8 l 28 l 2017
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Celebrating CVN 80's First Milestone Newport News Shipbuilding cut a 35-ton steel plate on Thursday, Aug. 24 to kick off advance construction of Enterprise (CVN 80). The steel plate will become part of the foundation of Enterprise, the ninth U.S. Navy ship to bear the legendary name. Ceremony participants included NNS President Jennifer Boykin; CVN 80 Ship's Sponsors Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky; Shipbuilder Kayla Cook (O68), who sang the national anthem; Machine Hand Specialist Tony Goodman (X15), who gave the invocation; Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va.; Rear Adm. Brian K. Antonio, program executive officer, aircraft carriers; shipbuilders and their families; and representatives of the recently decommissioned Enterprise (CVN 65). During the ceremony, Biles and Ledecky gave orders to Machine Hand Specialist Wayne Kania (X15) to cut the steel, which marks the first construction milestone in the life of the ship. “Much like U.S. athletes who represent the United States around the world displaying patriotism, pride and strength, so do the ships of our nation,” Biles said. “My father served in the U.S. Air Force for over 21 years and taught me discipline, determination
SMALLTALK
about big ideas
and dedication to achieve my goals, and these same values are on display as these advanced ships are built here.” NNS is performing the work under an advance fabrication contract that was awarded earlier this year. Award of the CVN 80 detail design and construction contract is anticipated in 2018. “We really, truly would not be able to compete at the level that we do without the freedom that we have, and that’s something we promise we will never take for granted,” Ledecky said. “We’re excited to cut this steel today and start this process.” Boykin said CVN 80’s construction will incorporate greater innovation and efficiency. “With this ship, we will ‘boldly go where no one has gone before,’” she said. “She will be built using digital technology rather than traditional paper work packages and drawings. We will build more of this ship indoors, in new facilities so that our people have more opportunities to work under cover and out of the weather. CVN 80 will revolutionize how we build ships, just as her predecessor, CVN 65 – the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier – revolutionized our industry.” CONTINUED ON PG 2
NNS President Jennifer Boykin is starting a new communications forum called, "SmallTalk: about big ideas." The premise behind SmallTalk is to share her perspectives about important topics in a casual format, to include blog-style posts, video conversations and in-person discussions. Check out Boykin's first post of the series on p. 3.