8 | 16 | 2021
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Shipbuilders work together on USS George Washington (CVN 73) in July. Photo by Ashley Cowan
USS George Washington Work is 90% Complete USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrived at Newport News Shipbuilding in 2017 for its refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH), which is now about 90% complete. The mid-life maintenance will allow the aircraft carrier to return to the Navy fleet for 25 more years. Recent successes aboard the ship include operational air conditioning, chill water systems and medical facilities. The Nimitzclass aircraft carrier is moving into the stages of testing, which is designed to exercise all aspects of the propulsion plant systems and will certify the systems and components for future operations. “She’s coming to life,” said Dave Fletcher, construction director.
“It’s about a 1,100-foot-long ship and the systems are massive.” Fletcher said the RCOH is on track despite COVID-19’s impact on the schedule. “Shipbuilders are tough folks,” he said. “We kept the ship up and kept making progress, even in the days when it was a very challenging environment to have people here and not put people at risk.” The aircraft carrier is expected to be re-delivered to the U.S. Navy next year. Watch a video on MyNNS to learn more about RCOH progress.
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School Tools Drive Underway
Newport News Shipbuilding’s 2021 School Tools Drive is underway and will continue through Aug. 27. The goal is to provide school supplies for 2,300 local students. Donations from shipbuilders will impact classrooms, students’ lives and the community’s future. Angela Goodhart inspects welds on a sonar system unit for Virginia-class submarine Arizona (SSN 803). Photo by Ashley Cowan
Check Out Hot Shots
Hot Shots is a collection of photos taken around Newport News Shipbuilding. View the latest edition on the NNS website or on the NNS to Go app.
Free CNC Machinist and Welder Training Opportunities Newport News Shipbuilding is accepting applications for free 16-week CNC machinist or welder training opportunities offered by Danville Community College in Danville, Virginia. Participants who successfully complete the 600-hour training programs will be eligible to start work with the Inside (CNC) Machinist (X43) and Welding (X18) departments at NNS, earning nearly $20 per hour and will receive a $2,500 sign-on bonus. Classes start Nov. 1. Housing and utilities will be provided for free. All participants will be housed in Danville’s downtown River District. Participants will be responsible for their own meals and living expenses. This is an unpaid training opportunity, unpaid vacation (holiday and
non-holiday) days are scheduled. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 1. To learn more, search for Reqs 8187 and 8186 at www.buildyourcareer.com. Employees may also contact Judy Tyler in NNS Talent Acquisition at 534-0937 or via email for more information. Danville is approximately three and one half hours away from Newport News. To learn more about Danville Community College or the city of Danville, visit danville.edu or danville-va.gov. To learn more about all of the NNS Marine Trades Trainee (MTT) programs, visit huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/ newport-news-shipbuilding-marine-traineeprograms.
Day of Caring is Sept. 17 The United Way Day of Caring is set for Sept. 17 and will bring together hundreds of volunteers from across the Peninsula to create a positive impact on local nonprofits and public service agencies helping our neighbors in need. Newport News Shipbuilding employees are encouraged to participate. Volunteer projects may include: landscaping, painting, cleaning, organizing and gardening. Volunteers can search and register for a project as an individual or as a team by visiting NNS Gives portal at nns.YourCause.com. Shipbuilders are reminded to log volunteer hours in NNS Gives.
Shipbuilders can give online at nns.YourCause.com, through collection containers at gate turnstiles or through department collections. Most needed supplies include composition and spiral notebooks, No. 2 pencils, three-ring notebooks, notebook paper, five-subject notebooks, report covers, compass/protractors, pens, rulers, markers/ highlighters, erasers, colored pencils, glue/ glue sticks, calculators, pencil boxes, kidsafe scissors, crayons, backpacks, tissues and hand sanitizer. See a full list of needed supplies and frequently asked questions on MyNNS. Donations from shipbuilders will support local departments of social services, Boys & Girls Clubs, ForKids and An Achievable Dream.
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) ISO 14001 Certification Audit An Environmental Management Systems (EMS) ISO 14001 Certification Audit is scheduled for Aug. 23-27. Shipbuilders should know NNS’ environmental policy and how it reflects their work. The policy can be summarized by the acronym SOAR: Stop Pollution, Obey Rules, Always Improve and Reduce Waste. Visit the EMS-SOAR website for more information. For questions, contact Sarah Lambert at 534-3645.
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AROUND THE YARD NNS Sponsors Norfolk Latino Music Festival Newport News Shipbuilding’s Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) and the Diversity and Inclusion Office took part in the annual Norfolk Latino Music Festival in July. The event, cosponsored by NNS, focused on celebrating the heritage and hard work of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the U.S. Attendees who were interested in learning more about working at NNS and career resources could speak with HOLA members at the event, while also celebrating culture and music. Sam Byrne (X82) was among the HOLA members who volunteered at the event. “I grew up in Northern Virginia, right outside of Washington, D.C. As a kid, I always enjoyed the Hispanic community through music, food and dance. When I first came to the Hampton Roads area, I found myself missing that piece of home. The festival reminds me of that feeling of home from the rhythm of the music to the taste and smells of all the food,” he said. “While it was great to experience the live music, dance and eat again, it was even better giving back to the community that I still enjoy so much.” The event also was a reminder to others that home does not have to be continents away. Alejandro Nava Moncada (O04) was one of the organizers and used this event as a reminder that family extends well beyond the motherland. “I was born and raised in Bolivia until the age of 10. When I came to the U.S., the hardest thing for me to do was find a community of
NNS employees volunteered at the Norfolk Latino Music Festival in July.
Hispanics/Latinos that was well established and strong enough to make it feel like home. When I found HOLA at NNS, they opened my eyes into the secrets of the 757 and helped me rediscover my familia. Now, when I am feeling homesick, I go to events like the Norfolk Latino Music Festival to continue growing my extended family away from home,” he said. HOLA hosts a variety of events, including a monthly book club, professional development sessions, as well as social gatherings – which are socially distanced for now – to help strengthen the NNS familia. To learn more about HOLA or get involved, visit the HOLA website on MyNNS.
Apprentice Athletic Club Announces New Membership Tiers
In preparation for the new athletic season, the Apprentice Athletic Club is rolling out new membership tiers. The new tiers were instituted to help provide various benefits to all new and existing members as well as increase the continuous support of Builder athletes. The membership tiers range from the basic Individual level ($35) to Gold level ($5,000). Enrollment is now open for all interested parties.
COVID Tests Moving Back to Old Apprentice School Gym
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccination can cause people to be magnetic.
Beginning Monday, Aug. 23, the COVID-19 test program will move back to the Old Apprentice School Gym, Bldg. 601, to accommodate an increased volume of tests. Hours of operation will be Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shipbuilders who are directed to test should first call the COVID Hotline, 1-844-243-8749, (Option 4). Shuttle service will be available from the workplace by calling 757-846-7730.
Fact: No version of the vaccine contains substances that produce or generate an electromagnetic field at the injection site, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All vaccines are free of metals.
Meanwhile, NNS has re-established the COVID-19 Crisis Action Group (CAG) to consider further protective measures in light of rising cases at the shipyard.
The deadline to sign up is Oct. 1. For more information and a complete breakdown of the various tiers, visit www.GoBuilders.com. If you are interested in becoming a Builder backer, contact membership chair Kelly Lawrence (E86) 380-4522.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported last week: 91
Total cases at NNS: 3,819
NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 3,032
NNS employees vaccinated: 53%
See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
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DATEBOOK AUGUST 17
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
AUGUST 25
AUGUST 19
The Project Management Shipbuilder Association (PMSA) will host a lunchtime presentation on reviewing the 13 areas of PMP with Joe Tester from 4 until 5 p.m. via WebEx. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on the PMSA website. For questions, contact Dennis Diones, or email PMSA@hii-nns.com. No charge is provided.
AUGUST 21
The Engagement and Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) offices invite shipbuilders to join their monthly ED&I Together Strong Life Unites Panel Discussion Series: The Power of Mentorship from 4:30 until 6 p.m. via Zoom. Panelists include Dr. Latitia McCane (O61), Sandy Collins (O26), Jim O’Brien (K97), Alonzo Smith (O61) and Dr. Helen Dennie (O28) from L.E.A.R.N. This event is open to all NNS employees. Register on MyNNS. No charge will be provided. Email DiversityAndInclusion@hii-nns.com for questions.
AUGUST 25
The Project Management Shipbuilder Association (PMSA) invites shipbuilders to attend a virtual informational session from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. to learn how to use Ed Assist for funding of the PMP prep course and to learn about fall PMP prep course offerings. Sign up for the webinar on the PMSA website. For more information, visit the PMP Training and Ed Assist page or contact PMSA Boot Camp Lead Debra Brand via email.
The FitNNS employee resource group will host guest speaker Wake Buxton of TrustBuilders Law Group for a lunch and learn about wills and trusts at noon via WebEx. Register on MyNNS. Contact Cailee Helmick (E86) for questions. 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. The Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) employee resource group is holding its second annual Rosie the Riveter Rally at Huntington Park (Shelter 3) from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Shipbuilders are invited to join in the games and contests and hear from guest speaker Julia Jones, vice president of Manufacturing and Facilities. Sign up on MyNNS. For more information, contact Donna Diggs (E79) via email. The Asian Shipbuilders Including All Nationalities (ASIAN) employee resource group and L.E.A.R.N. are hosting a collaborative event via Zoom with the Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers (SASE) at 4 p.m. Guest speaker Darren Sekiguchi, vice president of F-35 at Lockheed Martin, will present “Traits of a Chameleon.” Learn the characteristics and lessons that have guided Sekiguchi through his professional career, with a Q&A session to follow. Register on the L.E.A.R.N. MyNNS website.
SEPTEMBER 13
Looking to volunteer and make a difference in your community? Newport News Shipbuilding employees can visit NNS Gives at nns.YourCause.com to find exciting and impactful volunteer opportunities across the region, including 757 Battle of the Beers, the 7th annual Chelsea West Fest, the United Way Day of Caring and the American Red Cross.
SEPTEMBER 14
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
CNC Machinist Training Program Computer Systems Security Analyst 4 Engineer 4 Engineer Electrical 2 Engineer Software 4 (Java Programmer) Engineer Structural 3 Engineer Systems Test 2 Fitter Entry-Level Fitter Experienced Fitter Trainee Program HII-Mechanical Production & Planner Scheduler 2 Welder Training Program
8187 798 7872 7444 7961 7568 8269 8464 8465 8445 8237 8186
X43 E44 E18 E14 E44 E92 E25 X11 X11 X11 N910 X18
Danville, VA Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Danville, VA
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.
Editor: Nicholas Langhorne
Contributing Writer: Lena Wallace Currents@hii-nns.com
Currents is published every Monday for employees of Newport News Shipbuilding. To submit a story, visit nns.huntingtoningalls.com/currents.
PMSA CONGRATULATES SHIPBUILDERS
The Project Management Shipbuilder Association (PMSA) congratulates Emily Tyson and Prajeep Nair for becoming newly certified Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professionals (PMP). After many hours of reading, studying, and taking practice exams, they successfully passed the PMP exam.
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