Sept. 21, 2020 by Newport News Shipbuilding

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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

Photo by Matt Hildreth

Crane Project Continues Newport News Shipbuilding's green 310-long-ton Goliath gantry crane is less of an imposing structure than it was just a few weeks ago. “You can still see it, but it’s not quite as prominent,” said Engineering Manager Brian Jones (O48). Crews have been working to disassemble the crane, which was built in 1969, for the past few months. A tower system built in the dry docks under the crane was used to lift the massive structure so it could be disassembled from the bottom. Now, with the legs and other components removed, the girders are resting on the ground. A barge carrying more than 500 tons of the crane’s components is scheduled to leave today, Sept. 21, headed up the James River for a scrapyard near Shirley Plantation. It will return by this weekend for a second load. In the next few weeks, two more barges will come in

to remove the girders – which will be cut in half – and take them to a scrapyard in South Norfolk. “The team has done a great job,” Jones said. “We’ve made phenomenal progress.” He expects to wrap up the entire project this fall. That’s just in time for the In-Service Aircraft Carrier Program to finish preparing for the arrival of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) for its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) early next year. The green crane's successor – a 315-metric-ton Goliath gantry crane that came into service last year – will support work on CVN 74. Watch a video on MyNNS to experience a journey to the top of the crane before the dismantling process began.

NNS Observing Inclusion, Diversity and Engagement Week Newport News Shipbuilding is observing Inclusion, Diversity and Engagement (IDE) Week Sept. 21-25 with a slate of activities. The week is meant to promote awareness and education to keep the values of inclusion, diversity and engagement fresh in the minds of shipbuilders. “It’s a great way to expand your knowledge base and become

aware of what you can do to make the workplace better, not just for yourself, but for your fellow shipbuilders,” said Beth Silsdorf, director of EEO and Diversity. “People, not machines, are building ships and submarines for the Navy. People are happier and more productive when they feel valued, heard, respected and included. Because we are all unique individuals, we all offer diverse perspectives and ideas.” CONTINUED ON PG 2

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NNS Observing Inclusion, Diversity and Engagement Week CONTINUED FROM PG 1

Inclusion is an intentional effort to ensure diverse perspectives and ideas are welcomed and appreciated. Engagement is the overall employee experience and is measured to assess how much shipbuilders feel they can belong, contribute, learn and grow. “An engaged employee is someone who enthusiastically supports and contributes to our mission, and the more engaged employees we have, the more successful we are,” Silsdorf said. This year’s theme for IDE Week is “United through our differences.” “We want to continue to bring awareness to all shipbuilders so each

of us will have an opportunity to contribute, belong, thrive and grow,” said Evelyn Gregory, manager of Inclusion, Diversity and Engagement. Watch shipbuilders talk about the importance of inclusion, diversity and engagement in a video on MyNNS. The virtual IDE Week events listed below are open to all NNS employees. Visit the EEO, Ethics and Compliance (O18) website on MyNNS for additional information and to register. Shipbuilders must access Zoom from a personal device off company property. No charge will be provided.

Inclusion, Diversity and Engagement Week Events Sept. 21 Women in the Workplace Forum 4 until 5:30 p.m. via WebEx Sept. 21 Should I feel insulted? The use of microaggressions in the workplace 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. via Zoom (Meeting ID: 871 1729 6305)

Sept. 22 How to be antiracist 4:30 until 6 p.m. via Zoom (Meeting ID: 832 6614 8506) Sept. 23 Unwrapping unconscious bias Noon until 12:30 p.m. via WebEx

Sept. 24 How to build an inclusive environment Noon until 12:30 p.m. via WebEx Sept. 25 Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) Lecture Series: “Be proud of your past and embrace the future” Noon until 1 p.m. via WebEx

Participate in the 2020 Virtual Navy Mile

October L.A.W. Courses

Huntington Ingalls Industries is sponsoring the 2020 Virtual Navy Mile in celebration of America’s Sea Services. Shipbuilders are invited to virtually participate from Oct. 1-13. Choose from:

Join Learning After the Whistle (L.A.W.) is offered to all Newport News Shipbuilding employees virtually at no cost.

• Walking or running a mile. • Walking or running a 5K. • The Chuck Heavy challenge: 1-mile run, 100 push-ups, 1-mile run, 100 air squats, 1-mile run. This event was established in honor of U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Charles Keating IV, who was killed in Iraq in 2016. • Do all three races. Participants can register online, complete the race between the open dates, and record their results on the registration site. The top 10 finishers in each age group will be entered into a raffle for Potomac River Running gift certificates. There will also be weekly raffles for all registrants. Each participant will receive a commemorative race shirt, custom bib and finisher medal. Registration fees range from $20 to $40. Proceeds benefit the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation and the C4 Foundation. To learn more and to register, visit potomac.enmotive.com/events/register/2020-virtual-navy-mile.

NOTICE: SOUTH YARD PARKING

Residents who live near Newport News Shipbuilding’s South Yard have recently complained about shipbuilders parking in residential spaces along 31st Street and West Avenue. The city of Newport News plans to begin ticketing and towing illegally parked vehicles in the area. Shipbuilders are reminded to pay close attention to street signs when parking to ensure they are not in a restricted space. For questions or concerns about parking at NNS, email ParkingSolutions@hii-nns.com.

Attendance is on employees’ own time, and no time charge will be provided. Visit the L.A.W. website on MyNNS or email LearningAftertheWhistle@hii-nns.com to learn more. The following courses are being offered in October: StrengthsFinder Oct. 6 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. Communication Essentials Oct. 13 and 15 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. Leading with Your Strengths Oct. 20 4:30 until 7 p.m. Finance for Non-Finance Managers Oct. 20, 22, 27 and 29 4:30 until 6:30 p.m.

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NNS Continues to Distribute HRT Passes Newport News Shipbuilding continues to distribute 2020-2021 Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) GoPass365 passes, which can be used on all HRT services, including Tide light rail, bus, ferry, VB Wave and the MAX through June 30, 2021. Once social distancing requirements are lifted, employees who hold passes issued by NNS will be required to use HRT services at least 14 times per month, which is equivalent to seven days of use to and from work. The NNS Parking and Transportation Team anticipates parking will become scarcer going into 2021 and encourages shipbuilders to take advantage of the HRT passes. “These passes are given – at no cost to the employee – in appreciation for their commitment to ride public transportation to work,” said Tory Kennedy, HRT Pass Lead. “It’s a convenient and accommodating service. It also allows employees to save money on gas and upkeep for their personal vehicles.” Employees interested in a pass must

bring a completed waiver form to the Parking and Transportation side of the O45 (Parking Solutions) Trailer 42467, which is located next to the South Yard gas pump, between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information about the GoPass365 and to view a list of frequently asked questions, visit the Parking and Transportation website (nns.huntingtoningalls.com/ parking-transportation) and select Commute to Work. All passes must be processed in person, and none will be yard-mailed. Shipbuilders assigned to second or third shift can make arrangements with a firstshift employee to pick up the pass on their behalf. Passes for those currently working from home will be processed when they return to work, or they can make arrangements for an on-site firstshift employee to pick up on their behalf. Email ParkingSolutions@hii-nns.com for questions.

Danny Reid Jr., left, is pictured with Xavier Beale.

Shipbuilder Steering the Way Danny Reid Jr. (X18) recently was honored with a Level One On-the-Spot Ethics Award for taking action for a fellow shipbuilder. Reid was working as a make-up supervisor when he noticed a shipbuilder in distress. The shipbuilder told Reid he may be having an anxiety attack, and Reid told him to go into the foreman’s office to sit down, get water and try to relax. After the shipbuilder’s condition did not improve within a few minutes, an ambulance was called. Xavier Beale, vice president of Trades, met with Reid to present the award and to thank him for his actions.

This Week’s COVID-19 Q&A Will my badge be deactivated if I’m tested for COVID-19? Effective Sept. 21, NNS will only deactivate badges for personnel that have a household contact exposure case or test positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19. It spreads most prolifically when expelled through the nose or mouth, and a face shield will not contain respiratory droplets. It’s not just our opinion. This is in keeping with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If I have medical guidance from the Virginia Department of Health that orders me to quarantine, and medical guidance from NNS that clears me to return to work, which guidance do I follow? In this case, follow the state health department guidance. Notify your supervisor and call the COVID-19 test desk at 380-7776.

NNS COVID-19 guidance on wearing masks refers to behavior while “in transit.” Can you be more specific? Simply put, if you are on your feet and moving – whether alone or with others – wear a mask. Indoors or outdoors doesn’t matter. So if you’re walking alone in an office building or in the shipyard, wear a mask. If you are riding bicycle, a mask is not required unless you stop to talk to somebody. If you are driving a vehicle, no mask is required unless approaching the guard shack. But if more than one person is in a vehicle, everyone must wear a mask at all times.

If I go through the two-test COVID-19 testing protocol and both tests turn out negative, when can I expect a notification to return to work? The entire process should take four to six days, allowing time for notification. You will be notified by NNS of your return to work date either by text or by phone within 48 hours of your test date. It is your responsibility to continue to monitor your email and answer your phone for return to work authorization. Failure to return to work on the designated date may affect quarantine pay eligibility. Are face shields a substitute for masks? A shield would allow better air flow while still providing a physical barrier. Unfortunately, face shields alone will not protect someone from

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 at NNS Cases reported Sept. 14-20: 47 Total cases at NNS: 742 Total number of NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 516 See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.

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DATEBOOK SEPTEMBER 23

Join Michelle Pope (E08) from 12-12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session on unconscious bias. Unconscious biases are social stereotypes our brains create based on our experiences that influence how we make decisions and understand the world. Even though it may be impossible to eliminate our unconscious biases, we can take steps to mitigate their effects on our decision making. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. No charge is provided.

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HII Awards 193 Scholarships for the 2020-2021 School Year The Huntington Ingalls Industries Scholarship Fund has awarded 100 new scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year. Additionally, the fund renewed 93 previously active scholarships. To date, 767 scholarships have been awarded or renewed for a total of more than $2 million.

SEPTEMBER 24

The HII Scholarship Fund was formed to provide financial assistance to dependent children of HII employees who are pursuing a post-secondary college or technical/vocation degree and to dependent children who are enrolled in quality pre-kindergarten school readiness programs. For the fifth year in a row, HII President and CEO Mike Petters declined all but $1 of his annual salary to fund the program that has helped provide educational opportunities to 462 children of employees across the HII enterprise.

SEPTEMBER 30

“The start of each academic year is often both an exciting and anxious time for many young scholars. This year is certainly no exception,” Petters said. “In this, the fifth year of our annual scholarship, it is more important than ever to give a sign of assurance to our students of all ages. Remember, the classrooms may look different for many, but the learning objectives remain the same. We are proud of the accomplishments our awardees will achieve despite these unprecedented times.”

Shipbuilders looking for a way to sharpen speaking, listening and leadership skills can join the online “Spear and Gear” Toastmasters Club meeting via Zoom from 5 until 6 p.m. RSVP by Sept. 22 to receive further meeting details. Contact Jamar Skyles (X44) and Michael Miller (E37) at spearandgeartoastmastersclub@gmail.com from a personal email address. Join Michelle Baise (E08) from 12-12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session on LRM. The goal of LRM is to accurately plan personnel resources to workload demand. The session will cover how to know how many people we need, base working versus base final, and more. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. No charge is provided.

OCTOBER 8

OCTOBER 18

The Mariners Club at NNS will hold its Annual Fall Golf Classic on the famed River Course at Kingsmill Resort. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. All CDC-recommended COVID-19 guidelines will be adhered to included mandatory masks at check-in and social-distancing protocols. If interested in participating, contact Rudy Hendricks (X21) via email.

Children of all HII employees are eligible to apply for the scholarship fund, with the exception of children of senior executives and those employees who have been with the company for less than two years. Guidelines and applications for the 2021 program will be available early next year.

Sleep is Vital for a Healthy Life A regular sleep schedule is essential for general health and well-being. Join BeWell for Life wellness coordinators for a virtual presentation to learn strategies for improving sleep. All sessions will be held virtually. Sessions will meet Tuesday, Oct. 6 at noon; Thursday, Oct. 8 at 5 p.m.; and Thursday, Oct. 15 at noon. All participants can also register to win a sleep sound machine. To register, visit myquadmedical.com/hii.

SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS

Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.

Job Title

Req Number

Dept.

Location

Coatings Engineering Technician 4 Engineer Electrical 2 Engineer Electrical 4 Engineer Facilities 3 Experienced Blaster iDS IT Software Engineer 3 Product Trainer 3 Production Planning and Scheduler 3 Project Management Analyst 3 Technician 3

3083 824 3081 1726 1874 2439 3099 307 2145 1921

E33 E70 O41 O41 X33 T53 O67 X44 O96 O41

Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Ballston Spa, NY 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.

OCTOBER BLOOD DRIVES

Newport News Shipbuilding is hosting the following blood drives in support of the American Red Cross. A time charge will be provided for employees who donate. Thursday, Oct. 1 Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, contact Judy Fundak (K18) at 380-3011 or via email or Natasha Eck (E83) at 688-7196 or via email.

Employee Engagement Survey It is once again time for Newport News Shipbuilding employees to participate in the annual engagement survey. This is an important tool for the company and provides tangible data about the culture within teams and across the organization. It also helps leaders identify areas of concern that can be used to implement changes to improve engagement. This year’s survey will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 30, and employees will have until Oct. 14 to participate. Information about this year’s survey is below: • The survey will be administered electronically. • Employees with company email addresses will receive an email from Gallup with survey link. • Employees without company computer access should take the survey at a designed time with their crew during work hours. These employees are encouraged to take the survey on their mobile device or they can use a computer at one of the survey centers. • The survey can be accessed (Sept. 30 - Oct. 14) through the NNS to Go app or at: https://survey.gallup.com/hii2020. • Precautions will be in place at survey centers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Capacities will be limited, face coverings will be required, and hand sanitizer and gloves will be available for employees upon entry. Computers, tables and chairs will be wiped down by session proctors after each use. • The survey, administered by Gallup, is 100% confidential. NNS will not receive data that identifies how individual employees respond.

• To participate, employees will need to use their MyID number, which will allow Gallup to compile reports on teams with five or more employees, divisions, NNS and Huntington Ingalls Industries. • MyID information can be found in Outlook or on paystubs. • Proctors at survey centers will be able to assist employees with locating their MyID if needed. • The 19-question survey, includes two new questions this year – one of which relates to being treated with civility and the other about whether employees are being kept informed by their supervisors. • Because the survey is all-digital, NNS will receive results from the survey within days of the survey closing. Supervisors are expected to share results with their teams and use them to guide discussions for action planning. • All employees are encouraged to participate in the survey and in the discussions that follow to help create a more engaging workplace for all.

Frequently asked questions about the survey are available on the following pages.

Leaders: please discuss the survey with your teams before Sept. 30. Questions regarding this year’s survey should be sent to EngageNNS@hii-nns.com

Frequently Asked Questions Employee Engagement Survey When will the survey begin? This year’s Gallup survey will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Once the survey begins, employees will have until Oct. 14 to participate. Who or what am I rating when I answer the survey? The survey is designed from 30 years of Gallup research telling us what all people need at work. Think about your work environment, which is made up of many things, when you consider whether your needs are being met and answer the question as you interpret it. What is the purpose of the survey? The survey provides employees the opportunity to let their voices be heard. Survey results serve as a guide for leaders to understand how they are performing and what areas could be improved. Who is accountable for the results? Making this a better place to work is everyone’s responsibility – this is a team sport – that includes your work team, your management chain, and the company as a whole. Your manager has responsibility to ensure your team is having the right discussions and taking actions. Gallup research tell us that the difference between teams that are highly engaged and teams that are not is that highly engaged teams have action plans, review those action plans frequently, and make progress on those action plans. Are Newport News Shipbuilding employees required to take the survey? No, the survey is not mandatory and employees are not required to complete the survey – or even answer all the questions. However, NNS encourages employees to take the survey and answer all questions as the survey provides an opportunity for employees to let their voices be heard. Results will be used to guide the leadership team on areas where improvement is needed. Are contractors and leased employees given the opportunity to take the survey? No. The survey is for full-time Newport News Shipbuilding employees and other Huntington Ingalls Industries employees. What if I usually work on a different team, I am new to the team or I recently transferred to the team? Your survey will roll up to your reporting structure as of Sept. 14, 2020. If you were hired after Sept. 14 your survey will roll up to the Huntington Ingalls Industries overall results. What is the definition of engagement? Engaged employees are involved in, enthusiastic about, and committed to their work and have a sense of mutual commitment to their company and work. How should I interpret a question? This is an individual measure. Your interpretation may be different from a co-worker’s. Answer the item based on what it means to you. How should I interpret the number scale on the survey? Please follow the instructions on the survey regarding the scale and answer the item based on your perceptions of the topic in question. How many questions are on the survey? The survey includes 19 questions.

Were any new questions added to the survey this year? Yes, two additional questions have been added to this year’s survey. 1. At work, I am treated with respect. 2. My immediate supervisor keeps me informed about what is going on in my organization. Is there a charge for taking the survey; how long will it take to complete? The survey should be taken on company time and should not take longer than five minutes to complete. Last year was the first time the company administered the survey electronically for all employees. Will that be the same this year? Yes, an all-digital survey will be administered again this year. Employees with email addresses and 3+2 user IDs will receive an email directly from Gallup to participate in the survey. How will employees who do not have company computer access take the survey? Employees without company computer access should take the survey at a designed time with their crew during work hours. These employees are encouraged to take the survey on their mobile device, or they can use a computer at one of the survey centers. Supervisors will provide further instruction on the designated time in which teams will take the survey and/or visit a survey center. Employees taking the survey on their mobile device can access the survey through the NNS to Go app (Sept. 30 - Oct. 14) or at https://survey.gallup.com/hii2020. Can employees without company computer access take the survey on their own mobile device? Yes, employees are encouraged to take the survey on their own mobile device. Supervisors will provide further instruction on the designated time in which teams will take the survey and/or visit a survey center. Employees taking the survey on their mobile device can access the survey through the NNS to Go app (Sept. 30 - Oct. 14) or at https://survey.gallup.com/hii2020. Can I access the survey through the NNS to Go app? Yes, a link to the survey will be accessible through the NNS to Go app (Sept. 30 - Oct. 14). Employees who have not downloaded the app can do so for free in the Apple or Android app store by searching, “NNS to Go” or “Newport News Shipbuilding.” Can employees without company computer access take the survey at any time or is there a designated time for crews to take the survey? Employees without company computer access should take the survey at a designed time with their crew during work hours. These employees are encouraged to take the survey on their mobile device, or they can use a computer at one of the survey centers. Supervisors will provide further instruction on the designated time in which teams will take the survey and/or visit a survey center. Questions regarding survey centers should be sent to EngageNNS@hii-nns.com. Where will the survey centers be located? A list of survey center locations is available on MyNNS. Employees should check with their supervisor about when and where their crew is scheduled to take the survey. Survey centers will open on Wednesday, Sept. 30, and will be open for two weeks. Questions regarding survey centers should be sent to EngageNNS@hii-nns.com. What safety protocols will Newport News Shipbuilding have in place at survey centers to ensure the safety of shipbuilders and prevent the spread of COVID-19? Survey center capacities have been modified to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, face coverings are required and hand sanitizer and gloves will be available for employees to use upon entry of the site. How will Newport News Shipbuilding ensure survey centers remain clean? We will follow all NNS enhanced cleaning protocols to ensure that all of these locations are safe spaces to take the survey. Facilities has prepared each site with disinfectant supplies, hand sanitizer and gloves. They will be replenished as needed. Computers, tables, and chairs will be wiped down by session proctors after each use.

Is the survey confidential? Yes, the survey is confidential. Newport News Shipbuilding does not receive information regarding how individual employees answered survey questions. However, to evaluate survey results, Gallup must have access to results to compile reports on teams with five or more employees, divisions, NNS and Huntington Ingalls Industries. If the survey is confidential, why do employees have to enter their MyIDs to participate? All Huntington Ingalls Industries employees have a MyID number. This number will assist Gallup with matching employees’ results with the appropriate departments. HII and Newport News Shipbuilding do not receive information regarding how individual employees answered survey questions. Where can I find my MyID? All Huntington Ingalls Industries employees are assigned a MyID. This number can be found in Outlook or on your paystub. If you do not know your MyID, ask your supervisor. How will Newport News Shipbuilding employees working at offsite locations take the survey? NNS leadership located at offsite locations have been briefed on how and when their crew will take the survey. Because security requirements at each location differ, specific guidance has been provided to leadership teams at each site based on their location. Employees working at an offsite location should ask their supervisor for information specific to their worksite. How are apprentices counted? Apprentices will roll-up under the supervisor they worked for on Sept. 14, 2020. Additionally, The Apprentice School receives a report of everyone with an O22 designation and Gallup will provide ad hoc reports for each apprentice instructor and trade. Essentially, each apprentice will show up in two places – with the team they were assigned to and with The Apprentice School, though individual results are still completely confidential. When will we receive results from this year’s survey? Newport News Shipbuilding’s leadership teams will receive results a few days after the survey is closed. Supervisors can view results via Gallup Access. Training for the Gallup Access system will be made available to all leaders by Gallup directly. Supervisors are expected to share the results with employees as soon as possible after they receive their team’s results.