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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Ashley Cowan
Shipbuilders Reach Milestone on Massachusetts (SSN 798) Newport News Shipbuilding has achieved a significant milestone in construction of Virginia-class submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798). Shipbuilders working on Massachusetts recently reached pressure hull complete, meaning that all of the hull sections were joined to form a single, watertight unit. “Our highly skilled shipbuilders are driven to serve the nation by delivering great submarines that help ensure America’s undersea superiority,” said Jason Ward, vice president of Virginia-Class Submarine Construction. “Reaching this point in construction demonstrates our commitment to getting Massachusetts ready as soon as possible to become part of the U.S. Navy fleet.”
NNS is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines. The advanced capabilities of Virginia-class submarines increase firepower, maneuverability and stealth. This milestone on Massachusetts comes following the delivery of USS Montana (SSN 794) and launch of New Jersey (SSN 796) at NNS earlier in 2022, as the shipyard continues to invest in its workforce and facilities to make steady progress on delivering these important assets to the Navy. Massachusetts is the 25th Virginia-class fast attack submarine.
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. NNS will broadcast the ceremony live at HII.com/cvn80 and on the HII and Jennifer Boykin Facebook pages.
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New Jersey Shipbuilders Overcome Challenges A group of X43 shipbuilders were honored by Newport News Shipbuilding leaders for overcoming challenges to complete hydraulic testing and flushing for Virginia-class submarine New Jersey (SSN 796). The hydraulic system is used to operate different ship systems. As a result of multiple factors, work on SSN 796’s hydraulic system – which normally would have been completed before the submarine was launched into the James River – was delayed. That meant shipbuilders had to complete this work with the submarine at the pier and not in more favorable conditions in the Modular Outfitting Facility (MOF). With a tight schedule to maintain, shipbuilders on first and third shift worked 12-hour shifts to successfully complete the job with minimal issues. “I’m proud of them. It’s a heck of an achievement when the boat is not in the water, and they did a very good job with it in the water,” said Foreman Jonathan Gordon. “We were asking for a lot more, and it didn’t impact their performance.” NNS President Jennifer Boykin and Jason Ward, vice president of Virginia-Class Submarine Construction, recently visited the shipbuilders to thank the team in person for a job well done.
NNS President Jennifer Boykin and Jason Ward, vice president of Virginia-Class Submarine Construction, thanked a team of X43 shipbuilders for a job well done.
Gordon was happy to see members of the team recognized for their hard work and sacrifice. While he praised the whole team, he was particularly grateful to Gary Nix. When the project started, Gordon – who typically leads the first-shift crew – went to third shift, and Nix – then a makeup foreman – led the first-shift crew. He has since become a full-time foreman. “He did a fantastic job leading the charge on dayshift,” Gordon said. Superintendent Alan Riley was also glad to see company leaders offer congratulations. “The team seemed really proud,” he said. “We had a couple of veteran guys who led a very new group to be able to accomplish this. I think they realized it, and the experienced ones took up the leadership role and the newer folks stepped up to the plate.” a graduate of Deshler High School, from which he graduated with a 3.6 GPA. Lindsey is an Eagle Scout and a state champion swimmer. He came to The Apprentice School as an opportunity to earn his college degree. His long journey led him to NNS.
In the left photo is Apprentice School Foundation Board member Stan Best, from left, with Samuel Lindsey and Christopher Jacobs. In the right photo, Best is with Danielle Hemmis.
The Apprentice School Foundation Awards Scholarships The Apprentice School Foundation has awarded its third, fourth and fifth 2022 Danny Brookman Scholarships to Christopher Jacobs, Samuel Lindsey and Danielle Hemmis. Jacobs is from Hampton, and started his apprenticeship on June 6 as an outside machinist. He is a graduate of Tabb High School, from which he graduated with a 3.2 GPA. Jacobs was in the marching band and the Deep Sea Fishing Club. He came to The Apprentice School because “it gives students an upper hand within these crazy times in the economy.” Lindsey is from Hampton, and started his apprenticeship on June 6 as a shipfitter. He is
Hemmis is from Carrollton and started her apprenticeship on June 6 as a shipboard electrician. She attended Liberty University, where she studied counseling psychology. Hemmis is a Trades transfer who came to The Apprentice School to learn to build ships, continue her education and make the most of her opportunities at a career. 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. Visit The Apprentice School Foundation’s website (www.tasfd.org) for more information.
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AROUND THE YARD NAVSEA 07Q Yardwide Functional Audit is Sept. 12-16 NAVSEA 07Q will have a team of SUBSAFE Program professionals at Newport News Shipbuilding Sept. 12-16 taking a critical look at how the shipyard performs SUBSAFE, fly-by-wire, deep submergence systems, integrated product development environment and level I material control work. The outcome of the audit determines whether or not NNS retains its license to perform those categories of special emphasis work. These programs, collectively referred to as the SUBSAFE Program, were born from the sinking of USS Thresher (SSN 593) on April 10, 1963. The significant loss of life from that event became a watershed moment and to this day, very few facilities are licensed to perform SUBSAFE work for the Navy, and those that do must pass rigorous audits to do so. During the week of Sept. 12-16, you or members of your department may be called upon to support the auditing process. NNS SUBSAFE Program Director Phil Stephens requests your responsiveness and engagement if called upon. It could be in the form of a qualification or training verification, conducting a return-to-work brief, performing a portion of ship/shop SUBSAFE work, or producing records of the completed work. Your contribution to a successful audit is needed and appreciated. For questions or concerns about the audit, contact Phil Stephens at 757-812-3923.
The team of Brenden Raynor (K48/X43), Daniel Lutz (K47/X43), Colin Boden (E25) and Brent Byrum (X42) finished in first place. Chaz Singleton (X42), Clint Crusberg, Michael Whitley and Ricky Gilliam (K46/X43) finished second. David White (X02), Aaron Riggleman (E70), Mike Coon (E86) and David Allen (K91) came in third. Also pictured are ASSA representatives Johnathan Walker (E06), Sabrina Thomas (M53), Jessica Lawson (X18) and Forrest Barefoot (O22/X18).
Apprentice School Student Association Hosts Breast Cancer Awareness Golf Tournament The Apprentice School Student Association (ASSA) held its first Breast Cancer Awareness Golf Tournament in July. The tournament, held on The River Course at Kingsmill Resort, benefited the Ivy Foundation of Hampton Inc. in support of breast cancer awareness. “This tournament hits close to home for us here at The Apprentice School. We have close friends within the school who are currently in the fight against breast cancer, as well as those who have fought it in the past. We wish to do everything we can to continue our support for all of those who have fought this battle, while bringing awareness to early detection to try and save lives,” said Forrest Barefoot, an O22/X18 craft instructor. ASSA thanks the 144 shipbuilders who played in the tournament and congratulates the winners.
NOTICE: North Yard Parking and Roadway Impacts for Ceremonial Keel Laying Newport News Shipbuilding will hold a ceremonial keel laying for Enterprise (CVN 80) on Saturday, Aug. 27. The event will be held in the North Yard and require advanced setup of bleachers, tents, screens, etc. As a result, there will be parking and road closures in the North Yard Aug. 23-29. Closures will impact the Vehicle Inspection Station (VIS), the oval Zone B parking lot and motorcycle parking across from the Vehicle Inspection Station (VIS), and the roadway around the event site at the head of Dry Dock 12. See the Distribution A memo for more detailed information.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported at NNS from Aug. 1-14: 272
See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
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DATEBOOK AUGUST 18
Learn about emotional intelligence (EQ) from 4:30 until 6 p.m. via WebEx. 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. Sign up on MyNNS. 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 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 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 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 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.
Breast Cancer Awareness T-Shirts Available Shipbuilders can purchase T-shirts through Friday, Aug. 19, 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.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept. Certified Health Physicist 4 19184 E85 Compensation Analyst 4 23773 O23 Engineer Electrical 4 19732 E70 Engineer Electromechanical 3 22634 E70 Engineer Lead Test 4 20791 E84 Engineer Mechanical 2 22292 E61 Engineer Mechanical 3 23197, 20031 E70, E83 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 Occupational Health & 22808 O27 Safety Analyst 1 Production Planner & 23064, 24692, X38, X22, Scheduler 2 22646 X46 Quality Assurance Engineer 5 23755 O04 Staff Physician 17067 O28 Welders 22525, 22524, X18 22484, 22464 X43 Machinist Instructor – 24879 O26 Product Trainer 3
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
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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.