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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Ashley Cowan
Machine Boosts Safety and Efficiency A five-axis mill turn machine in the Machine Shop has transformed the way shipbuilders manufacture torpedo tubes for U.S. Navy submarines at Newport News Shipbuilding. The technology has made the work safer and more efficient.
the transition in seconds.
“It allows us to do things a lot faster,” said M53 Foreman Joseph Carnes as John Miles (M53) operated the machine. That translates to an overall time savings of more than 30%, according to General Foreman Phillip Lamb.
The new mill turn machine was installed late last year. Although the operations in the machine are run by a shipbuilder right now, it will eventually be able to automate this work, according to programmers Kyle Day and Robert Kaminsky. A shipbuilder will be able to put the job in the machine, start the program and walk away. It will run until that operation is complete.
Operating in an enclosed environment, the machine eliminates much of the “human interaction” in the process and more than 80% of crane lifts compared to the old way torpedo tubes were manufactured. The older machine required crane lifts to transition between work on one end of the torpedo tube or the other. Depending on the crane schedule, those lifts could take hours to complete. Now, shipbuilders can program the new machine to make
Reducing crane lifts and manual work also reduces the risk of injury to shipbuilders.
Carnes said the machine is a necessity as the shipyard’s workload increases. “This is the future,” he said. “This is the way we are going to keep up with the amount of work we have.”
COVID-19 CAG Disbands Newport News Shipbuilding is evaluating its COVID-19 response as the virus continues to weaken, with positive cases becoming less prevalent and symptoms less severe. As a result, the COVID-19 Crisis Action Group (CAG) has disbanded and transitioned its responsibilities to a COVID-19 Council. Operating similar to NNS’ Heat Stress Council, the COVID-19
Council will continue to monitor the virus’ impact on the shipyard and the community, and respond accordingly based on predetermined evaluation criteria and action items that align with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. The council comprises representatives from Programs, Communications, Environmental Health and Safety, the Clinic, Facilities, Legal, Human Resources and Labor
Relations. Director of Environmental Health and Safety Yesika Kain leads the council’s efforts. Shipbuilders may continue referencing NNS’ communications platforms for shipyard updates related to COVID-19. For additional information about the virus’ impacts in our community and to stay up to date on CDC recommendations, please visit the CDC COVID data tracker.
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USS George Washington (CVN 73) Turns 30 USS George Washington (CVN 73) is celebrating its 30th birthday. The U.S. Navy commissioned the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier July 4, 1992. CVN 73’s journey began at Newport News Shipbuilding with the keel laying on Aug. 25, 1986. The ship is now at Newport News Shipbuilding undergoing its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH). CVN 73 Program Director Gary Graham said he is proud to have worked on the ship’s docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) at NNS in 2005 and its current RCOH. “She has had a tremendous 30 years so far, including becoming the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. It is an honor to be a part of her RCOH, which will prepare her for her next 25 years,” he said.
USS George Washington (CVN 73) underway in 2014. U.S. Navy photo
Parking Shuttle Changes for Hidens Parking shuttle service from the Hidens Lot will now stop exclusively at the North Yard. This is due to an influx of Newport News Shipbuilding employees who now work in the North Yard. To support employees who use the 50th Street Gate, additional parking has been made available at the Bldg. 902 and Bldg. 903 garages. Bus transportation is available from Bldg. 903 with 50th Street as the first stop to get employees to the gate as quickly as possible. In the afternoon, an express bus will be staged at the 50th Street Gate and will go directly to the Bldg. 903 garage.
An updated map of parking areas and shuttle routes is available at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/parking-transportation. As a reminder, 250 parking spaces are available at Bldg. 600 in the corner of the lot by 44th Street and Madison Avenue for employees with any NNS hangtag. NNS shuttles operate from the Bldg. 600 lot to 50th, 46th, 43rd and 31st streets between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A constant loop is running from 5 until 8 a.m. and from 2 until 5 p.m. Outside of these hours, employees should call the NNS taxi at 757-262-6516 for a ride to the parking lot.
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Reaches Another Milestone USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) completed its 10,000th recovery and launch using the ship’s advanced arresting gear and electromagnetic aircraft launch system on June 25. The first-inclass aircraft carrier reached the milestone as friends and family members of sailors had been invited aboard to experience a day in the life of a sailor at sea. Newport News Shipbuilding completed CVN 78’s first planned incremental availability (PIA) earlier this year. Sailors and their families and friends observe the 10,000th launch from USS Gerald R. Ford’s flight deck. U.S. Navy photo
Always Remain Vigilant Recent mass shootings around the country remind us to stand vigilant against threats that could pose a safety risk. These tragedies have affected people of all ages and backgrounds in communities across our nation. In a memo sent out last week, John Clark, director of Security and Emergency Management, wrote, “The safety of all employees is our top priority. Our Security team is equipped with a wealth of expertise in responding to crisis situations. While we have not held active shooter drills companywide, the team trains with outside law enforcement agencies to prepare should such a crisis occur.”
Clark urged company leaders to have discussions with their teams and to ensure contact information is up to date. If concerns arise, call Security at 380-2222. Take time to watch “Run Hide Fight,” a video that takes you through an active shooter event. You can watch the video on MyNNS and YouTube. Videos from the Sandy Hook Promise organization and beTravelwise dramatize the danger of not speaking up and of ignoring warning signs as well as the value of staying alert.
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AROUND THE YARD REMINDER: HII Insider Trading Policy The Business Management Division reminds Newport News Shipbuilding employees of HII’s policy on insider trading. The policy states that federal securities laws prohibit trading of a public company’s stock or other securities (such as bonds or stock options) while in possession of material nonpublic information. This restriction includes increasing or decreasing an HII stock position in retirement or 401(k) accounts. Material nonpublic information is defined as any information not available to the general public that could affect the price of the security and that a reasonable investor would consider important in deciding to purchase, sell or hold securities of the company in question. Insider trading can result in substantial civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines of up to three times the profit gained or loss avoided and a criminal fine of up to $5 million. Individuals may also face a substantial jail sentence. For more details, including information on transactions that are not subject to insider trading restrictions, read Corporate Policy A11 – Insider Trading. For questions about the policy or whether you possess material nonpublic information, contact the Law Department (O16/N358) prior to executing any HII stock transaction.
Shipbuilders Participate in ADP Corporate 5K Marcus Jackson, pictured from left, Robert “Bobbert” Browning, Dave Orie and Dave Traugott represented Newport News Shipbuilding and E81 at the ADP Corporate 5K in Norfolk in June.
Apprentice School Foundation Seeks Executive Committee Nominees The Board of Directors of the Apprentice School Foundation is seeking nominees for the Executive Committee. These positions include executive committee chairman, vice chair, secretary/treasurer and scholarship chair. If you are interested in being considered for one of these positions, send your name and contact information to Stan Best (O22) or Glen Davenport at davenport@teagle.coxatwork.com. Anyone who supports The Apprentice School and its mission is encouraged to apply.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported at NNS from June 20-July 4: 267 See updates at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411
Julia Jones presents a certificate of recognition to Yrex Niebuonrit. Photo by Aaron Pritchett
ASIAN ERG Recognizes Shipbuilder Yrex Niebuonrit was recently recognized by the Asian Shipbuilders Including All Nationalities (ASIAN) employee resource group (ERG) for excellent performance and leadership as part of the ASIAN ERG Recognition Program. The ASIAN ERG recognition program highlights the extraordinary efforts of individuals at Newport News Shipbuilding and provides shipbuilders at any level with the opportunity to tell the stories of fellow shipbuilders that define company values and inspire others. Julia Jones, vice president of Manufacturing and Industrial Manufacturing and Systems Engineering and the ASIAN ERG executive sponsor, congratulated Niebuonrit and presented him with a certificate of recognition. For more information regarding the ASIAN Recognition Program, contact Vinod Mathur at 688-1668 or via email.
Enterprise (CVN 65) Connections Newport News Shipbuilding will host a keel laying ceremony for Enterprise (CVN 80) later this summer. As this milestone approaches, the Communications Division is looking for NNS employees who have a connection to Enterprise (CVN 65). If you or a family member served on CVN 65, or if a family member helped construct the ship at NNS, we want to hear from you. Send your name, connection to CVN 65 and contact information to communications@hii-nns.com.
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DATEBOOK JULY 6
Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is hosting open interviews for entry-level and trainee fitter (X11) and welder (X18) positions between Noon and 3 p.m. on July 6 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 22924 at buildyourcareer.com.
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. Employees will not have to quit tobacco use to remain employed at NNS.
JULY 13
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 July 13 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 22924 at buildyourcareer.com.
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 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 25- AUGUST 5
Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual School Tools Drive is July 25-Aug. 5. The number of children in need of school supplies has nearly doubled in 2022. Across the area, over 4,000 students need the help of shipbuilders to prepare for next school year. Beginning July 25, options will be available to donate online through the YouGiveGoods platform as well as collections boxes located at turnstiles at gate entrances to the waterfront. Tangible items collected through department fundraisers will be accepted at NetCenter during the drive. For more information, email corporatecitizenship@hii-nns.com.
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.
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.
Research and Development Seeks Proposals Do you have a project idea for Research and Development? Newport News Shipbuilding has begun a continuous call for proposals. Ideas can now be submitted on the R&D Ideation website. The current campaign is for National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) panel project ideas and will run through Aug. 5. Panel projects are 12-month projects that are $150,000 or less in effort. Any research ideas that support reduced total ownership cost, improved quality, enhanced workforce excellence, increased materials and process commonality, and identification of best practices should be submitted for the NSRP funding consideration. Information regarding this solicitation, specific focus areas and the panel project white papers format can be found at www.nsrp.org. For questions or assistance in submitting an idea, contact Elmer Dickens (E32) at 688-9079.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept. Certified Marine Chemist 22741 O27 Engineer Mechanical 2 22292 E61 Fitters 22406, 22424, X11 22426, 22425 HII-Mechanical Mech Tech H 2 15840 N960 (2nd Shift) HII-Mechanical Mech Tech H 3 5217 N960 (2nd Shift) Manufacturing Mechanical 10791 X51 Engineer Nuclear Systems Engineer 2 14444 E70 Power Distribution Electrical 11346 E70 Engineer Production Planner & 23209 X63 Scheduler 1 Production Planner & 23215, 22803, X40, O87, Scheduler 2 14035 X35 (22803 in San Diego, CA) Production Planner & 22633 X22 Scheduler 3 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 Eligible
Remote Work Considered Yes No No
Not Eligible
No
Not Eligible
No
Not Eligible
Yes
Not Eligible Not Eligible
Yes Yes
Not Eligible
No
Not Eligible
No
Not Eligible
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.