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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Ashley Cowan
Put to the Test
Quality is continuously tested across Newport News Shipbuilding, especially in the shock test laboratory. It’s where engineers from different divisions test the durability of lightweight ship parts made by NNS and outside vendors. “Engineers in the company come to us with a ship part and procedure describing what they want to test,” said Dave Conley, a material process engineer and manager. “We develop detailed test plans, take the part to the shock test room, physically test it, and write a report to document our findings.” The team recently evaluated a circuit breaker housed within an enclosure – a part identical to those on aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). “It’s important to test these products in the yard because you don’t want them to fail at sea,” said Melissa Vixama, an engineer in test program support. “It would be a lot harder to fix it out there and it
could compromise the safety of individuals on the ship.” Shipbuilders mounted the circuit breaker onto an anvil, which is a block of metal connected to the shock test machine. “Once mounted onto the shock test machine, we were able to strike the anvil with a large hammer weight that we released at different elevations,” said Rance Maruszewski, a material process engineer. “The shock test not only involves determining if the item can survive physically, but operationally.” NNS’ data acquisition team monitored voltage levels at high sampling speeds to ensure the breaker didn’t trip during impact. “A successful test is if the breaker keeps a steady rate,” Vixama said. “It’s really cool. This is my first lightweight shock test and I’m learning a lot.” After completed shock tests, reports are sent to the Navy for final approval.
Celebrating Freedom Before the Independence Day holiday, Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin sent a message to shipbuilders thanking them for their role in defending freedom. “Whether you work on the deckplate, in a shop or in an office, every member of our team plays an important role in ensuring we deliver quality work that will serve our nation for decades to come,” she wrote. Watch a video showcasing photos from across NNS on MyNNS.
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7 | 6 | 2021 its inception in June 2018, the chapter has inducted 120 members. Presiding over the ceremony was faculty adviser Pat Krystyn. Dr. Latitia McCane, director of Education at The Apprentice School, delivered the keynote address. The NSLS helps members build their communication and leadership skills through the five-step Foundations of Leadership Development Program. Advanced and executive leadership certifications are also available. Candidates are selected based on academic and on-thejob performance, and leadership potential.
NSLS inductee Hunter Haden, center, with Pat Krystyn and Dr. Latitia McCane.
Apprentices Inducted into National Society of Leadership and Success The Apprentice School Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) inducted 21 new members June 11. This is the sixth cohort to be inducted; since
Congratulations to the newest members of the NSLS: Jacob Byrum, Peter Cortapasso, Eddie Cravens, Michael Creel, Shawn Guzman, Hunter Haden, Tiffany Harvey, William Heath, Jamica Jones, Rebekah Jones, Jared Mason, William Matthews, Zackarey McIlrath, Kari McVey, Michael Miller, Michael Moon, Jeremiah Morgan, Daniel Muray, Craig Pace, Alexander Sachs and Marvin Thompson.
National Contract Management Association Honors Shipbuilder Clara Anderson (O19), a manager in Contracts and Pricing, recently was honored with an award from the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). Anderson was named an NCMA Fellow, a designation that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of contract management and to the NCMA. It is the second-highest award given by the NCMA, which has about 20,000 members around the world. As a Fellow, Anderson will become a member of the Council of Fellows, which allows her to participate with leaders from the government, industry and academia to discuss issues affecting the contract management profession. “I am honored to receive this award. When I think of the award, it’s not just me. It’s the people who have inspired and supported me along the way – my family, my friends, my team, my co-workers and my leaders,” said Anderson, who has worked in the contract management field for nearly two decades. An NCMA member since 2006, Anderson has held several key positions in the national organization and previously served as president of the Hampton Roads chapter. At NNS, Anderson leads professional development, research and development contract administration and core compliance for Contracts and Pricing. “I have a passion for professional development. As leaders, we are mentors. That’s our biggest responsibility,” she said. “I share a clear vision of success with my team. My job is to get them to that next level and empower them to accept new challenges that bring innovation and professional development.” In 2017, Anderson received the NCMA Advancing Professionals award, which recognizes
top performers coming into their own as leaders in contract management and in NCMA. She also was recognized by Inside Business in 2012 as a Top 40 Under 40 in Hampton Roads, an honor that was heavily influenced by community service. A Navy veteran, Anderson said she feels “at home” at NNS. “When I come to work, I feel inspired that people are mission focused and passionate about what they do. They’re passionate about seeing that next ship being built and the quality of how it’s being built for our next generation,” she said.
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AROUND THE YARD This year’s event, held June 26, was a drive-thru due to COVID-19. Despite the challenges, the team worked hard and adapted. The drivethru path was outlined with luminarias decorated with names of loved ones who have been touched by or lost to cancer. Enthusiastic volunteers navigated and greeted participants throughout the event. The Relay for Life team would like to thank donors, volunteers, participants and its executive sponsor, Gary Fuller, vice president of Fleet Support Programs, for their contributions. “I am so proud of the NNS Relay For Life Team. This event was extremely successful due to the preparation, dedication and commitment of the entire team. I know this event touched many lives and many hearts. We could not have been successful without the generous donations of the NNS employees,” Fuller said.
Shipbuilders Support Relay For Life Newport News Shipbuilding’s team raised more than $20,000 for the 2021 Peninsula Relay For Life to help fight cancer.
Visit www.RelayForLife.org/NNS through July 21 to make a donation. To purchase a limited edition NNS Relay For Life face mask for $5, contact Amy Prillaman (O93).
Featured NNS Safety Principle
WiSE Woman Honorees Named
June’s featured NNS Safety Principle was “Safety is an everyday action.” This means constantly REC’ing (Recognize, Evaluate, and Control) and being vigilant for hazards in your workplace. Also, taking action to prevent any unnecessary hazards. Below are examples of shipbuilders practicing this safety principle: • O53 and O46 shipbuilders recently worked together to safely clean up an oily waste spill in the Scrap Yard sorting area. They worked safely and prevented oily waste from entering a storm drain. • Filling out your operator’s daily checklist (OCDL). The ODCL aids the operator in doing a complete
check and provides a record of daily inspections. The daily inspection conducted by the operator helps to identify conditions that may render equipment, vehicles, etc. unsafe to operate and enhances reliability. • Using handrails when walking down a flight of stairs, following speed limits, not driving aggressively, not using mobile phones while driving, and using pedestrian crosswalks to cross streets are all examples of safe decisions. Look for information about July’s featured NNS Safety Principle – Safety requires both management and personal ownership – in an upcoming edition of Currents.
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. 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.
Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) presented “WiSE Woman” awards to the following employees during the second quarter of 2021: • Tiajuana Benson-Bond (O13) was recognized for commendable and sustained performance in April. • Ruth Riddle (E68) was recognized for commendable and sustained performance in May. • Tiffany Harris (E70) was recognized for outstanding leadership in June. WiSE presents this award each month and award winners are published in Currents on a quarterly basis. For questions regarding the program, visit the WiSE Woman website on MyNNS or contact Janice Boone (E68). To submit a nomination, complete a WiSE Woman nomination form.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported last week: 10
Total cases at NNS: 3,598
NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 2,964
NNS employees vaccinated: 51%
See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
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DATEBOOK 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.
JULY 14
Join Engineering & Design and Melinda Perez 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.
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NNS is Monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa
Newport News Shipbuilding is monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa, which may impact Hampton Roads later this week. As a reminder, updates about shipyard operations are communicated via the following channels: Employee Information Phone Line (1-877-871-2058), NNS to Go app, company email, social media (HII pages and NNS President Jennifer Boykin’s Facebook page) and NNS websites.
Upcoming 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
• Aug. 11
• July 20
• Sept. 2
• Aug. 4
• Sept. 15
To schedule an appointment, contact Natasha Eck or Sunny Lee via email.
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.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Configuration Analyst 2 Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Software 3 HII Mechanical Mech Tech P 3 (Welder) Manager Test Engineering 2 Manager Test Inspection 2 Power Plant Operator Reg Compliance Analyst 3
2066 3684 & 7224 7225 804 5377 6907 7226 5321 7177
O52 E70 E83 E44 N960 E91 O39 O46 O55
Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Ballston Spa, NY 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.