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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Nicholas Langhorne
Parking Improvements in Full Swing
A variety of parking improvements are in full swing across Newport News Shipbuilding, with measures already in place or about to become effective.
Starting Aug. 1, first-shift employees can park at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport and ride a coach bus to work. The leased lot with about 140 spaces is across from 12561 Patrick Henry Drive near McManus Boulevard. It is open to employees with a Zone A or Zone B hangtag. Buses will leave the airport at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. with stops at the North Yard Gate, 46th Street and the Bldg. 903 Garage. Afternoon departures from these locations will return employees to the airport. Check MyNNS or the NNS to Go app for details. Employees can also take advantage of a park-and-ride program at Bldg. 600, where another 250 Zone A or B spaces are being
made available. NNS shuttles operate between Bldg. 600 and 50th, 46th, 43rd and 31st streets weekdays between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. A constant loop runs from 5 until 8 a.m. and from 2 until 5 p.m. In two other locations, NNS is creating more room for employees with Zone B hangtags.Another 229 Zone B spaces are now available on the fifth level of the Bldg. 908 parking garage, which is located on West Avenue between 30th and 31st streets. About 25 additional parking spaces are available between 44th and 45th streets east of Huntington Avenue behind the United Steelworkers Local 8888 headquarters. Finally, employees interested in ridesharing opportunities should visit the Rideshare website on MyNNS to check out available ride shares and times with fellow shipbuilders. For more information, email ParkingSolutions@hii-nns.com.
NNS Kicks Off Annual School Tools Drive Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual School Tools Drive, which runs through Aug. 5, will help provide school supplies for thousands of students across the area as they prepare for next school year. Shipbuilders are asked to donate new school supplies in support of the drive. See a list of most-needed items and frequently asked questions on MyNNS. Containers are located inside shipyard gates at turnstiles for supply drop off. Employees can also donate online at YouGiveGoods.com/nns-schooltools-2022. Online donations are not taxed and supplies are shipped directly to the selected agency. Purchases are tax deductible. CONTINUED ON PG 2
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7 | 25 | 2022 “It’s kind of like a full circle,” said Williams, a lead crane rigger. “That’s how my dad’s career started. He finished up his career at NNS on CVN 65. I’ve already been here 33 years, and toward the end of my career, I’ll be on CVN 80.” Mike Williams was familiar with Enterprise lore at an early age. His father had a nautical-themed room and photos of CVN 65 on the wall. “The Enterprise was always an important part of his life, so it was an important part of our lives because of that,” he said.
Mike “Chilly” Williams holds a photo of his father Dave Williams, who was a member of the original crew of Enterprise (CVN 65) and later a shipbuilder at NNS. Photo by Aaron Pritchett
Father and Son Part of Enterprise Lore More than half a century ago, a sailor named Dave Williams boarded Enterprise (CVN 65), the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, as a member of the original crew. He was onboard when the ship responded to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Later, Williams left the Navy and came to work at Newport News Shipbuilding. But he maintained a relationship with his beloved ship. He worked on CVN 65 various times as shipbuilder, sometimes when it was docked in Norfolk, other times flying across the country or halfway around the world to give it needed attention. Today, as a new Enterprise (CVN 80) comes to life at NNS, the Williams family is as involved as ever. Dave’s son, Mike “Chilly” Williams (X36), is among thousands of shipbuilders working on the third Gerald R. Ford-class carrier. Given his family ties, this is much more than a job.
NNS Kicks Off Annual School Tools Drive CONTINUED FROM PG 1
NNS Christened Texas 18 Years Ago
For department competitions and fundraisers, boxes are available for pick up at Bldg. 103 and Shipyard Drive (southeast bay door). Shipbuilders can also email CorporateCitizenship@hii-nns.com to arrange to box pick up at NetCenter.
Newport News Shipbuilding christened USS Texas (SSN 775) on July 31, 2004. It is the first Virginiaclass submarine delivered by NNS and the second boat of the class.
The drive will support students served by departments of social services in Newport News, Hampton and York County/Poquoson; Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula; ForKids/ Homeless Assistance; and An Achievable Dream. Email CorporateCitizenship@hii-nns.com for more information.
During the event, Ship’s Sponsor first lady Laura Bush smashed a bottle of American-made sparkling wine across the bow. It was the first submarine christening at NNS in nearly a decade.
Dave Williams put aside active-duty service in the Navy to raise his family, but his love for the Navy never waned. In the late 1970s, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve and later retired as a chief petty officer. When he did his two weeks of active duty at Naval Station Norfolk close to where CVN 65 was docked, while his crew was working on the ship, they got to see their boss in his sailor whites. It earned him the nickname “Sailor Bob.” Mike Williams came to the shipyard in 1989 and dad, an X11 supervisor, didn’t retire until 2010. He has since passed away, but they managed to work together on the waterfront at times, including when CVN 65 returned to NNS at various times. Because Mike Williams works in new carrier construction, CVN 80 is now part of his responsibility. “I’m just in the right place,” he said.
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AROUND THE YARD Leadership Changes Announced Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin announced a number of leadership changes in a message to employees last week. Matt Needy, who had been vice president of Navy Programs, is now vice president and Chief Transformation Officer. Bryan Caccavale, who was vice president of Material and Manufacturing, is now vice president of Navy Programs.
Shipbuilders Take Action to Contain Spill The Virginia-Class Submarine Program recently recognized shipbuilders for taking action to prevent an environmental issue. The X42 and X43 shipbuilders – part of the team working to deliver New Jersey (SSN 796) – were on the way to lunch when they witnessed four 55-gallon drums of oil topple off of a pallet and hit the pier as they were transported over crane tracks by forklift. Oil began to leak, and – with a storm coming – the employees quickly took action to control the spill. Working together, the team up righted all four drums, contained the area and got absorbent material onto the spilled oil. “As a result of their quick actions, no oil reached the river that day, and all was cleaned up before the rain began,” said VCS Superintendent Julie Lane.
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 email ShipbuildingEvents@hii-nns.com.
Ethics Awards Announced The following shipbuilders were recently honored with Level Two On-the-Spot Ethics awards: Gregory “Mark” Krank (X24), James “Chris” Yoko (E32), Michael R. Westenberger (O60), Christa A. Balog (O55), Robert “Rob” Winslow (O60), Russ B. Fleeger (X20), Gene S. Crawford (X52), Brenda S. Viars (X75), Kayci N. Estes (O59), Cameron L. Thomas III (O41), Jon “Riley” Sweeny (O41), Wyatt S. Baldase (X63), Robert S. Fry (X76), Danny B. Stapleton (X22), Jimmy D. Rackley (X32), Matthew A. Yancer (O41), Michael L. Hemingway (O39), Arthur B. Correll (E46), Billy L. Phillips (E11), Christopher D. Murrell (X18) and Adriana B. Walden (O77). To nominate an employee for an On-the-Spot Ethics award, submit form C-941 to the Ethics Office (O18).
With Caccavale’s move, the Material and Manufacturing parts of the business have been restructured back into two stand-alone divisions. Cullen Glass, who was director of Supply Chain Procurement, has been promoted to vice president of Supply Chain Management. Julia Jones remains vice president of Manufacturing. See Boykin’s full message on MyNNS to learn more about the recent changes.
VERG Seeks Skilled Team Leaders to Help Repair Homes The Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) is seeking skilled volunteers to lead teams conducting repairs on homes whose owners are either veterans, low income, elderly or disabled during the Newport News City Repair Blitz on Sept. 24. Volunteers will assist homeowners with: •
Exterior carpentry.
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House and siding painting.
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Minor repairs, such as gutters and fences.
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Safety improvements.
The first team leader meeting is Thursday, July 28. This event is open to all NNS employees. No charge number will be provided. For more information, email VERG@hii-nns.com or contact Antonio Kellam (T53) at 688-3795 or via email.
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DATEBOOK JULY 26
Join the Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) and a special group of eager and willing mentors for the employee resource group’s first Virtual Speed Mentoring Session from 5 until 6:15 p.m. Meet, learn from and seek one-on-one advice from NNS managers from every level in the business, including NNS President Jennifer Boykin; Brandi Smith, vice president of Columbia-Class Submarine Construction; and Gary Fuller, vice president of Fleet Support Programs. Spots for participants are limited, and the event will be held via Zoom. Sign up on MyNNS.
JULY 27
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 2 p.m. at the NNS Employment Office, located at NetCenter (Suite 176, Entrance 3). Job seekers may also apply in advance at buildyourcareer.com to reqs 22406, 22424, 22524 or 22944.
JULY 28
Spear and Gear Toastmasters welcomes all shipbuilders to a In Person Toastmasters meeting at 5 p.m. in Room 308 at The Apprentice School. Toastmasters is a safe and welcoming environment for those seeking to enhance their communication and leadership skills. If interested in attending in person or by dialing in, reach out to Tammy Smith (N358), Paul Gee Jr. (O52), Brandon Jones (E63), Jamar Skyles (E03) at NNS or 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 3
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 2 p.m. at the NNS Employment Office, located at NetCenter (Suite 176, Entrance 3). Job seekers may also apply in advance at buildyourcareer.com to reqs 22406, 22424, 22524 or 22944.
AUGUST 10
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 2 p.m. at the NNS Employment Office, located at NetCenter (Suite 176, Entrance 3). Job seekers may also apply in advance at buildyourcareer.com to reqs 22406, 22424, 22524 or 22944.
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.
AUGUST 20
Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) will host a Rosie the Riveter Rally from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Huntington Park (Shelter 3). Dr. Latitia McCane, director of Education at The Apprentice School, and Julia Jones, vice president of Manufacturing, will speak. WiSE will collect school supplies to contribute to the TATOO program (NNS Tutoring). This event is open to all NNS employees, and no charge number will be provided for attending. Register on MyNNS. Email WiSEhamptonroads@hii-nns.com for more information.
JULY IS ULTRAVIOLET SAFETY MONTH
Did you know that the skin is the largest organ in your body? While enjoying outside activities with friends and family this summer, remember to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays with these helpful tips: •
Always wear sunscreen, even if it is a cloudy day.
•
Re-apply sunscreen every three hours.
•
Check your sunscreen’s SPF level. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn.
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Remember to apply sunscreen on commonly missed places such as the ears, lips and exposed parts of the scalp.
•
Wear protective and light clothing such as longsleeved shirts and long pants.
Pro tip: Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can be used to purchase sunscreen. As long as sunscreen is SPF 15 or greater, and offers broad spectrum protection, it is eligible for reimbursement with an FSA. For more information on preventive care and ways to stay healthy this summer, visit myquadmed.com/hii to schedule a no-cost physical at the HII Family Health Center. Spot a spot on your skin? Teladoc’s dermatology service lets you send secure photographs of skin issues for a dermatologist’s diagnosis and treatment from the comfort of home. Visit teladoc.com/hii or download the Teladoc app for details.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept. Compensation Analyst 23773 O23 Consultant Crane Operator (Experienced) 23645 X36 ET² Essential Trades Training 23104 X31 Program – Deck Electricians ET² Essential Trades Training 22875 X43 Program – Outside Machinists ET² Essential Trades Training 22874 X42 Program – Pipefitters ET² Essential Trades Training 22873 X32 Program – Sheet Metal Workers Fitters 22406, 22424, X11 22426, 22425 HII Mechanical Mech Tech H3 19046, 5217 N960 (1st Shift) International Trade Compliance 22455 O17 Analyst 2 Manufacturing Mechanical 10791 X51 Engineer Senior Compensation Analyst 23784 O23 Welders 22525, 22524, X18 22484, 22464
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Employee Referral Cash Bonus Not Eligible
Remote Work Considered Yes
Eligible Not Eligible
No No
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Not Eligible
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Not Eligible
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Eligible
No
Not Eligible
No
Not Eligible
Yes
Not Eligible
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Not Eligible Eligible
Yes 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.
Parking and Shuttle Updates Newport News Shipbuilding has secured additional parking to help ease your commute. See more information below as well as other updates.
Park and Ride Locations
Parking Updates
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport
Hidens Shuttle Change
Beginning Aug. 1, approximately 140 parking spaces will be available at the Newport News/ Williamsburg International Airport (between McManus and Patrick Henry Drive) for any NNS employee with a Zone A or B hangtag. Bus service will be available in the morning and afternoon, but not on a continuous loop. Buses will leave the airport at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., with stops at North Yard Gate, 46th Street and Bldg. 903 garage. Afternoon departures from the shipyard are as follows: • North Yard Gate: 2:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. • 46th St: 2:55 p.m. and 3:55 p.m. • Bldg. 903 Garage: 3:10 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. Employees who need to access their vehicles at the airport during the day due to a family emergency, unscheduled overtime, a sick child or other urgent matters can receive rides via TRAFFIX. Visit gotraffix.com for more information.
Bldg. 600
An additional 250 parking spaces for Zone A or B are now available at the corner by 44th Street and Madison Avenue. NNS shuttles operate to 50th, 46th, 43rd and 31st streets weekdays between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. A constant loop runs 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.
Shuttle service from Hidens will now stop exclusively at the North Yard. This is due to additional employees who now work in the North Yard. For 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.
Additional Zone B Parking
About 25 additional Zone B parking spaces are available between 44th and 45th streets east of Huntington Avenue behind the United Steelworkers Local 8888 Union Hall. Another 229 Zone B spaces are now available on the 5th floor of the Bldg. 908 parking garage.
Questions? Email ParkingSolutions@hii-nns.com or visit the Parking and Transportation website on MyNNS.