9 | 21 | 2020
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