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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Aaron Pritchett
Training Together Newport News Shipbuilding Fire and Rescue recently conducted joint training exercises with the city of Newport News Fire Department on John F. Kennedy (CVN 79).
The exercises brought together personnel from both departments to fight a simulated fire and conduct search and rescue operations on the ship. “The Newport News Fire Department is our No. 1 mutual aid provider, so we’ve talked about having them come in here to do some integrated training to see how we work together,” said NNS Fire and Rescue Lt. Michael Taylor. He walked participants through the space on the ship used for the training exercises with the lights on and with clear visibility before turning the lights out and filling the air with simulated smoke. Firefighters used a weighted hose to simulate a pressurized line. The nozzles shot lasers at a fire on an LED screen. Weighted dummies also were used to train for rescues. “This is as close to the real thing as we can get,” Taylor said. “We tried to make it that way so when there is a real fire, we are best equipped to handle it. The only thing missing from this evolution
is the fire, heat and actual water. We’re trying not to damage any progress on the ship.” The training comes after some high-profile incidents aboard U.S. Navy vessels, including a July 2020 fire that gutted amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) at Naval Base San Diego. “There has been a push in the last couple of years to integrate the municipal fire departments that surround naval installations to familiarize them with ship construction, ship operations, ship personnel and anything we have to do to mitigate an incident,” said Newport News Fire Department Capt. Jimmy Simonsen. A former NNS shipbuilder, Simonsen said it’s important for emergency responders to be familiar with the ship systems and use that knowledge to solve problems – especially on a ship such as CVN 79 that is under construction. “When they’re building one of these, things change almost daily,” he said. Watch a video on MyNNS to see the training exercises in action.
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Beam “Tops Out” JMAF Construction crews lifted in place the highest beam at Newport News Shipbuilding’s Joint Manufacturing Assembly Facility (JMAF) Friday, July 16. The beam “topped out” the Ship Join Bay and completed the steel structure of the shipyard’s tallest building. “This is a longstanding tradition in the construction world, particularly for the steelworkers,” said Mike Kehoe (O41). “When they finish the highest point of the structure, they have a ceremony like this and they typically put up an American flag that’s lighted at night.” The beam was painted white and anyone who participated in the building’s construction to this point was invited to sign it. True to tradition, an American flag is attached with a solar-powered light. During a short ceremony to commemorate the occasion, Jim O’Brien, director of Facilities, thanked construction crews for their work at the site while explaining the importance of the submarines the facility
A construction crew lifts the highest beam at the Joint Manufacturing Assembly Facility. Photo by Ashley Cowan
will be used to help build. “Know that what you’re doing out here makes a difference to our country and to every one of us,” he said. The Ship Join Bay is expected to open in February. yardwide initiative designed to prepare employees for the physical demands of shipbuilding, such as proper movement patterns, body mechanics and new innovative handling techniques. Keven Pugh II (O43) demonstrated how to use a BackX, which is an exoskeleton worn around the torso to help reduce strain on lower back muscles. Shipbuilders who use new ergonomic equipment take surveys on how to improve it. “By giving feedback, we work with the vendors to gear the equipment to our shipbuilders’ needs,” he said.
A shipbuilder demonstrates ergonomic equipment. Photo by Ashley Cowan
Ergonomic Equipment Can Help Prevent Injuries Helping shipbuilders reduce repetitive motions and work safely is important to Wendell Boone, a foreman committed to injury prevention education. “There’s always something to improve on,” he said. He and the Shipbuilder Strong team recently led employees on a tour in the welding services facility – a shop outfitted with ergonomic equipment. Shipbuilder Strong is a
Dave Byrum (O40) said shipbuilders’ health and safety is a top priority. “Ergonomic equipment is still being adapted to the shipyard,” he said. “When you get people’s ideas about it, that’s a success.” Shipbuilders interested in ergonomic insight to their work environment, whether on the waterfront or in an office, can call 688-0376 or 777-2105 to set up an ergonomic assessment.
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AROUND THE YARD
Watch Focus NNS The latest edition of Focus NNS features shipbuilders’ own version of shock testing and joint training exercises between NNS Fire and Rescue and the Newport News Fire Department. Watch Focus NNS on the NNS to Go app, MyNNS or the external website.
NOTICE: NNS to Go App Update The NNS to Go app is scheduled to undergo an update between July 30 and Aug. 1. As a result, users who have the app installed on their mobile device will need to update the version. To update the app, go into the Apple or Google Play store, select the NNS to Go app and click “update.” A push notification with this information will be sent to NNS to Go users prior to the update.
U.S. Navy Photo
USS Gerald R. Ford Successfully Completes Second Explosive Event of Full-Ship Shock Trials USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) successfully completed the second of three scheduled explosive events for full-ship shock trials July 16. The shock trials are designed to demonstrate the ship’s ability to withstand the effects of nearby underwater explosion and retain required capability.
Shipbuilder Honored for Service Last month, shipbuilder Terry Tunstall was recognized for his service to the Night School program and as an apprentice tutor. Apprentice Felecia Wilson presented an appreciation certificate. “Mr. Terry has always made himself available when I needed him no matter what. He has always reassured me that I would not fail. There were days that I felt overwhelmed, and he always had an encouraging word. He is the epitome of an excellent leader, teacher, coworker and friend. I feel that we should honor and acknowledge him for the years of service and time he has put into the school and all of his students,” Wilson said. The Night School also provided gifts and thanked Tunstall for teaching math review and tutoring apprentices. “Words can’t express the gratitude for what you all did for me,” Tunstall said. “It’s an honor to be given the opportunity by The Apprentice School since October 2001 to tutor – assisting others in accomplishing things in their lives. Glory be to God for the opportunity.”
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19
Cases reported last week: 8
Total cases at NNS: 3,608
NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 2,973
NNS employees vaccinated: 52%
See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
Check Out the Library Bulletin Newport News Shipbuilding’s on-site Technical Library serves as a resource for all employees. It houses books on myriad subjects, including employee engagement, quality and engineering/ technical topics.
Check the latest Library Bulletin on MyNNS for a list of books and resources available for checkout. Visit the Technical Library on the first floor of Bldg. 903 or call 688-3134 to check out books or other resources.
Debunking Vaccine Myths Myth: The vaccine can affect a woman’s fertility. Facts: According to Johns Hopkins University, this surfaced in a social media report that proved false. During the Pfizer vaccine tests, 23 women became pregnant. The one woman who suffered a pregnancy loss was given a placebo, not the vaccine. However, getting sick with COVID-19 can seriously, negatively impact a pregnancy and the mother’s health.
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DATEBOOK 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.
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 25
Join the SHIPs Network employee resource group for a networking event at Top Golf in Virginia Beach from 6 until 9 p.m. This event is open to NNS employees only. This event is first come, first served, and there is a maximum of 60 participants. Sign up on MyNNS. For questions, contact Lewis Fisher (X46) via email.
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 1
Join the SHIPs Network employee resource group for a networking event at Top Golf in Virginia Beach from 6 until 9 p.m. This event is open to NNS employees only. This event is first come, first served, and there is a maximum of 60 participants. Sign up on MyNNS. For questions, contact Lewis Fisher (X46) via email.
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.
AUGUST 16-27
Newport News Shipbuilding’s School Tools Drive supports children in local underserved communities to ensure they have the school supplies they need to start the year off strong. NNS will support five departments of social services in hopes of assisting 2,300 children in need. Shipbuilders can donate in person or use an online order option. Look for more information in future editions of Currents.
AUGUST 19
Newport News Shipbuilding employees are invited to attend a virtual information session from 5 until 6 p.m. to learn about MBA programs for working professionals offered by the College of William & Mary. RSVP by Aug. 16. NNS is an official corporate partner of the Raymond A. Mason School of Business. This partnership means tuition benefits are available through the Corporate Partnership Scholarship Program for any NNS employee who is accepted into the Executive MBA or Part-Time MBA Programs.
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 20 • Aug. 4
• Aug. 11 • Sept. 2
• Sept. 15
To schedule an appointment, contact Natasha Eck or Sunny Lee via email.
NNS SAFETY REPORT
Compared to figures from June 2020 Year-to-Date Injuries
827 (up 68%) Year-to-Date Injuries with Days Away, Restricted or Transferred
516 (up 40%) Safety Task Team Inspection Closure Rate
97% (21% above goal)
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Cost Engineer 2 Engineer Electrical 2 Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Electrical 4 Engineer Electromechanical 3 Engineer Mechanical 2 Manager Test Engineering 2 Manager Test Engineering 2/CVN RCOH Manager Test Engineering 2/Submarine Fleet Support Material Planner 3 Pipefitter (Trainee Program, Entry-Level & Experienced) Production Planning & Scheduler 3
6132 7444 & 7565 7526 7525 7241 7561 6907 7045 7046 7575 5416, 5423 & 5419 7237
O19 E11 & E92 E11 E11 E44 E92 E91 E25 E25 E25 X42 X83
Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Ballston Spa, NY Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Groton, CT
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.