8 l 30 l 2021
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Members of Doris Miller’s family and NNS President Jennifer Boykin watch as Gerald Bish performs the ceremonial first cut of steel for CVN 81. Photo by Ashley Cowan
Steel Cut Kicks Off Doris Miller Construction Newport News Shipbuilding hosted a ceremonial event Aug. 25 that marked the first construction milestone in the life of Doris Miller (CVN 81), the fourth Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier.
and the first aircraft carrier ever named for an African American. It also is the first aircraft carrier named in honor of a sailor for actions while serving in the enlisted ranks.
During a small ceremony held inside of a manufacturing facility, Thomas Bledsoe, the great-nephew of the ship’s namesake, gave the order to “cut that steel” to shipbuilder Gerald Bish, who operated a large plasma-cutting machine that sliced into a steel plate. Shipbuilders, U.S. Navy leadership, elected officials and Doris Miller’s relatives signed their names on the plate.
Miller is credited with heroic actions while serving aboard the Newport News-built West Virginia (BB 48) during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Miller’s bravery earned him the Navy Cross.
“From this day forward, our shipbuilders will put their hearts into every pipe they fit, every unit they lift and every inch of steel they weld,” said NNS President Jennifer Boykin. “Shipbuilders, I thank you for the hard work, innovation and dedication you will put into transforming this first piece of steel into an awe-inspiring aircraft carrier.” Ceremony participants included Rear Adm. James Downey, program executive officer for aircraft carriers; U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott; Master Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy Russell Smith; shipbuilders and six members of Doris Miller’s family. Rebekah Jones, a sheet metal apprentice, performed the national anthem and Michael Gray, a machine hand, delivered the invocation. Doris Miller is the second U.S. Navy ship named in honor of Miller,
Doris Miller also is the second ship of the two-carrier contract award NNS received in January 2019 for the detail design and construction of Ford-class aircraft carriers; Enterprise (CVN 80) being the first ship of the contract. A ceremony celebrating CVN 80’s first cut of steel was held in August 2017. NNS shipbuilders currently are performing early manufacturing of Doris Miller, which includes structural fabrication and shop work. Doris Miller’s keel is scheduled to be laid in 2026 and delivered to the Navy in 2032. “The Doris Miller story provides so many lessons to us as Americans,” said Thomas Bledsoe, great-nephew of the ship’s namesake. “The Miller family cannot express in words what this means to us, to Americans and to anyone inspired by Doris Miller’s story.”
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NNS Participates in Shipbuilders Day Job Fair Aug. 13 is Shipbuilders Day in Virginia. NNS participated in a Shipbuilders Day job fair at Brooks Crossing. As a reminder, the company is offering signon bonuses for new hires in specific trades. To be eligible for the bonuses, job seekers must apply by Dec. 31. The bonuses are for external new hires. Current NNS employees are ineligible. Interested job seekers should visit buildyourcareer.com for more information and to apply for open positions.
Corporate Citizenship and ERGs Partner to Support ED&I Initiatives The Newport News Shipbuilding Contributions Committee partnered with the company’s 10 employee resource groups (ERGs) to make philanthropic contributions to 16 nonprofit organizations that reflect NNS’ values and make Hampton Roads a more inclusive, equitable and diverse region. The United Way of South Hampton Roads is among the organizations that received Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion grants. The contribution supports the Project Inclusion Board Governance Leadership and Development Program, sponsored by the United Way of South Hampton Roads since 1997. The program also has been recognized as one of the three “best practices for diversity programs in the nation” by United Way Worldwide. “This year, Project Inclusion celebrates 25 years of ‘leadership through the power of diversity.’ We want to thank Newport News Shipbuilding for their generous support,” said J.R. Locke, director of Project Inclusion. “Funding will be used to sponsor individuals facing financial hardship who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend future classes. Funding will also support programmatic projects that continue the legacy of Project Inclusion and help strengthen program infrastructure.” NNS is extending its engagement, diversity and inclusion efforts by making inclusion and diversity a key focus area of philanthropy and supporting causes important to ERG members.
GRANT RECIPIENTS AND SUPPORTING ERGS
African American Shipbuilders Association (AASA) Friends of Hampton Roads 100 Black Men of America Asian Shipbuilders Including All Nationalities (ASIAN) Hampton Roads Refugee Relief FITNNS New Vision Youth Services, Inc. Transitions Family Violence Services
The United Way of South Hampton Roads’ Project Inclusion is among the programs that received support from NNS.
“The ED&I partnership with Corporate Citizenship has afforded the ERGs a greater reach in supporting and giving back to the community through the grant initiative program. The ERGs were able to demonstrate their commitment to our surrounding community outreach,” said Evelyn Gregory, manager of Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion. See a list of the organizations that received support below.
Generational Integration Focus Team (GIFT) Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) Hampton Roads Public Schools Samaritan House L.E.A.R.N. Autism Speaks SHIPs Network Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Lackey Free Clinic
Shipbuilders Together Realizing Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (STRIDE) TAP Virginia (Transgender Assistance Program) LGBT Life Center Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) Fisher House Foundation Trail of Purpose omen in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) W Thrive Peninsula United Way of South Hampton Roads
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AROUND THE YARD Featured NNS Safety Principle August’s featured NNS Safety Principle is “the best way to control a hazard is to eliminate it.” Below are examples of this principle in practice:
“Shipbuilder University 2.0” Enable Our Workforce Expo is Live
• The review process of safety data sheets before ordering to ensure toxic materials are not brought into NNS. • The housekeeping process to reduce tripping hazards.
The Newport News Shipbuilding Engagement Office’s Enable our Workforce virtual expo – Shipbuilder University 2.0 – is now live. The goal of the 22-minute experience is to bring awareness and education to shipbuilders as the company focuses on the personal and professional development that shapes NNS’ culture of excellence and performance. This year’s expo features a number of NNS leaders: Danyelle Saunders of the Engagement Office; Dru Branche, director of Plant Operations; Jon Arena, vice president and chief counsel; Mary Cullen, vice president of Nuclear Propulsion, Matt Needy, vice president of Navy Programs; Xavier Beale, vice president of Trades; Bryan Caccavale, vice president of Material, Manufacturing and Plant Operations; Tim Sweitzer, a director in Business Transformation and Technology; and Susan Jacobs, vice president of Human Resources and Administration. “The Band” also is back. Visit the expo on MyNNS. There is no charge associated with attending this event. For more information visit the Engagement website on MyNNS.
• Covering up open and unguarded holes so no one falls through. Look for information about September’s featured NNS Safety Principle – never be satisfied; always strive to improve – in an upcoming edition of Currents.
Watch the August ED&I Panel Discussion The Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion offices hosted another virtual panel discussion earlier this month as a part of the “Together Strong - Life Unites” Series. The Aug. 9 discussion focused on Fearless Progression: Psychological Safety. The panel included Renae Myles, chief of staff and business manager for Engineering and Design; Martin Gerald, project management analyst; Oliver Aguilar, engineering manager; Beth Scicchitano, engineering manager; Kimberly Artis, production planner; and Robin Lee, production control manager and chair of the African American Shipbuilders Association employee resource group. Watch a video of the discussion on MyNNS or on the O18 website. Please note: No charge is provided. Employees who watch the video must do so on their own time. Shipbuilders are invited to join the conversation each second Monday of the month to learn to remove bias boundaries and continue to grow from each other’s individual experiences, embracing differences and impacting together through awareness, education and action. Check the Datebook on page 4 for more information regarding September’s conversation.
WIN VIRGINIA LIVING MUSEUM TICKETS
Newport News Shipbuilding is holding drawings for employees to receive tickets for free, unlimited admission to the Virginia Living Museum for six people for one year. There will be four drawings for employees to receive the Virginia Living Museum tickets and four drawings for NNSbranded swag bag consolation prizes. Shipbuilders can enter the contest once a day via the NNS to Go app until Sept. 20. Drawings will be held on Aug. 31, Sept. 7, Sept. 14 and Sept. 21.
Myth: Getting a vaccine will cause me to test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test. Fact: Viral tests are used to determine if someone has a current COVID-19 infection, and a vaccine will not affect those test results, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you develop an immune response to the vaccination – which is the goal – it’s possible that an antibody test could be positive. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you could have some protection against COVID-19.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported last week: 124
Total cases at NNS: 4,059
NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 3,160
NNS employees vaccinated: 54%
See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
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DATEBOOK SEPTEMBER 2
Provost Construction will present a Labor Day Weekend End of Summer Block Party from 3 until 8 p.m. at 208 23rd St. in downtown Newport News.
SEPTEMBER 8
Join Engineering & Design, Mark Leyva and Troy Nichols from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session – Technical Solutions Division Overview. Learn about TSD’s services, support to NNS and how to request services. This event takes place during lunch and is voluntary. No charge will be provided. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.
SEPTEMBER 13-17
Newport News Shipbuilding will celebrate its third annual Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Week Sept. 13-17. Look for more information about events and activities in the coming weeks.
SEPTEMBER 13
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.
SEPTEMBER 15
Determine if you’re ready for retirement with help from SmartPath. Attend the Retirement Readiness 2.0 webinar at noon to take a deeper look into your retirement forecast. Register at onsmartpath.com/hii. If you cannot attend live, register anyway and SmartPath will email you a recording of the session.
SEPTEMBER 17
Newport News Shipbuilding employees are encouraged to participate in the United Way Day of Caring. 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.
SEPTEMBER 21
Join the Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) and Shipbuilders Together Realizing Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (STRIDE) for “Job Interviews: Appearance vs. Authenticity” from noon until 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 21, 24 and 28 via WebEx. This professional development event will help attendees understand the balance between interview authenticity and first impressions with a number of guest speakers – including hiring managers, talent acquisition and vice presidents – who will answer questions and share experiences. Register on the STRIDE website. For more information, contact Diamond Bartlett at 688-6904 or via email.
SEPTEMBER 14
Join the E&D Change Agent Team from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session – Level Up! Leading the Modern Workforce. Leading people is a massive commitment and managers need every resource they can get to keep their people motivated and engaged. Join the E&D Change Agent Team to unlock the cheat codes to becoming a next-level leader. This event takes place during lunch and is voluntary. No charge will be provided. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.
SEPTEMBER 15
Join Engineering & Design and Amy Iveson from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session on Mental Health in the Workplace. Workplace wellness is a combined effort of health promotion by employers, employees and society to create overall mental, physical and emotional wellbeing for the people at work. Some of the benefits of workplace wellness include decreasing health risks, elevated employee engagement, reduction of stress and depression, and health care cost savings. This event takes place during lunch and is voluntary. No charge will be provided. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.
SEPTEMBER 22
Join Engineering & Design and Manny Colon from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session on the Hispanic Outreach an Leadership Alliance (HOLA). HOLA is an employee resource group (ERG) committed to fostering leadership through networking, professional development and community involvement in concert with business objectives. This event takes place during lunch and is voluntary. No charge will be provided. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.
SEPTEMBER 29
Join Engineering & Design, Cassandra Bonner and Evelyn Gregory (O18) from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on the Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Strategic Plan. The ED&I Strategic Plan is the blueprint to develop an inclusive workplace built on mutual respect, an appreciation of diversity, and a commitment to equity. The ED&I competencies are the behaviors shipbuilders need to exhibit to achieve the strategic plan. This event takes place during lunch and is voluntary. No charge will be provided. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend.
OCTOBER 1
The 17th annual In-Service Aircraft Carrier Invitational golf tournament will be held at Ford’s Colony Country Club in Williamsburg. The format is four man captain’s choice, with a check-in time of 10 a.m. and a noon shotgun start. The entry fee for this event is $125 per player, which includes green fee, cart, range balls, welcome bag, Aircraft Carrier Invitational shirt and post-tournament dinner. Proceeds from this event will benefit the USO. To register, contact Bruce Roberts at 380-4964 or via email.
2021 GRADUATES OF THE ACQUISITION AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Since 2015, Newport News Shipbuilding has partnered with the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) to offer the graduate certificate in Acquisition and Contract Management Program. This certificate provides academic and practical instruction targeted toward NNS employees in Contracts and Pricing, Supply Chain Management and Business Management. Certificate requirements entailed completion of five graduate-level classroom instruction courses offered by FIT. The latest cohort of this program ended in July 2021 and graduation was held virtually on Aug. 9. The following shipbuilders are graduates of the third cohort: Angela Artis (O51), Elizabeth M. Ashley (O19), Diamond Bartlett (O19), Jacob E. Bland (O55), Sherry Whetsel Byrum (O19), Amber M. Chastain (O51), Tracey Delk-Hart (O51), Glenn L. Ford Jr. (O19), Tommy L. Gray (O19), Mary Ann Grocki (O51), Mark Hardy (O51), Julia J. Harris (O19), Erica N. Howell (O55), Kelanda R. Jackson (O51), Dasha D. Jeter (O51), Needham Jones (K22), Melissa C. Kennedy (O19), Brian R. Manning (O19), Anna I. Musfelt (O55), Abigail E. Parrott (O55), Derrick A. Reinke (O51), Rian L. Sabo (E49), Shayla M. Sharpe (O19), Kevin P. Sullivan (O55), Craig T. Vacha (O19) and Edward F. Wilczynski Jr. (K22).
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Engineer Structural 2 Fitter (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Pipefitter (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Rigger (Entry-level & Experienced) Sheet Metal (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Welder (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced)
8254 8445, 8464, 8465 8492, 8504, 8524 8664, 8665 8626, 8628, 8627 8685, 8645, 8644
O48 X11 X42 X36 X32 X18
Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News
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.