9 | 2 | 2014
Stoller Receives Department of Energy’s Superior Star Award
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
The S.M. Stoller Corp., has been awarded the Superior Star Award by the Department of Energy. The award was presented Aug. 24 during an annual conference held in National Harbor, Md. The award recognizes companies that have attained the DOE’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) star status and have demonstrated a consistently superior level of performance in meeting established safety and health goals, conducted outreach, and achieved an injury and illness rate significantly below the average for similar operations. “Safety is extremely important in all aspects of our business,” said Pete Diakun, vice president of Energy Programs. “Our employees, whether they are working in Newport News, Mississippi or Colorado, are our greatest assets, and we are proud to celebrate this very important safety performance achievement.”
Shipbuilders Prepare for John Warner Christening Over the past few months, shipbuilders across the yard have been busy preparing for the John Warner (SSN 785) Christening. Last week, Warner shipbuilders made final touches to their work. Sheet Metal Craftsman Chris Hildebrand and Welder Herbert Holeman worked together to build the bottle break foundation. “This foundation is different from others because we put a navy blue background behind the ‘spear and gear’ logo to make the logo stand out,” said Hildebrand, who was the mastermind
behind the idea. “It means a lot to me to have been part of this project that will be seen by so many on Saturday and in photos many years from now.” Pattern Maker Bob Meyers has been building champagne boxes for christening ceremonies for the past 40 years. “I take pride in what I do. The thing I love the most about pattern making is that you can make the same thing... CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Pictured: Shipbuilders Herbert Holeman (left) and Chris Hildebrand make final touches to the John Warner bottle break foundation. Photo by Ricky Thompson
The Stoller Legacy Management Support Team, which on behalf of the DOE has control and custody for legacy land, structures and facilities that were previously involved in some aspect of the country’s nuclear weapons program, safely and cost-effectively manages more than 90 sites across the country to ensure post-closure responsibilities are met, and to protect human health and the environment. The VPP Superior Star Award was presented to the team for maintaining its employee injury rates at 50 percent of the industry average. Visit newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com for additional information.
In this Issue Sen. Tim Kaine Tours The Apprentice School ... SEE P. 2
Two HII Employees Receive Patriot Awards ... SEE P. 2
Need Tickets to the Warner Christening? Newport News Shipbuilding employees who would like tickets to the John Warner (SSN 785) Christening Ceremony should contact Lauren Ward (O29) at 380-4622. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
VCS Employees Cool Down with Freezer Pops ... SEE P. 3