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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Anchors “Away” Shipbuilders and U.S. Navy sailors from USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) worked together to remove two 30-ton anchors earlier this month as part of CVN 74’s refueling and complex overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding. Work to remove the anchors involved shipbuilders from X36, X32
Photo by Ashley Cowan
and X70. Shipbuilders will now remove the paint from the anchors and chains, check for and repair any defects, and repaint the anchors and chains before reinstalling them. Watch a time-lapse video of the removal of the port side anchor on MyNNS.
Submarine Shipbuilders, NAVSEA Gather at NNS Two dozen representatives from Newport News Shipbuilding, General Dynamics Electric Boat and Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) spent two weeks in June at NNS learning more about the U.S. Navy’s submarine programs. The participants make up the inaugural cohort of the Team Submarine Program Management University. The program was developed to enrich submarine design, construction and community knowledge; improve tactical and strategic leadership skills and business acumen; and prepare prospective managers to fill emerging submarine program leadership positions. Another advantage of the program is fostering relationships between partners in the submarine programs from NNS, Electric Boat and NAVSEA. There were eight participants from each entity. “The purpose is to broaden everybody’s knowledge in a collaborative environment,” said Mike Reilley, NNS’ chief engineer. “As shipbuilders, we work closely with Electric Boat on the construction. We work closely with the NAVSEA on the
Dresella Cook, foreground, leads Team Submarine Program Management University participants in a tour through the Rafted Module Facility. Photo by Ashley Cowan
construction, test and delivery. Building a relationship between those folks is just so important to make sure the program runs more efficiently.” CONTINUED ON PG 2
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6 | 28 | 2021 former NAVSEA commander who now works as an adviser in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. It comes during a time of generational change in submarine design, build and program management and as the build rate increases to support Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine construction. During the course of the program, participants toured NNS’ submarine construction facilities and heard from NNS, Electric Boat and NAVSEA leaders. Heather Ray, program manager for the Columbia-Class Submarine Program, was among the NNS shipbuilders to participate in Team Submarine Program Management University. There were a number of takeaways from the experience, she said.
Representatives from NNS, General Dynamics Electric Boat and NAVSEA participated in the two-week program. Photo by Ashley Cowan
Submarine Shipbuilders, NAVSEA Gather at NNS
“Building relationships throughout the submarine community, gaining knowledge on the importance of the fleet, a simplistic overview of the systems, the build strategy of Virginia class versus Columbia class, and most importantly grasping overall viewpoints from each different organization,” Ray said. “It was a wonderful opportunity to broaden my overall knowledge of the submarine world of shipbuilding.”
The idea for Team Submarine Program Management University came from retired Vice Adm. Paul Sullivan – a
Reilley said the goal is to host two Team Submarine Program Management University cohorts per year.
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MX Trailer Back on the Road Newport News Shipbuilding’s Mobile Experience (MX) trailer is back on the road after being sidelined during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, the trailer, which showcases Integrated Digital Shipbuilding (iDS) technology, took part in a career day event at the Rosemont Boys & Girls Club in Virginia Beach. The MX trailer has been used for small events at NNS, but this was the first off-site event since pandemic restrictions began last year. During the event, participants learned about iDS technology at NNS, including laser scanning, augmented reality and visual work instructions (VWI).
NNS’ Mobile Experience (MX) trailer participated in a recent career day event. Photo by Aaron Pritchett
“I don’t think people realize all of the different technologies that we’re utilizing at Newport News Shipbuilding, so it’s nice be able to get back out
and show them what we’re doing,” said Tony Raasch, an X11 Trades Administration foreman.
Free HRT Passes Available to 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 until Sept. 30, 2021. These non-transferable passes are for NNS employee use only. Typically, passes are good for one year, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, initial 2021-2022 passes will be temporary until the annual passes arrive at a later date. Employees interested in a temporary pass should complete the waiver form (http://ow.ly/uev850FjTsN) and bring a hardcopy with
them to one of the following locations between 9-11 a.m. or 2-4 p.m. this week. • Monday, June 28: Tradewinds Café (south side of Bldg. 64) • Tuesday, June 29: Carrier Café (Bldg. 1744) • Wednesday, June 30: Applebee’s (Bldg. 227) Second and third shift employees unable to pick up passes at the times listed above can arrange to have a representative from first shift pick up their pass on their behalf or should email ParkingSolutions@hii-nns.com.
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AROUND THE YARD Foundry Shows Support for LGBTQ Pride Month As a way to show support and dedication to progressing toward a more diverse and inclusive workplace, Newport News Shipbuilding’s Foundry has flown a pride flag during LGBTQ Pride Month in June. Foundry Superintendent Kenton Meland reached out to the Shipbuilders Together Realizing Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (STRIDE) employee resource group for a way to advocate for inclusion at NNS. Displaying the flag “is a simple and clear message of acceptance and support to the LGBTQ community at the shipyard,” Meland said. “Several of the craftspeople told me that they like the flag as it shows that the Foundry team celebrates diversity and is committed to inclusion.” The STRIDE board is grateful to the Foundry for making this step, which corresponds with the theme of the group’s June event on “ally-ship building” – the importance of allies in creating an inclusive environment for all.
June ED&I Discussion Focuses on Equity The Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion offices collaborated with L.E.A.R.N. to host another virtual panel discussion as a part of the “Together Strong - Life Unites” Series. This month’s discussion was held June 14, and focused on Equity: Creating a Path from Hope to Change. The panel included Susan Ceglinski, director of Talent Acquisition for the Technical Solutions division; Juanita Bivens, Structural Fabrication and Assembly program manager; John Witherspoon, Material Support; D.A. Wolkowich, training manager; Carlos Moulds, manager of EEO Compliance/ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Ingalls Shipbuilding; and Emmylou Mosley, an
engineering manager and chair of the Asian Shipbuilders Including All Nationalities (ASIAN) employee resource group. Watch a video of the discussion on MyNNS or on the O18 website. Please note: No charge is provided. Employees who watch the video must do so on their own time. Shipbuilders are invited to join the conversation each second Monday of the month to learn to remove bias boundaries and continue to grow from each other’s individual experiences, embracing differences and impacting together through awareness, education and action. Check the Datebook for more information regarding July’s conversation.
Myth: COVID-19 might make me sick, but hospitalization or death? That only happens to people with other health problems. I’m healthy, so I’ll take my chances. Facts: The Cleveland Clinic notes that most people recover from COVID-19, but even healthy people have died or ended up with long-term complications. Also, not getting a vaccination means you stand a greater chance of giving the virus to someone who could become very ill. It’s not just about you. The vaccine protects those in your circle – siblings, parents, grandparents, friends and co-workers.
NOTICE: NNS Employment Office Moves to NetCenter The Newport News Shipbuilding employment office is now located at NetCenter (5200 W. Mercury Blvd.) in Suite 176. Effective July 1, the former employment office in Bldg. 500 will be closed. Business operations will resume Tuesday, July 6, at the new NetCenter location. Employees with Payroll (O95) questions should visit the Payroll office at the NetCenter in Suite 128 or the satellite office in Bldg. 520-1 (on Fridays only). Employees requesting in-person appointments with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) (O13) should email HRISInquiries@hii-nns.com.
NNS Updates COVID-19 Protocol for In-Person Meetings Newport News Shipbuilding has updated its COVID-19 protocols for on-site meetings and classes with regard to mask wearing, social distancing and other protective measures. The new policy from Environmental, Health and Safetyis available on MyNNS.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported last week: 4
Total cases at NNS: 3,588
NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 2,960
NNS employees vaccinated: 51%
See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
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DATEBOOK JUNE 30
During annual enrollment United Steelworkers, guards and salaried employees were set to “tobacco user” for HII medical benefits. Employees who do not use tobacco or have completed a tobacco cessation program must update their tobacco-use status to “tobacco free” by June 30 to save $660 annually on their medical insurance for the upcoming benefit plan year. Update tobacco-use status at www.hiibenefits.com or by calling the Huntington Ingalls Benefits Center at 1-877-216-3222.
JUNE 30
Join Engineering & Design and Chris Brown from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on Technical Skills Development. Technical Skills Development provides the engineering and technical workforce with the training needed to accomplish their daily tasks and meet the company’s goals. They accomplish this by developing and delivering internal training programs to suit training needs. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. No charge is provided. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.
JULY 1
Provost Construction will present Bourbons, Brews and Barbecues from 3 until 8 p.m. at 208 23rd St. in downtown Newport News.
JULY 12
The Engagement and Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) offices invite shipbuilders to join their monthly ED&I Together Strong Life Unites Panel Discussion Series: Civility Beyond Intractability from 4:30 until 6 p.m. via Zoom. Panelists include Alan Bomar, Melanie Young, Jennifer McClain, Jeffrica Key and Cailee Helmick. This event is open to all NNS employees. Register on MyNNS. No charge will be provided. Email DiversityAndInclusion@hii-nns.com for questions.
JULY 13
Join physical therapists from the HII Family Health Center for a healthy ergonomics webinar where you’ll learn tips to improve your workspace and minimize fatigue. Register for the noon webinar at www.myquadmed.com/bewell.
FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA.
JULY 21
Looking to improve your credit? Attend SmartPath’s “Raising Your Credit Score” webinar to learn how credit scores work and get tips to improve your credit. Register for the noon webinar at www.onsmartpath.com/hii.
JULY 21
Join Engineering, Routing and Weaving from 12 until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on Engineering Vaults, Routing and Weaving. Engineering vaults provide document storage and control areas that service all engineering operations and assign and control NN drawing numbers. Routing yard issues all approved construction drawings, engineering drawings, inspection reports (IRs), engineering reports (ERs) and other associated documents. Routing also weaves partial revisions and ERs into complete drawings to go to the waterfront. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. No charge is provided. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.
JULY 28
Join Engineering & Design and the Lean Community of Practice (CoP) from 12-12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on the Lean CoP. The Newport News Shipbuilding’s Lean CoP is committed to driving Lean processes as a transformational effort for Lean process improvements across the entire organization. They are the central point for sharing and sustaining Lean best practices and people centric leadership. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. No charge is provided. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.
HUNTINGTONINGALLS.COM
Happy Independence Day, Shipbuilders! BLOOD DRIVES
Newport News Shipbuilding is hosting the following blood drives in support of the American Red Cross. A time charge will be provided for employees who donate. Blood drives will be held from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) on the following dates: • July 7 • July 20
• Aug. 4 • Aug. 11
• Sept. 2 • Sept. 15
To schedule an appointment, contact Natasha Eck or Sunny Lee via email.
CHECK OUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Looking to volunteer and make a difference in your community? Newport News Shipbuilding employees can visit NNS Gives at nns.YourCause.com to find exciting and impactful volunteer opportunities across the region. NNS Gives also allows shipbuilders to log volunteer hours.
JULY 14
Join Engineering & Design and Melinda Perez on from 12-12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on Cybersecurity. Cybersecurity offers guidance to position the company in gaining new business opportunities while adapting to the challenges of increasing external threats and vulnerabilities. It protects all categories of data from theft and damage. T51 promotes cybersecurity as a collaborative effort of all persons and company organizations with access to information assets and company information networks. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. No charge is provided. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Engineer 3 Engineer Mechanical 3 Manager Contract Administrator 2 Manager IT Systems Engineer 2
5829, 5830 6769 6845 5672
O05 E11 O19 T56
Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News
Employees are encouraged to use MyHR or the “Current HII Employees Job Search” button at www.buildyourcareer.com to apply. The company continues to offer cash bonus awards for referrals to select positions, visit www.huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refer-a-friend for more information.
Editor: Nicholas Langhorne Currents@hii-nns.com
Currents is published every Monday for employees of Newport News Shipbuilding. To submit a story, visit nns.huntingtoningalls.com/currents.
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