Oct. 3, 2022 by Newport News Shipbuilding

10 l 3 l 2022

A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

Ready to Deploy USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) – the first-of-its-class aircraft carrier built at Newport News Shipbuilding – is set to begin its first operational deployment. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was scheduled to depart Naval Station Norfolk Monday, Oct. 3. However, the U.S. Navy postponed the departure due to weather conditions. Ford will operate in the Atlantic Ocean, and the deployment will include air, maritime and ground assets from NATO allies and partner nations.

U.S. Navy photo

are connected to NNS’ mission and is conducted annually. The stay survey is focused on employee retention and attracting new talent to the company. Salaried employees had an opportunity to complete the stay survey earlier this year. The X10 crew that was recognized is led by Foreman Jamal Chase and based in the Steel Production Facility. “It’s important for the team to give their feedback on how we can make things better and get them what they need,” he said. As of day six of the survey administration period, a total of 23 represented crews had achieved 100% participation.

This X10 crew was recognized for being the first represented team to achieve 100% participation on the engagement survey and a stay survey. Photo by Lexi Whitehead

Survey Administration Period Ends Friday, Oct. 7 Newport News Shipbuilding’s Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Team last week recognized a crew for being the first represented team to achieve 100% participation on the annual engagement survey and a stay survey. The employee engagement survey measures how well employees

“Both the engagement and stay surveys inform how we move forward in developing and implementing actionable items that will improve our employee experience, well-being, strengthen professional development and growth, and enable opportunities for operating in our strengths every day,” said Danyelle Saunders of the ED&I Office. “The results provide an indication of areas we do well and should sustain, as well as areas that need improvement.” Employees have until Friday, Oct. 7, to complete the surveys. Those with company computer access received an email from Gallup with a link to the engagement survey. Employees without company computer access have the opportunity to take both surveys at a designated time with their crew during work hours.

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Shipbuilder Recognized for Role on Carrier Team One Newport News Shipbuilding constructed the U.S. Navy’s entire fleet of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, but it is not the only shipyard that maintains the floating cities. Maintenance work on carriers is shared among three shipyards – NNS, Norfolk Naval Shipyard and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The overlapping work led to the creation of Carrier Team One – which facilitates knowledge sharing among the shipyards, ship’s force and other stakeholders – more than two decades ago. “The ultimate goal of Carrier Team One is to get ships out on time,” said Dennis Moss, a Master Shipbuilder and general foreman at NNS who is part of Carrier Team One. The organization is made up of different knowledge-sharing networks (KSNs). Moss is part of the Co-Yard KSN, which is responsible for getting knowledge to the deckplate. Representatives from the shipyards work together and share information about the similar work they are performing. “It’s a two-way street. We give a lot of information, and we get a lot of information. We lean in on technologies and innovative ways to do things,” Moss said. During the Carrier Team One annual meeting this summer, Rear Adm. James Downey, program executive officer for Aircraft Carriers, recognized Moss for assisting Norfolk and Puget Sound naval shipyards as they prepare for the Ford-class ships on which they will perform maintenance in the future. “This is where Newport News becomes the big player because we designed and built the ship, we’ve taken it out and we’ve gone through the first availability,” said Moss, who has been involved with Ford-class construction since 2003. “Now, the two Navy yards are leaning in on us for a lot of lessons learned.” Moss spent most of his career as an outside machinist before becoming a construction supervisor and later moving to his current role on Carrier Team One with Chuck Longacre (X70). It was a “huge honor” to be recognized by Downey for his efforts, but Moss said the mission is the focus.

Dennis Moss was recognized for helping Norfolk and Puget Sound naval shipyards prepare for the Ford class. Photo by Ashley Cowan

“This is all about getting the innovations, the new technologies, the better ways to do things down to the mechanics so they have a better chance at success,” Moss said. “We’re trying to get the Carrier Team One message out to get more people involved. The more people are involved, the more problems we can find and resolve.”

Master Shipbuilder Ceremony Update Newport News Shipbuilding’s 2022 Master Shipbuilder Recognition Ceremony will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Contrary to previously communicated event information, all active employees with 40 or more years of service are invited to attend the ceremony. Save-the-date cards are being mailed to the home addresses of eligible employees.

Talent Acquisition Sponsors Oceana Air Show The Talent Acquisition departments of Newport News Shipbuilding and fellow HII division Mission Technologies were among the sponsors of the 2022 Oceana Air Show Sept. 17-18 in Virginia Beach to connect with the military veteran and military spouse community. With crowds estimated at more than 300,000, HII employees, including recruiters and employee resource group (ERG) volunteers, networked with thousands of attendees, sharing information on available HII career opportunities. The highlight of each day was a performance by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. For more information, visit www.oceanaairshow.com.

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AROUND THE YARD 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 programs has been extended until Oct. 14. 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. 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)

Pictured from left are Lead General Foreman James Gilliam, Jeremy Hobson (X43), Construction Director Camden West and Foreman Taylor Herring.

Shipbuilders’ Questioning Attitudes Save the Day Newport News Shipbuilding employees Taylor Herring (K46) and Jeremy Hobson (X43) were recognized by the USS Montana (SSN 794) Post Shakedown Availability construction and production management teams for their questioning attitude while performing SUBSAFE work at Naval Station Norfolk. Virginia-Class Submarine Program shipbuilders Herring, an X43 foreman, and Hobson, lead craftsman on the job, recognized unexpected conditions with the component on which they were assigned to work. They stopped and informed their management, as well as the construction and engineering teams. The discovery of this discrepancy prevented damage to the component that would have caused significant rework and potential replacement. “This team is leading the way with their engagement and ownership with executing firsttime quality work every time,” said Construction Director Camden West.

John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) Team Celebrates ED&I Week

Tutoring 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.

The John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) trades and program offices partnered to hand out new construction carrier swag to the CVN 79 Team at lunchtime during Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion Week in September. Pictured from left are Angie Kelly (O85), Alicia Monrose (K47), Jenny Reeves (K74) and Kenneth Gatling (X43).

For more information, or to sign up for these programs, contact Sheryce Moore (K18) via email or at 757-534-1257.

MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY UNIT COMING TO NNS

Chesapeake Regional Healthcare’s mobile mammography unit will be on-site at the HII Family Health Center to perform annual mammogram screenings in October and November.

The latest edition of Focus NNS includes highlights from the ceremonial keel laying for Enterprise (CVN 80) and preparations for the new Columbia-Class Submarine Program. Focus NNS is available on MyNNS and on the NNS to Go app.

Appointments are available for the following dates: Oct. 24 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Oct. 31 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Nov. 2 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Nov. 29 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The fully equipped mammography unit offers comfortable and discreet 2D and 3D mammogram appointments. HII’s medical insurance plan covers 3D mammograms. For more information and to make an appointment, call 757-312-6400 or visit www.chesapeakemammo.com.

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DATEBOOK OCTOBER 5

Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is hosting open interviews for entry-level and experienced blaster (X33) positions between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the NNS Employment Office, located at NetCenter (Suite 176, Entrance 3). Job seekers may also apply in advance to reqs 25866 and 25864 at buildyourcareer.com.

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.

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

OCTOBER 13

Spear and Gear Toastmasters welcomes all shipbuilders to an in-person meeting at 5 p.m. at The Apprentice School (Room 308). Toastmasters is a safe and welcoming environment for those seeking to enhance their communication and leadership skills. If interested in attending, contact Tammy Smith (N358), Paul Gee Jr. (O52), Brandon Jones (E63) or Jamar Skyles (E03) at NNS or Taylor Chamberlain (E91) at KSO.

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

Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is hosting open interviews for entry-level and trainee fitter (X11) and welder (X18) positions between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the NNS Employment Office, located at NetCenter (Suite 176, Entrance 3). Job seekers may apply in advance to reqs 25746, 25744, 25650 or 25845 at buildyourcareer.com.

OCTOBER 26

Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is hosting open interviews for entry-level and experienced outside machinist (X43), refueler (X43), and pipefitter (X42) positions between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the NNS Employment Office, located at NetCenter (Suite 176, Entrance 3). Job seekers may also apply in advance to reqs 25564, 25565, 25566, 25567, or 25569 at buildyourcareer.com.

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.

OCTOBER 27

Spear and Gear Toastmasters welcomes all shipbuilders to an online meeting via Zoom at 6 p.m. at The Apprentice School (Room 308). Toastmasters is a safe and welcoming environment for those seeking to enhance their communication and leadership skills. If interested in attending, contact Tammy Smith (N358), Paul Gee Jr. (O52), Brandon Jones (E63) or Jamar Skyles (E03) at NNS or Taylor Chamberlain (E91) at KSO.

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.

NOVEMBER 27

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. Accounting, business and finance majors should apply to req 25785. Computer science, IT and software engineering majors should apply to req 25784. Engineering majors (ABET accreditation required) should apply to req 25786. Supply chain management majors should apply to req 25768. Apply at buildyourcareer.com.

LEARNING EXCHANGE ( LX ) UPGRADE

The Learning Exchange (LX) is upgrading with a blackout period planned from 4 p.m. Nov. 4 until 7 a.m. Nov. 14. LX will not be available during the blackout period. Visit the communications section of the LX Resources website on MyNNS. Please note there will be no significant changes for LX users once the system is live. The upgrade focuses on hardware needed to maintain integrity of the system. Send questions or concerns to LearningExchangeNN@hii-nns.com.

SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept. 2023 College Summer 25785 K21 Internship (Accounting, Business & Finance Majors) 2023 College Summer 25784 K21 Internship (Computer Science, IT & Software Engineer Majors) 2023 College Summer 25786 K21 Internship (Engineering Majors) 2023 College Summer 25768 K21 Internship (Supply Chain Majors) Blasters 25866, 25864 X33 Engineer Electrical 4 25818 O41 Fitters 25746, 25744, X11 25745, 25725 Structural NDT Production 19542 X67 Planner 2 (CVN) Welders 25650, 25845, X18 25664, 25665

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

Employee Referral Cash Bonus Not Eligible

Remote Work Considered No

Not Eligible

Eligible Eligible Eligible

No Yes No

Not Eligible

Eligible

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.