New Park and Ride Service to Begin Aug. 1 7 l 11 l 2022
Newport News Shipbuilding is leasing approximately 140 spaces at the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport between McManus Boulevard and Patrick Henry Drive. Bus service is available to and from the site in the morning and afternoon, but not on a continuous loop. Buses leave the airport at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., with stops at North Yard Gate, 46th Street and Bldg. 903. Afternoon departures from the shipyard are as follows:
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
NNS and Navy personnel inspect a compartment on John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) before the space is turned over to ship’s force. Photo by Aaron Pritchett
NNS Turns Over 1,000th Kennedy Compartment Newport News Shipbuilding has reached a significant milestone in the compartment and systems construction of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). NNS recently turned over to the ship’s crew the 1,000th compartment of the 2,615 total spaces. The milestone reflects the shipyard’s steady progress toward delivery of the ship to the Navy. NNS has also installed more than 9.8 million feet of cable, or more than 1,800 miles, of the approximately 10.5 million feet of cable on Kennedy. The most recently completed spaces include electrical and engineering. This allows sailors assigned to the pre-commissioning unit to increase training on the ship while final outfitting and testing progresses. “Our shipbuilders are highly skilled, determined and working incredibly hard to bring Kennedy to life,” said Lucas Hicks, vice president of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) Aircraft Carrier Programs. “This is about equipping our sailors with the most advanced aircraft carrier ever built for the U.S. Navy. We are proud to execute for the customer, and finalize the remaining equipment, systems and compartments that will bring us closer to delivering the ship to the Navy.” Kennedy, the second in the Ford class, is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in 2024. Ford-class aircraft carriers are the first to be designed 100% digitally. Although the ships were designed in a digital environment, paper drawings are still used during construction. Kennedy represents a transition to a new digital construction process, with shipbuilders beginning to use visual work instructions on laptops and tablets rather than paper drawings. Enterprise (CVN 80) will be the first carrier totally built using the digital tools. CONTINUED ON PG 2
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North Yard Gate: 2:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.
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46th Street: 2:55 p.m. and 3:55 p.m.
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Bldg. 903 Garage: 3:10 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.
Employees who need to access their vehicles at the airport can receive rides via TRAFFIX app. Visit gotraffix.com for eligibility requirements and rules. This service helps in the event of a family emergency, unscheduled overtime, a sick child at school or other urgent matter. Questions about this new service should be sent to ParkingSolutions@hii-nns.com.
NNS is Now a TobaccoFree Facility Newport News Shipbuilding enacted a new tobacco-free policy, effective Monday, July 11, that prohibits the use of tobacco products on company property and on company time. The zero-tolerance policy supports the company’s No Fail Mission to improve performance and quality with a focus on the safety and health of shipbuilders and work environment. Frequently asked questions are available to provide more information on the policy. Additionally, 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 do not have to quit tobacco use entirely to remain employed at NNS.
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Support Students During the School Tools Drive Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual School Tools Drive, which runs from July 25 until Aug. 5, will help provide school supplies for thousands of students across the area as they prepare for next school year.
Summer interns and company leaders participate in a networking event that included remarks from NNS President Jennifer Boykin. Photo by Nicholas Langhorne
Summer Interns Meet NNS Leaders Newport News Shipbuilding’s summer interns met with NNS President Jennifer Boykin and senior leaders during a recent “What’s the Scoop” networking event. Hosted beside tugboat Dorothy, the ice cream social brought together this year’s cohort of interns along with members of management, employee resource group representatives and former interns who now work at the shipyard. “What’s great about this internship is that I’ve learned how to work on software on a team,” said Charles Cutler, a computer science major from Virginia Commonwealth University. “It’s something I haven’t learned in school yet. I’m soaking up everything like a sponge and keep a notebook of advice I’ve learned.”
Shipbuilders are asked to donate new school supply items in support of the drive. See a list of most-needed items and frequently asked questions on MyNNS. Weatherproof containers will be located inside the gates at turnstiles for convenient supply drop off. For department competitions and fundraisers, boxes will be available for pick up at Bldg. 103 and Shipyard Drive (southeast bay door) and NetCenter, beginning Wednesday, July 20.
Boykin offered the interns words of advice for their summer.
Shipbuilders can donate online at YouGiveGoods.com/nns-schooltools-2022 from July 18 through Aug. 5. Online donations are not taxed and supplies are shipped directly to the selected agency. Purchases are tax deductible.
“This is an exciting time to work at the shipyard so I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and explore all we have to offer,” she said. “The work done by our 25,000 shipbuilders isn’t done anywhere else in the world.”
The drive will support agencies across Hampton Roads. For more information, email corporatecitizenship@hii-nns.com.
NNS Turns Over 1,000th Kennedy Compartment CONTINUED FROM PG 1
Ford class enhancements incorporated into the design include flight deck changes, improved weapons handling systems and a redesigned island, all resulting in increased aircraft sortie-generation rates. The Ford class also features new nuclear power plants, increased electrical power-generation capacity, allowance for future technologies, and reduced workload for sailors, translating to a smaller crew size and reduced operating costs for the Navy. Construction processes on these carriers are enabled by workforce learning that took place on Ford, and those lessons are being applied throughout the class.
Shipbuilders and Navy officials celebrate the 1,000th compartment on John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) being turned over to ship’s force. Photo by Aaron Pritchett
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AROUND THE YARD NNS Hosting Trades Hiring Event July 20 Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is hosting an in-person trades hiring event Wednesday, July 20, at the DoubleTree Kingsmill hotel in Williamsburg from 8 a.m. until noon. This event is open to the public for job seekers interested in trainee, entry-level and experienced fitter (X11) and welder (X18) positions. Job seekers will have the opportunity to have their applications reviewed in-person by NNS recruiters and be interviewed if qualified. Offers will be made that day. Pay is $21+ per hour, with a $500 sign-on bonus and up to $1,500 to relocate for trainee and entry-level positions. Hampton Roads Pridefest attendees visit the NNS booth during the event at Town Point Park in Norfolk.
NNS Participates in Hampton Roads Pridefest Newport News Shipbuilding and the company’s Shipbuilders Together Realizing Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (STRIDE) employee resource group participated in Hampton Roads Pridefest on June 25. The annual festival is one of the most important to the local LGBTQ+ community, hosting numerous companies, vendors and entertainers. As one of the leading sponsors, NNS hosted a booth in the heart of the festivities. The booth hosted a popular button-making station, as well as a few games. A representative from Human Resources was in attendance to provide employment-related information, including same-sex partner and health insurance benefits. “We saw lots of people from NNS and affiliated groups who were very happy to see us there in support of the LGBTQ+ community,” said STRIDE Chair Ariel Matthews (X74). “When companies make an honest effort to support marginalized groups it fosters a sense of pride for individuals, both in themselves and in their employer. They are happy to say “Hey! That’s my organization.” Mckenzie Stevens (E92) was glad to see NNS represented at Pridefest. “I got a button which now lives on my cubicle wall. It was great to see it get such a good turn out,” Stevens said.
NNS employees are encouraged to share this hiring opportunity. Employees who refer a job seeker who is hired could receive a $1,000 cash bonus. 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.
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.
Enterprise (CVN 80) Keel Laying Ceremony Set for August Newport News Shipbuilding will host a keel laying ceremony for Enterprise (CVN 80) at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. Employees interested in attending should continue to read Currents for information on how to request tickets to the event. The Communications Division is also seeking employees to support the event in the following roles: •
Event staff – bus escorts, parking attendants,
site staff and ushers •
National anthem singer
Employees interested in volunteering at the event or singing the national anthem should send an email to shipbuildingevents@hii-nns.com.
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DATEBOOK 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 13
Join Lynise Green, N.D., C.N.C. at noon to explore the relationship between work, stress and burnout. Learn how burnout differs from stress and get helpful tips to become more engaged in your work. You’ll also identify your level of burnout and the factors that may be contributing to work stress. Register at myquadmed.com/BeWell.
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 17
Six Weeks to Less Stress and More Sleep: Join this six-week, on-demand online program to learn how your stress levels may be keeping you from getting the sleep you need. Watch stress levels go down and quality of sleep improve as you use the strategies you’ll learn to get a better night’s rest. Beginning July 17, log in to MyChart at myquadmed.com/hii to access Wellness Online and click the program link on the homepage to get started.
NNS SAFETY REPORT
Compared to figures from June 2021 Year-to-Date Injuries
639 (down 23%) Year-to-Date Injuries with Days Away, Restricted or Transferred
548 (up 6%) Safety Task Team Inspection Closure Rate
94%
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 12-14
Join shipbuilders and vehicle enthusiasts as they ride the “Back of the Dragon” to cure cancer and help those affected in our community. Accommodations are available at a local mansion on a first come, first served basis. The event supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Contact Eric Olsen to RSVP or if you have questions.
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.
The Learning Organization to Host Leadership Lunch and Learn Newport News Shipbuilding’s future depends on demonstrating technical and business management expertise, which are critical to the company’s success. Join The Learning Organization at noon on July 19 for a lunch and learn with Don Godwin, vice president of Business Management and chief financial officer, who will share the importance of business and technical acumen and how all shipbuilders can lead wherever they are by using these leadership competencies. Register on MyNNS. For additional information, contact Vickie Robinson via email.
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.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept. Certified Marine Chemist 22741 O27 Fitters 22406, 22424, X11 22426, 22425 Manufacturing Mechanical 10791 X51 Engineer Nuclear Systems Engineer 2 14444 E70 Power Distribution Electrical 11346 E70 Engineer Production Planner & 22890 X22 Scheduler 2 Production Planner & 22587 X21 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 Eligible
Remote Work Considered Yes No
Not Eligible
Yes
Not Eligible Not Eligible
Yes Yes
Not Eligible
No
Not Eligible
N
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.