Have Your Say During Survey
Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual engagement survey, which measures how well employees are connected to NNS’ mission, is underway. Employees have until Oct. 7 to complete the survey.
The survey is facilitated through Gallup and results guide leaders’ understanding of how they are performing as a team – as well as what areas could be improved. Employees with company computer access will receive an email from Gallup with a link to the survey. Employees without company computer access will take the survey
at a designated time with their crew during work hours. A list of frequently asked questions is available on MyNNS.
In addition to the engagement survey, hourly employees have the opportunity to participate in a stay survey, which consists of 10 questions focused on employee retention and attracting new talent to NNS. Earlier this year, salaried employees had the opportunity to participate in this survey. Feedback will help NNS create a work environment that inspires people to be their best.
A Big Job: NNS Security Keeps Shipbuilders Safe
Last week was National Security Officer Appreciation Week. Newport News Shipbuilding’s Security force works to ensure the safety of all personnel within the facility and to protect company and U.S. Navy assets.
“Security in a facility like this is critical,” said Edward O’Donnell (O15), who has been a security officer at NNS for more than seven years. “There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that we take care of that most people in the yard probably don’t see.”
One of those lesser-known tasks is performing monthly inspections on the hundreds of shipboard fire extinguishers at NNS. While the NNS Fire Department has responsibility for fire extinguishers
in buildings and within dry docks, Security handles shipboard extinguishers.
Lt. Jeff Bradley (O15) manages the three-person team that conducts the inspections in addition to their other security-related duties.
“It’s a big job and a big responsibility,” he said. “We take fire protection very seriously. The mission of my team is to instill a sense of confidence. We want employees to know that if they come upon a fire, the equipment that is there for their protection is going to work.”
Photo by Lexi Whitehead
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9 l 26 l 2022 A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Welders Recognized as Quality Craftsmen
A group of X18 welders was recently recognized by the Quality Craftsman Program for the second quarter of 2022. The shipbuilders honored were Danny Santiago (X18), Zach Faller (X18), Chris Walker (X18), Derek Wiggs (X18) and Devon Cooley (X18).
These shipbuilders recently helped deliver nine Virginia-class submarine bow sections, welding 115 pipe weld x-ray joints with only 4 rejects for a 3.5% reject rate. Most of this work is performed in the forward main ballast tanks of modules. Not only have they reduced the VCS pipe weld reject rate, but this also supports the module ship out schedule for both Newport News Shipbuilding and VCS teaming partner General Dynamics Electric Boat.
“Their commitment to first time quality is a key element of the VCS program’s success and supports welding mission critical RT pipe around the clock,” said VCS Program Trade Director Vernon Eason.
If you see any of these quality craftsmen around the yard, congratulate them for a job well done.
NNS’ O06 team is seeking nominations for the Quality Craftsman Program. The program recognizes craftswomen and craftsmen who stand out and go the extra mile to ensure NNS remains a quality leader in the industry. Nominations will be accepted throughout the quarter. For more information, or to inquire about nominating a shipbuilder, email QualityCraftsman@hii-nns.com.
NNS Accepting Applications for Summer Internships
Newport News Shipbuilding is accepting applications for 2023 college summer internships. The deadline for students to apply is Nov. 27. Internships are paid opportunities for students to work 40 hours per week for 10 consecutive weeks during the summer.
To qualify, students must be age 18 or older, U.S. citizens and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students must be enrolled in a four-year college or university (or 2+2 program) or master’s degree program for fall 2023.
Visit buildyourcareer.com to apply for
positions below:
• Accounting, business and finance majors should apply to req No. 25785.
• Computer science, IT and software engineering majors should apply to req No. 25784.
• Engineering majors (ABET accredited required) should apply to req No. 25786.
• Supply chain management majors should apply to req No. 25768.
Sewer Improvements to Impact Streets Around NNS
The Hampton Roads Sanitation District, in coordination with the city of Newport News, is planning improvements for sanitary sewer infrastructure around Newport News Shipbuilding.
Construction is set to begin this fall and is expected to continue through fall 2023. The project will impact sections of Washington and West avenues, as well as 31st, 35th, 38th, 46th and 48th streets.
O’Donnell, a Navy veteran, is one of the officers who performs inspections, during which he ensures there is no obvious physical damage, all components are intact and the extinguisher is unobstructed. For an idea of the scale, John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) alone has about 300 fire extinguishers that must be inspected monthly.
“It’s actually a pretty intensive process,” O’Donnell said. “It takes two to three days to do a ship like that.”
Bradley works closely with the NNS Fire Marshal Troy Long, who
provides the list of locations that require fire extinguishers. “We have to stay on top of that. It’s ever-changing, especially on new construction vessels,” Bradley said.
O’Donnell said protecting people is the “most important aspect of the fire protection program,” and it’s everyone’s responsibility to remain vigilant.
“If you see something wrong with an extinguisher or it’s blocked, don’t just walk by,” he said. “If a fire were to break out, that equipment might save your life.”
Pictured from left are Devon Jones, Zach Faller, X18 General Foreman James Martin, Danny Santiago, and Virginia-Class Submarine Program Trade Director Vernon Eason
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A Big Job: NNS Security Keeps Shipbuilders Safe CONTINUED FROM PG 1
Apprentice School Men’s Basketball Team Ready for Season
The Apprentice School men’s basketball team kicks off the 2022-2023 season later this fall. Team captain Vershawn Eley has high expectations as he enters his senior season.
“The ultimate goal is winning a national championship,” he said. “In past years we’ve been to nationals, but we never made
AROUND THE YARD
it to the end. That’s the final goal for this year. I believe that we will be successful.”
Eley, an X43 outside machinist apprentice, said attending The Apprentice School and being an athlete has been “a great opportunity all the way around.”
“The Apprentice School was sort of a common ground that allowed me to do everything I wanted. I was able to play basketball. I was able to work and support myself financially, learn a trade and go to school,” he said.
Looking back over his time at The Apprentice School and on the basketball team, Eley is grateful. “At times, it can be a lot to juggle between going to work, school and practice, but it has been a good experience. I would most definitely recommend it to others,” he said.
The season opens with an alumni game on Oct. 30, followed with a home game versus Blue Lights College on Nov. 8. Apprentice School fans will have plenty of opportunities to see the team in action. There are 13 home games, and the team is hosting the New South Athletic Conference Tournament.
For more information, and to see the full season schedule, visit GoBuilders.com.
Volunteer with SEEKnns this School Year
The 2022-2023 school year is here, and there are several opportunities for Newport News Shipbuilding employees to mentor and tutor students through SEEKnns programs. See information below. The deadline to register for all programs is Oct. 7.
eMentoring:
TryEngineering allows NNS employees to mentor students at two Newport News elementary schools by reading science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) articles and writing letters to each other about them. Register online by Oct. 7.
In-Person Mentoring:
Girls with Engineering Minds in Shipbuilding (GEMS) is an after-school program where mentors facilitate biweekly meetings that focus on college and career pathways while leading hands-on STEM activities. (90 minute in-person sessions)
Young Men in Engineering (YME) is an after school program that pairs each young man with a mentor for the entire school year. Mentors will facilitate biweekly meetings that focus on college and career pathways while leading hands-on STEM activities. (90 minute in-person sessions)
Tutoring
Newport News Shipbuilding is hosting an on-site, open-to-the-public trades hiring event from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at Brooks Crossing, located at 550 30th St. in Newport News.
NNS is hiring for numerous entry-level trades and trainee jobs that start at more than $21 per hour. NNS is also hiring for experienced trades positions, and pay increases with experience. Qualified individuals will have the opportunity to interview and may receive an on-the-spot job offer.
NNS employees are encouraged to share this hiring event opportunity. Employees who refer a trades job seeker who is hired could receive a $1,000 cash bonus. More information about the REFER program, including guidelines, how to participate and eligible jobs for cash bonus awards is available at https://huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refer-a-friend. Trades Hiring Event
Taking Action to Overcome Obstacles (TATOO) takes place during the school day. Volunteers meet with their assigned student(s) for an hour to provide tutoring in math.
For more information, or to sign up for these programs, contact Sheryce Moore (K18) via email or at 757-534-1257.
Team captain Vershawn Eley is looking forward to a successful season. Photo by Re’cco Jarvis
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Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 See updates at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411. Cases reported at NNS from Sept. 12-25: 123
NNS Hosting
Sept. 30
SEPTEMBER 28
The Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) Program is hosting a learn at lunch WebEx event for potential candidates from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The program is open to salaried individual contributors. Sign up on the PEER Program website on MyNNS.
SEPTEMBER 29
George Washington University, one of the four universities with which NNS partners for the Technical Graduate Programs, is hosting an individual information session at VASCIC (Room 219) at 3 p.m. to promote its Master of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering Concentration: Shipboard Power. For more information, visit the Technical Graduate Programs website on MyNNS.
SEPTEMBER 29
The L.E.A.R.N. Program and WiSE will co-host an afterwork presentation with NNS President Jennifer Boykin from 4 to 5 p.m. via WebEx. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on the L.E.A.R.N. website on MyNNS. For more information, contact Christina Hayden (K51) or email LEARN@hii-nns.com. No charge is provided.
SEPTEMBER 29
Join the Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) Book Club from 5 until 6 p.m. for a virtual discussion of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Steven R Covey. The event will be held via Zoom (Meeting ID: 898 8678 9728). Attendees should ensure they access the app from a personal device outside NNS’ campus. The event is open to all NNS employees and no charge will be provided. Register on MyNNS.
SEPTEMBER 29
Newport News Shipbuilding is a sponsor of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s “Tastefully Yours” food-tasting event from 6 until 9:30 p.m. at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Tickets are $60 in advance or $70 on the day of the event. To purchase tickets, visit hrfoodbank.org or call 757-596-7188.
SEPTEMBER 30
Join the Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) from 12 until 12:30 p.m. for session one of its Hispanic American Lecture Series: Distintos Pero Unidos (Together in Our Differences). During this lecture-style session, Amira Moncada Ossorio will give a presentation on her life in the United States as a descendant of Native Americans from South America. The presentation will take place over WebEx. The event is open to all NNS employees and no charge will be provided. Register on MyNNS.
OCTOBER 5
The Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) Program is hosting a learn at lunch WebEx event for potential candidates from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The program is open to salaried individual contributors. Sign up on the PEER Program website on MyNNS.
DATEBOOK
OCTOBER 5
Join the Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) from 5 until 6 p.m. for a Hispanic History Month cooking class. Follow along as an HOLA member cooks the popular Latin American dessert flan. The event will be held via Zoom (Meeting ID: 821 0376 9387). Attendees should access the app from a personal device outside NNS’ campus. The event is open to all NNS employees and no charge will be provided. Register on MyNNS.
OCTOBER 12
The Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) Program is hosting a learn at lunch WebEx event for potential candidates from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The program is open to salaried individual contributors. Sign up on the PEER Program website on MyNNS.
OCTOBER 14
Join the Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) from 12 until 12:30 p.m. for session one of its Hispanic American Lecture Series: Distintos Pero Unidos (Together in Our Differences). During this lecture-style session, Marco Lopez will give some insight into his life and perspective as an Asian American living in the United States. The presentation will take place over WebEx. The event is open to all NNS employees and no charge will be provided. Register on MyNNS.
OCTOBER 19
The Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) and Asian Shipbuilders Including All Nationalities (ASIAN) are hosting an in-person speed mentoring workshop from 4:30 until 6 p.m. to close out Hispanic Heritage Month. The event is open to all NNS employees and no charge will be provided. Register on MyNNS.
NOVEMBER 5 AND 12
Newport News Shipbuilding is a sponsor of the 2022 Hampton Roads Heart Walk, which supports the American Heart Association. The Peninsula walk will be held at 9 a.m. Nov. 5 at Fort Monroe’s Outlook Beach Boardwalk. The Southside walk will be held at 9 a.m. Nov. 12 at Chesapeake City Park.
NOVEMBER 6
Join The Apprentice School Student Association at Ford’s Colony at 7:30 a.m. for the annual Veterans Day Golf Tournament in support of the Fisher House of Portsmouth The entry fee will be $60 per person, with teams of four. Each team must include at least one apprentice or alumnus to participate. Lunch will be provided. RSVP at ApprenticeStudents.com/events. For more information, contact Jessica Lawson at 757-703-6090.
NOVEMBER 7 - 18
Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual Holiday Food Drive is Nov. 7-18. Hunger exists in every zip code in our region, and it is year-round. Nearly 62,000 Peninsula residents must choose between food and other critical needs like childcare, electricity, medicine and transportation. With shipbuilder support, we can help our neighbors achieve long-term food security, so they no longer have to make such tough decisions.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title Req Number Dept. Employee Referral Remote Work Cash Bonus Considered
2023 College Summer 25785 K21 Not Eligible No Internship (Accounting, Business & Finance Majors)
2023 College Summer 25784 K21 Not Eligible No Internship (Computer Science, IT & Software Engineer Majors)
2023 College Summer 25786 K21 Not Eligible No Internship (Engineering Majors)
2023 College Summer 25768 K21 Not Eligible No Internship (Supply Chain Majors)
Corporate Benefits 24544 N365 Not Eligible Yes Accountant 3
Fitters 25746, 25744, X11 Eligible No 25745, 25725
Industrial Facilities Engineer 4 17983 O41 Eligible Yes
Industrial Hygienist 4 26161 O27 Not Eligible No
Naval Power Systems 26271 E05 Not Eligible Yes Engineer 6 (Washington, D.C.)
Welders 25650, 25845, X18 Eligible No 25664, 25665
All positions are located in Newport News unless otherwise noted.
Employees are encouraged to use MyHR or the "Current HII Employees Job Search" button at www.buildyourcareer.com to apply. Visit www.huntingtoningalls.com/careers/refer-a-friend to learn more about the cash bonus awards for referrals to select positions.
2 CURRENTS 9 | 26 | 20224
Lewis Knight
Brian Lemmert
David Light
Don Marrow Molnar
Tod Scarborough
David Seward
Bill Siefers
Andrew Sweeney Sykes
Mark Dudley
Tony Gerehart
Frances Jarabak
Charles Johnson
Danny Jordan
Reggie Monroe
Ralph Mosely
Cheryl Park
Larry Phelps
Kenny Pope
Pam Adams
Stan Bonk
Steven Davis
William Dickens Sr. David Dreybus
Cladie Taylor
Tim Todd
Alonzo Townes
Ronald Vance
Edwin Washburn Jr.
Zolt
Al
LONG SERVICE Master Shipbuilders with 40 years of dedicated service AUGUST • 2022
45 YEARS
Lee Allen E21
Dearl Brickhouse X24
Wayne Hafer E25
Peter Ledford O45
Milton Lunsford Jr. O46
Frankie Nelson X36
Alvin Parker X42
Tracy Van Kleeck O39
Robert Wallace X31
Michael Weaver O43 Marjorie West X36
40 YEARS
Pamela Adams E42
Bobby Atkinson O53 Stanley Bonk E20 Charles Breiner X43 John Carter O46 Earl Cobbs X11 Edward Cox X33 Steven Davis X44
David Dea M30
William Dickens A572
David Dreybus O48
Mark Dudley X51
Robert Fisher X18
Charles Gerehart O26
Robert Godfrey IV X11
Frank Harris Jr. X11
Melvin Holloman X18
AUGUST • LONG SERVICE
Frances Jarabak X75
Clifford Jarrell X11
Charles Johnson II K45 Beresford Jones X11
Danny Jordan X18
Thomas Joyner X18
Lewis Knight X74
Brian Lemmert E70
David Light E25 Donald Marrow E82
Jimmy Mason X42
Zoltan Molnar O19
Reginald Monroe X44
Ralph Mosely Jr. X10 Cheryl Park E42
Larry Phelps X42
Kenneth Pope X02 Charles Pyle Jr. X42
Ralph Riddick X32 Rex Saunders K47 Michael Saxon X18
Tod Scarborough X23 William Schrum X01 David Seward X15 William Siefers X34 Gary Simmons K47 Robert Spruiell II O39 Andrew Sweeney X18
Al Sykes E25 Robert Talton X32 Cladie Taylor O46
Timothy Todd O58
David Topping O43
Alonzo Townes X18 Ronald Vance Jr. O43
Edwin Washburn Jr. X11
Robert White O98
Alphonsa Whitfield Jr. X18
Kermit Wiggins Jr. X32
Michael Wyatt O40 Gary Zimak O30
35 YEARS
Douglas Askew X32
Darlene Barber O14
James Boyd X24
Gilbert Bryant Jr. M53
Richard Daniels O53
Sean Gilmartin X36
Milton Greene X33 Derrick Hicks X67
James Holland X18
Geoffrey Hummel X02 Kerry Johnson X33
Kelley Lewis Jr. X32 Michael Maliniak E86 Thomas Morse X11 Amy Murdock N350
Jerry Pepper Jr. M53 Francis Reed X33 Brian Ridley X67 Peter Robinson E21
George Scott X18
Roy Townsend III X11
Melvin Turner O53
Ronald Tyler X01 Sylvester Upshur X18
Eddie Vennie X18 Ellis Ward O26
John Watkins Jr. X33
Thejuania Watson O51 Keith West O39
Preston White K47
David White II X02
Reginald Whitehead Sr. X18 Tyrone Williams X71
30 YEARS
Winfred Hairston X40 Duane Walker E56 Clinton Wright E92
25 YEARS
Edward Born Jr. E56
Marty Burnette X73 Stephen Cordero E83 Cameo Hargrove O55 Michael Jaroma O04 Andre Kemp X11 Richard Mack E83 William Mccormick Jr. K47 James Rhoades Jr. E84 Howard Robinson Jr. O43
RETIREMENTS
Jeaneen Rosales O03
Ralph Sheffield III O19
Darlene Spratley E12
An Tran E32
Patrick Washburn E46
Peder Wennberg Jr. X46 James Zalonis E86
20 YEARS
Melinda Adkins E27
Sylvester Baker III K46 Charles Beamon O22 Crystal Boyd E70 Brett Carson E83 Daniel Cimmino E63
Shaun Cooper X18
Kenyatta Dailey K22 Mark Dale X18 James Davis X43 Redell Dildy Jr. X15 Dwayne Elliott X67 Maurice Evans O54
Justin Fisher O22 Gary Forrester E70 Desmond Franklin X33 Kristina Giddinge O51
Rachel Gilpin T56
Robert Green X18 Shawn Hall X18 Anthony Hammonds X73 Tony Harris X42
Arnold Haynes E91
John Hernholm X42
Dawn Jackson T55
Amanda Jones X44
Rickey Jones Jr. K46
Gregory King X18
Ashley Kingery O14
Julie Lane X82
Kelly Lewis E49
Andrew Limbaugh E44
Catrice Moore O53
Benjamin Mt Castle O43
Daniel Osgood O79
Jonathan Parker O46
Evette Perron E25
Stanford Polonsky III X18
Antwon Porter X39
Telly Ralph A572
John Rash K46
Jonathan Ritter E92
Joseph Sharpless Jr. X42
Brandi Smith K70
Darryl Smith X36
Kenneth Smith K45
Bettina Soost X23
Gary Vanhook K46
Corey Walton X11
Jeffrey Waltz E83
Richard Watson K47
Rhonda West O53
Edward Whetsel A572
James Albright E18
George Anderson O26
David Barnes O45
John Bell X31
Ronald Bryant X36
Michael Butler X02
Donald Carawan M40
Jeffrey Chason X32
Donald Clark O64
William Clifford E86
John Cowley E86
Ricky Crist O39
Daniel Cundiff E25
Ronnie Davis O54
Lionel Dennis X31
Jeffery Dent O43
Reginald Earley X36
Glenn Evans X32
Gwenevere Fauntleroy E82
William Fluty M53
Mark Gallenstein E18
Vicki Gares O53
Kenneth Gatling K47
Lisa Gibson O53
Kerry Gilland O41
Isaac Gilliam X33
Robert Graham X63
Thomas Grimes E81
Steven Gurvich E24
Norman Harr X31
Antonio Harris E85
Bernard Hatfield X31
William Hiner O46
Maurice Hines O43
Elizabeth Hines X22
Glenn Horton X31
David Hux E61
James Hyde E82
Quentin Jones X36
Needham Jones X70
Kim Krzeski O55
Ricky Lamb X36
Kenneth Lewis O54
William Mcglone O26
Donald Mclain X42
James Meadows E70
Hubert Montague X43
James Osborne M21
Randy Pierce K45
Richard Plumlee K46
Robert Powell K48
Brewington Reid O15
Robert Rhodes E22
Roland Rice E63
Michael Roach O98
Randolph Roane T55
Joseph Robertson K47
Ricky Robins X42
Frankie Robinson X43
Charles Santrock O26
Harry Saulman X22
Steven Scheg N960
Carlton Sessoms X18
Thomas Shepherd O19
Lisa Slade O46
Tony Slaydon X42
Joshua Smith X33
Charles Southall K70
Rick Spaulding O11
Steven Stallings O22
Robert Stephens X36
Elmer Swilley X11
Lawrence Taylor E84
Avery Thomas K47
George Thompson X31
Steven Tilashalski T53
Charles Tomlinson E91
Philip True E25
Larry Vaughan O43
Larry Vaughan X36
Jacob Verhulst E11
Jeffrey Watkins K72
Manessa Wellons O53
Linda West E84
James Whitson X22
John Wright E84
Alphonsa Whitfield Jr. Michael Wyatt
