7 | 12 | 2021
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Ashley Cowan
Welders Welcome Lighter Load Facilities Maintenance Manager John Walker (O43) is committed to help welders improve their equipment. “When I came to the shipyard in 1987, I went through the welding school and worked on units before I went into the maintenance side of the business,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed working with people, fixing things and making things better.” That’s why Walker works with a team to design, purchase and deploy welding machines that are more portable and lightweight than previous equipment. About 1,300 of these machines are used across the yard. “In the past a lot of equipment was so large it would take two people or a crane to get it where it needed to go,” he said. “Now it just takes one person to get this equipment to the job in a safe manner, where they’re not hurting their back or wrists.” Walker is following through on a team project the company created nine years ago called Welding Systems of Tomorrow (WSOT). “The modernization project began in 2012 to update our existing fleet of welding equipment to current technologies, industry standards and capabilities,” he said. Weighing about 40 pounds, the Miller Maxstar 210 is one of the smallest machines. Some machines have an attached strap to carry
over the shoulder, making it easier for welders to take to and from jobsites. “We move throughout the ship daily so the machines are very convenient to lift, put on your shoulder, and take to where you have to go,” said Jarvis Carr (X18). “I feel 10 times better.” Having the controls on the machines minimizes the amount of travel through production areas to set up and adjust equipment. “In my experience, it’s a much smoother welding machine,” said Michael Lassiter (X18), who has 39 years of welding experience. “I think the settings are easier to use. It’s better than what we’ve ever had by a longshot.” Safety improvements continue to develop as equipment is deployed. “Voltage reducing device technology has been incorporated into new equipment, effectively reducing the level of voltage in the hands of operators,” Walker said. “This greatly minimizes the potential for electrical shock.” Plans are in the works to buy additional welding equipment with safety and ergonomic improvements. Walker said welders who have a need for this equipment should talk to their foreman or call the O43 Service Desk at 688-5378.
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7 | 12 | 2021 nonprofit committed to reducing food insecurity across the region by developing urban farming and educational programming while creating a sustainable food system. “Our mission is to provide food insecure communities with access to healthy food,” said Renee Foster, president of Hampton Roads Urban Agriculture. “My passion has always been one of serving. Last year we harvested about 2,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables to the local community.” Savannah Brady, an engineering intern, helped weed and harvest the garden. “I love helping the community,” she said. “It means a lot to me because my family has struggled with food insecurity.”
Newport News Shipbuilding interns work in an urban garden in Newport News. Photo by Ashley Cowan
NNS Interns Volunteer at Urban Garden Newport News Shipbuilding interns volunteered at an urban garden last week to help grow and harvest produce for the local community. The garden, located near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and 21st Street in Newport News, is the first of its kind in the city. Hampton Roads Urban Agriculture, the managing partner of the garden, is a
Free HRT Passes Available for 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 nontransferable passes are for NNS employee use only. Typically, passes are good for one year, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, initial 20212022 passes will be temporary until the annual passes arrive at a later date. Employees interested in a temporary pass should complete the waiver form and bring a hardcopy with them to Bldg. 103-1 (southeast corner, first office on the right) from 8 to 11 a.m. or 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 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 email ParkingSolutions@hii-nns.com.
Plants in the garden include corn, cucumbers, strawberries, mint, peppers, tomatoes, watermelons and zucchini. There are also apple, cherry, peach and pear trees. “It means a lot to give back to the community,” said Demarius Mcintosh, a software development intern. “We want people to see that we’re doing our part in the community to make it better, and maybe they will help be part of it.” Watch a video featuring NNS interns volunteering in the garden on MyNNS.
NNS President Honored at Alma Mater Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin has been named the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation’s 2021 Kings Pointer of the Year. The academy is commonly referred to as Kings Point, in reference to the village in which it is located in New York. Also known as the Alumnus of the Year Award, Kings Pointer of the Year is the highest honor bestowed by the association and foundation and is reserved for individuals who have succeeded, over a sustained period, in attaining such stature as to warrant this paramount recognition. Boykin earned a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering from the academy. An NNS shipbuilder for more than 30 years, Boykin was named the company’s 20th president in 2017, becoming the first woman to lead the shipyard. She continues to support her alma mater, including through service on the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy’s Board of Visitors, to which she was appointed by the president of the United States. Boykin also is a founding member of First 10 Forward, established by USMMA women graduates from the first 10 classes, to empower women who pursue non-traditional professional goals.
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CURRENTS 3
AROUND THE YARD The Apprentice School Foundation Awards Scholarship
New Benefits Available for Shipbuilders and Families
Riley Perkins (X11) was recently recognized as the second quarter Apprentice School Foundation Scholarship recipient during a ceremony at The Apprentice School. Perkins, who started his apprenticeship June 7, received a $500 scholarship that can be used for technology, school supplies, relocation expenses, and room and board.
July 1 kicked off Huntington Ingalls Industries’ new benefit plan year, including the launch of two new, no-cost benefits designed to help employees and their families meet their goals.
Perkins, who is from Clay, West Virginia, is a 2021 graduate of Clay County High School, where he earned a GPA of 3.68. Perkins was active in his community and high school. He volunteered with the cleanup of his community after a devastating flood and worked with numerous community organizations where he spent time mentoring youth. In high school, Perkins was a member of the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America and captain of both the wrestling and football teams.
Riley Perkins is pictured with Jessica Walker, an Apprentice School Foundation Board member.
The Apprentice School Foundation provides a tax-deductible opportunity for alumni, friends and community partners of The Apprentice School to help fund scholarships, historic preservation and community service projects that carry on the school’s legacy. The foundation awards four scholarships annually. Visit The Apprentice School Foundation’s website (www.tasfd.org) for more information.
NNS Hosting Series of Summer Virtual Trades Hiring Events Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition will host a series of virtual hiring events this summer to fill numerous trades positions, including outside machinists, refuelers and ship safety watch (X43); painters and insulators (X33); pipefitters (X42); fitters (X11); and welders (X18). The first virtual hiring event for machinists will be held on July 28. “The hard reality is nationwide the majority of companies are struggling to hire qualified individuals and NNS is not immune” said Tiffany Harris, manager of trades hiring for NNS Talent Acquisition. “Our goal this summer is to advertise our career opportunities, the benefits we offer, encourage qualified candidates to apply, and invite candidates to video interview where they could receive an offer that very day.” NNS is currently offering a $2,500 sign-on bonus to qualified candidates with active security clearances for both outside machinist (X43) and pipefitter (X42) positions. In addition, employees who refer experienced fitters, machinists, pipefitters or welders may be eligible for refer bonuses from $500 to $1,000. Employees are encouraged to share these opportunities. More information about this summer’s hiring events and the NNS refer program can be found at buildyourcareer.com.
COVID -19 TESTS MOVING TO HII FAMILY HEALTH CENTER
Effective Monday, July 19, COVID-19 testing, which has been taking place at the old Apprentice School gym, will move to the HII Family Health Center, operated by QuadMed, at 4500 Washington Ave. All employees must schedule their tests before arriving at the center, since all tests are being performed curbside. Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-844-243-8749 before proceeding to the center. Leased employees are also eligible for testing, but should first contact their supplier. Employees identified as close contacts who are fully vaccinated and have not developed symptoms are exempt from testing at NNS.
The first is Vida Health, a digital benefit designed to help users achieve their health goals. Through Vida’s easy-to-use app, users can message with wellness coaches and log their food and exercise to eat healthier, lose weight and manage their chronic conditions. The second is Maven, a family benefit that offers full-service support for employees planning, starting and raising a family. Maven’s care advocates can help with fertility, maternity, adoption and more. Vida is available to all Newport News Shipbuilding employees and their dependents enrolled in an HII Anthem medical plan. Maven is available to salaried employees and their dependents enrolled in an HII Anthem medical plan. For details on both benefits, including instructions on how to download the Vida Health and Maven apps, visit hiibenefits.com. All services provided by Vida and Maven are private and not shared with HII.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported last week: 3 Total cases at NNS: 3,601 NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 2,972 NNS employees vaccinated: 52% See case details at
nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
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7 | 12 | 2021
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.
JULY 20
The Project Management Shipbuilders Association (PMSA) will host a lunchtime presentation on Project Management Basics and the Many Styles with Kelli James and Sandra Valentine from 12 to 1 p.m. via WebEx. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on the PMSA website on MyNNS. For questions, contact Dennis Diones, or email PMSA@hii-nns.com. No charge is provided.
PMSA CONGRATULATES SHIPBUILDERS
The Project Management Shipbuilders Association (PMSA) congratulates the following newly certified Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professionals (PMP). After many hours of reading, studying and taking practice exams, these candidates have successfully passed the PMP exam: • • • • •
Kelsey Saloka Duon Martin Dillan Harper Smith Kanja Kabbany Erin Ehlers
Ehlers was part of a PMSA pilot study group program the group plans to roll out in the fall. It will be for PMP candidates who wish to join a study group with mentor.
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 26
Join FitNNS and the Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG), along with Marty Philips of the EAP program at the HII Family Health Center, for a virtual lunch and learn from 12 until 12:30 p.m. to discuss PTSD, what it is, coping mechanisms and how to support others with PTSD. Questions for the speaker are being accepted on the registration form in advance. Register on MyNNS. For more information, contact Julia Harris (O19) or Cailee Helmick (E86).
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.
AUGUST 9
The Engagement and Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) offices invite shipbuilders to join their monthly ED&I Together Strong Life Unites Panel Discussion Series: Fearless Progression Psychological Safety from 4:30 until 6 p.m. via Zoom. Panelists include Renee Myles (E01), Oliver Aguilar (K73), Kimberly Artis (X44), Beth Scicchitano (E46), Martin Gerald (E85) and Robin Lee (O53). This event is open to all NNS employees. Register on MyNNS. No charge will be provided. For questions, email DiversityAndInclusion@hii-nns.com.
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.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Coatings Inspector Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Electromechanical 3 Engineer Mechanical 3 Engineer Mechanical 3 SSN(X) Engineer Nuclear 3 Insulator Maintenance Pipefitter Outside Machinist Trainee Program Outside Machinist Entry-Level Outside Machinist Experienced Refueler Ship Safety Watch
4657 7224 & 7225 7241 6046 6769 6708 6337 5323 7504 7484 7445 7465 7464
X67 E70 & E83 E44 O46 E11 E85 X33 O46 X43 X43 X43 X43 X43
Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News 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
Contributing Writer: Lena Wallace 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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