42nd Street Stop Added to Park and Ride Service 8 l 8 l 2022
Newport News Shipbuilding has added a new stop for the new park-and-ride program at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport.
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
NNS is leasing about 140 spaces at the airport across from 12561 Patrick Henry Drive near McManus Boulevard. The lot is open to employees with a Zone A or Zone B hangtag. Coach buses are transporting employees from the airport at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. with stops at the North Yard Gate, 46th Street, the Bldg. 903 Garage, and – in response to shipbuilder feedback – a new stop at 42nd Street. Afternoon departures from these locations will return employees to the airport.
Summer interns tour Ford-class aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). Photo by Aaron Pritchett
A Summer to Remember Newport News Shipbuilding welcomed 96 interns from colleges and universities this summer. “From the first time I walked in, I felt like a part of the team. They really engaged me in things,” said intern Morgan Sassetti. “I’ve enjoyed my internship a lot, and I’m kind of sad to leave.”
Employees who need immediate access to their vehicles during their shift can receive rides to the airport via the 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. Email ParkingSolutions@hii-nns.com for more information.
Watch a video on MyNNS or on the NNS to Go app to hear interns like Sassetti discuss their experience this summer.
Robotics Team Shines at Competition The Apprentice School Robotics Team earned a second-place finish at the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Model Design Competition, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in June. The competition – the team’s first in three years thanks to cancellations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic – brought together students from two- and four-year colleges. The goal was to give student teams an opportunity to use the engineering design process to build an autonomous vehicle to complete a specified task or to complete a specified track. “We were able to overcome some inexperience and understood what we had to
do in order to move up and finish in second place,” said Lonnie Elrod, an Apprentice School instructor who has worked with the team for about a year. “Because most of the students who participate are first- or secondyear students, we had nobody left over from the previous teams who had competed.” This year’s competition had a fishing theme – an ode to Minnesota, which is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Teams had to design, build and program a robot to pick up wooden fish, put them into a basket and then deliver them into a holding tank. The robot had to be able to differentiate color, because only certain colors were supposed to be picked up. CONTINUED ON PG 2
Enterprise (CVN 80) Ship’s Sponsors Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky were at Newport News Shipbuilding for the ceremonial first cut of steel in August 2017. NNS Photo Archive
Enterprise (CVN 80) Keel Laying is Aug. 27
Newport News Shipbuilding will host a ceremonial keel laying for Enterprise (CVN 80) at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. Employees who would like to attend the event may request up to two tickets by emailing ShipbuildingEvents@hii-nns.com.
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8 | 8 | 2022 That ownership and accountability has helped keep the crew accident free for nearly nine years. Leroux has led the team for about a year. He took over after the former foreman, Billy Davis – who also set the tone for a safe workplace – retired. James E. Holland Jr., who has worked on the welding crew the entire time it has been accident free, said it’s important to lead by example.
Members of this Nuclear Pipe Shop welding crew take pride in working safely and looking out for one another. Photo by Nicholas Langhorne
Ownership and Accountability Keep Team Safe Newport News Shipbuilding’s Nuclear Pipe Shop provides critical components for every program in the shipyard. Shipbuilders in the shop know their work is vital to national security. They also know working safely and preventing accidents is just as important. “Our crew is quick to hold each other accountable if somebody is not doing the right thing. Everybody takes it in stride. Nobody gets bent out of shape. They’re just looking out for one another,” said Foreman Ryan Leroux, who leads a crew of welders in the Nuclear Pipe Shop. “Ownership and accountability have been big for our crew. Keeping things the way they need to be and correcting things on the spot.”
“If you have good leadership that is pushing safety, it gets ingrained in you,” he said. “As long as everything is done like it’s supposed to be, you can go home at the end of the day with no injuries. And when you do the right thing, you can help somebody else do the right thing.” Michael Taylor, another welder on the crew, said his family is one of the reasons he always works safe. “You have to pay attention to detail, pay attention to your surroundings and just listen,” he said. “I carry this home with me, and I tell my kids to keep their shoes off the stairs and things like that.” General Foreman Rob Teel said teams at work spend so much time together, they can become like family. “You really have to look at everything almost as if you’re surrounded by family all the time,” he said. “You don’t want to get hurt yourself, but you also don’t want others around you to get hurt.”
Robotics Team Shines at Competition CONTINUED FROM PG 1
During the competition, the team experienced challenges but was able to make quick adjustments. “Even to the last second, we made modifications to adapt to the situations being presented,” said Daniel Meyer, an X31 apprentice. “Working in the yard has taught us to be adaptable, and that advanced our position in the competition.” To build the robot, students put in long hours after work and broke up into smaller teams focused on elements such as 3D modeling, prototyping, construction, programming and creating a presentation. Elrod said there were important lessons for the apprentices that can carry over into their shipbuilding careers. “I think it gave them a sense of what we’re trying to do here at the company with all of the different departments working together to deliver aircraft carriers and submarines,”
Pictured from left are Raya Sessoms (X31), Jonathan Walker (X36), Daniel Meyer (X31), Mingyi Cisar (X31), Giovanni Parrish (X18), Kade Hammett (X31) and Drew Porter (X18).
he said. “It gives them the inspiration to see what we can accomplish when we work together.” Apprentices who are interested in learning more about technologies being used at NNS, programing or software design are encouraged to join the robotics team. For more information, contact Rick Burgos at 757-897-0131 or Lonnie Elrod at 757-274-4464.
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AROUND THE YARD Technical Graduate Programs Newport News Shipbuilding has partnered with four universities for seven graduate degree programs. An information session for the next cohorts will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11, in the VASCIC auditorium. For more information, visit the Technical Graduate Programs website on MyNNS. The universities and programs of study involved in the partnership include:
Apprentices who are members of the Frontline FAST Cohort 17 recently completed their capstone presentation.
Frontline FAST Cohort 17 Holds Completion Capstone
The George Washington University: Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering with a concentration in shipboard power.
Frontline FAST (Foreman Accelerated Skills Training) Cohort 17 held its capstone presentation to invited guests on July 22 to discuss what they learned from the program. Developed and run by foremen from The Apprentice School, Frontline FAST is a 14- to 16-month program designed to challenge and prepare apprentices for future foreman roles.
Old Dominion University: Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering with a concentration in instrumentation, controls and networks.
During the presentation, members of the cohort talked about what they learned, how they grew and how they are going to use what they learned.
Virginia Commonwealth University: Master of Science in mechanical and nuclear engineering with a concentration in nuclear engineering or mechanical design for nuclear shipbuilding.
Throughout their journey, members of the cohort were taught key Foreman Qualification Standards (FQS) in coaching sessions on the waterfront with foremen, while completing related milestones. They also attend MERGE (Meet, Explore, Reflect, Grow, Engage) meetings that challenged them on five key leadership principles: model the way, inspire a shared vision, encourage the heart, enable others to act, and challenge the process. Apprentices are expected to get time as a makeup foreman, along with a special rotation that will help them as foreman. Including Cohort 17, 289 apprentices have completed the program. Cohort 17 members are Jessica Hairston (E06), Michael Creel (O43), Jamica Jones (O43), Noah Bondurant (X11), Steven Nugent (X15), Tashiana Adams (X18), Joshua Ryen (X18), Jessica Lawson (X18), Michael Miller (X31), Kyaw Oo (X31), Ross Whitlock Jr. (X31), Nathan Britt (X32), Stuart Campbell (X32), John Forbes (X32), Shawn Guzman (X32), Marselis Johns (X32), Tiffany Harvey (X33C), Danielle Seabourne (X33I), Kristopher Smith (X33I), Craig Pace (X32), Austin Kiefner (X43) and Ian Winfield (X43).
Newport News Transit Center to Reopen Aug. 15 The Newport News Transit Center at 34th Street and Washington Avenue will reopen on Monday, Aug. 15, according to Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). There is a new bus bay alignment, and NNS employees should consult the map on HRT’s website to find their bus. For more information, call HRT at 757-222-6100.
UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVES
Newport News Shipbuilding is hosting a blood drives in support of the American Red Cross from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) on Wednesday, Aug. 10, and Thursday, Sept. 1. A sickle cell diseasespecific blood drive will be held from 7:30 until 12:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 2, in Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room). A time charge is provided for donors. To schedule an appointment, contact Natasha Eck or Sheryce Moore.
Catholic University of America: Master of Science in computer science with a concentration in software development or cybersecurity for industrial control systems. Acoustic certificate or Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in acoustics.
Breast Cancer Awareness T-Shirts Available Shipbuilders can purchase T-shirts through Aug. 18 in support of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer movement. Proceeds will help provide access to information and services such as mammograms. Shirts feature a shipyard design. To see the design and learn more about prices, color and sleeve length options, see the flyer. To purchase shirts, contact Paula Young at 757-688-7634, Brenda Meekins at 757-380-3239 or Aimee Hicks at 757-380-7775.
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DATEBOOK AUGUST 9-30
Healthy Together is a four-week group coaching session led by QuadMed BeWell for Life wellness coordinators. In just four weeks, you will understand the keys to a healthy lifestyle, identify personal barriers to well-being, learn skills to help you set and achieve goals, and receive group support and accountability. Complete all four sessions and you’ll receive a time marker water bottle. Register today at myquadmed.com/BeWell.
AUGUST 10
Join Eat, Drink & Be Well: Prediabetes and Preventing T2 to learn how QuadMed wellness coaches can provide no-cost support to help you eat healthier, get active, manage stress and stay motivated with a proven program to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. The live session is at noon and recorded for viewing later. Register at myquadmed.com/BeWell.
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 11 AND 25
Spear and Gear Toastmasters welcomes all shipbuilders to an in-person meeting at 5 p.m. at The Apprentice School (Room 308). 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 dial in, contact Tammy Smith (N358), Paul Gee Jr. (O52), Brandon Jones (E63), Jamar Skyles (E03) at NNS or Taylor Chamberlain (E91) at KSO.
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 18
Learn about emotional intelligence (EQ) from 4:30 until 6 p.m. at Bldg. 903 (CR 129 A&B). EQ is the ability to understand your own emotions, the emotions of others, and how they drive behavior, and how to use that knowledge to maintain and improve your relationships. You can improve your emotional intelligence if you’re willing to work at it and gain the tools needed. This event is sponsored by the African American Shipbuilders Association (AASA) ERG. For more information, email AASACommunityNews@hii-nns.com.
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. Register on MyNNS. For more information, email WiSEhamptonroads@hii-nns.com.
AUGUST 24
Being a dad is tough. Join us for ManPower: Dad Health to learn how to tackle fatherhood’s biggest challenges, including stress, lack of time for self-care, emotional expression and communication with your family. The live session is at noon and recorded for viewing later. Register at myquadmed.com/BeWell.
AUGUST 28
Join Shipbuilders Together Realizing Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (STRIDE) for a trip to the Williamsburg Winery. Guests will enjoy an educational tour and wine tasting while networking with other shipbuilders. Cost is $25 per person ($50 value). The tour will begin at 12 p.m. All participants must be 21 or older. Register on MyNNS before Aug. 19. Contact Jacob Warner via email for more information. The rain date is Sept. 11.
AUGUST 30
The L.E.A.R.N. Program will host a lunch presentation with Matt Mulherin Jr., vice president of Contracts, from 12 to 12:30 p.m. via WebEx. The event topic is “History of NNS Through My Eyes,” and it is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on the L.E.A.R.N. website on MyNNS. For questions, contact Christina Hayden (K51) or email LEARN@hii-nns.com. No charge is provided.
AUGUST 26
The African American Shipbuilders Association’s (AASA) next membership event will be held from 12 until 12:30 p.m. outside of MOF/SMOF (Mid-Yard). In an effort to thank the tradespersons building these phenomenal warships, ERG members will hand out free freeze pops. While you are visiting with us, please join our cause and consider signing up as a member. Registration is not required. Email AASACommunityNews@hii-nns.com for more information.
AUGUST 31
The Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) will hold its general meeting from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Webex. Kevin Viera will host the meeting. This meeting will go over upcoming and current events and is a great opportunity for members/guests with questions about events. Register on MyNNS.
SEPTEMBER 29
Newport News Shipbuilding is a sponsor of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s “Tastefully Yours” food-tasting event from 6 until 9:30 p.m. at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Tickets are $60 in advance or $70 on the day of the event. To purchase tickets, visit hrfoodbank.org or call 757-596-7188.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept. Certified Health Physicist 4 19184 E85 Compensation Analyst 4 23773 O23 Engineer Mechanical 3 21704 O41 Engineer Structural 2 18953, 16691 E92, E46 Engineer Systems Test 2 22115 E25 Engineering Technician 3 15781 E42 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 Production Planner & 21039, 20448 X22, X47 Scheduler 2 Quality Assurance Engineer 5 23755 O04 Safety Technician 3 9225 O27 Staff Physician 17067 O28 Welders 22525, 22524, X18 22484, 22464
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Employee Referral Cash Bonus Not Eligible Not Eligible Eligible Eligible Not Eligible Not Eligible Not Eligible
Remote Work Considered Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No
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Eligible
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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.