8 | 11 | 2014
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Newport News Shipbuilding will christen the Submarine John Warner (SSN 785) on Saturday, September 6. See to p. 3 for information about employee ticket distribution and volunteer opportunities. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (center), D-Md., and Mark Warner (right), D-Va., joined NNS President Matt Mulherin for a tour of the shipyard August 6. Photo by Chris Oxley
David Bazemore welds a ceremonial plate into the new mast on CVN 72. Also pictured (left to right) are Ken Mahler, vice president of Navy Programs, Capt. Karl O. Thomas, CVN 72 outgoing commanding officer, Bruce Easterson, CVN 72 RCOH program director, and NNS shipbuilder Leary Putrell. Photo by Chris Oxley
NNS Steps the Mast on Lincoln After Installing Final Section On August 1, Newport News Shipbuilding marked a major milestone in the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) by installing the final section of the ship’s main mast: the 38-foot upper mast section. A brief mast-stepping ceremony was held for Lincoln shipbuilders and the crew on the flight deck of the ship to commemorate the milestone. Mast-stepping ceremonies are a common tradition dating back to ancient Rome and symbolize good luck. During the mast-stepping, commemorative coins and ship memorabilia are placed under the mast section.
Francis Carter (X33) was one of the NNS shipbuilders at the ceremony. “Having the opportunity to attend the mast-stepping was very special. I worked on Lincoln when she was in the dry dock being built 25 years ago. It’s an honor to work on this ship again and will be an even bigger honor to return her to the Navy when her RCOH is complete,” she said. Ken Mahler, Newport News’s vice president of Navy programs, spoke during the event about the strong partnership between the sailors and shipbuilders. “Since we began the refueling complex overhaul, we’ve been working side-byside on this project to recapitalize... CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Are You Interested in Purchasing a Newport News Shipbuilding License Plate? ... SEE PG 2
Shipbuilders Purchase Pink Shipyard-Approved Hard Hats at EH&S Expo ... SEE PG 2
Senators Mikulski and Warner Visit NNS On August 6, Newport News Shipbuilding hosted Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md) and Mark Warner (D-Va) for a tour of the shipyard. The visit provided an opportunity for Mikulski to meet shipbuilders and get a behindthe-scenes look at the defense industrial base and American manufacturing — two issues for which she has provided ardent support. As chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Mikulski has worked to get the appropriations process on track. Under her leadership, the committee approved funding for the refueling of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). “I’m so glad that Newport News shipbuilders have Senator Warner on their side,” Mikulski said. “Together, they’re creating manufacturing jobs today and making sure America’s defenses are prepared for tomorrow. I’m doing my part in the Senate as chairwoman of the... CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Kings Dominion Family and Friends Day is Saturday, September 6. SEE PG 5