty Gruss O27 Anthony Harrell X18 Christopher Harris X11
Jimmy Hodge O53 Annette Hood O77 Walter Horn X74 Larry Jackson O96 Wayne Jennings X11 Willie Jennings X84 Percy Jones E63 Lloyd Joyner X23 John Kernodle O43 John Liberta E81 Raymond Lichniak O58 James Livengood X84
Raymond Logan E26 Robert Maclachlan O04 Michael Massenburg X33 Terrence Mccabe O55 John Meadows E18 Greg Meland O31 John Miles X11 Robin Moody X42 Samuel Nester X40 William Ogle X70 Michael Owen O40 Russell Owens X42