10 | 11 | 2021
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Celebrating Excellence Newport News Shipbuilding honored the 394 recipients of the 2021 Model of Excellence during a drive-in ceremony at the Hampton Roads Convention Center on Oct. 8. The outdoor event with honorees and their families and friends was held in lieu of a traditional dinner due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Model of Excellence is the company’s highest honor and recognizes individuals and teams who have made extraordinary contributions to the achievement of objectives outlined in the NNSFORWARD Strategy – Enable Our Workforce, Transform Business Operations, Execute Efficiently, Grow the Business Base and Lead the Way.
Photo by Ashley Cowan
During the event, attendees watched video featuring all of the award-winning nominations. “Shipbuilders always support each other, so it’s important to pause from our hard work to acknowledge and celebrate the performance of this select group,” said NNS President Jennifer Boykin. “I am proud to stand with them as we forge the way ahead for our company, the Navy and our nation.” Learn more about this year’s honorees and their contributions to NNS in the 2021 Model of Excellence ceremony program, which is available on the NNS website. The video featuring winning nominations also is available for viewing on MyNNS, NNS’ external website and on the NNS to Go app.
NNS Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Verification Process All Newport News Shipbuilding and leased employees, with the exception of employees who received their COVID-19 vaccine from QuadMed, the NNS Vaccination Center or an in-yard vaccination event, will be required to provide proof of vaccination to comply with the federal vaccination mandate. The following documents will be accepted: • Immunization records from a health care provider or pharmacy. • A COVID-19 vaccination record card.
• A copy of the employee’s medical records documenting the vaccination. • Immunization records from a public health or state immunization information system. • Other official documentation verifying vaccination with information on the vaccine name, date(s) of administration, and the name of the health care professional or clinic site administering vaccine. Proof of vaccination submitted via email is required no later than Nov. 24 to
NNSVaxCard@hii-nns.com. Employees should include their name and PERN in the email. Employees who self-reported in UPoint as vaccinated must follow these steps, as well as those who receive off-site vaccinations going forward. Employees who are unable to submit electronically can come to the NNS Access Center with their proof of vaccination through Nov. 29. For more information, see a list of frequently asked questions on the NNS website.
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10 | 11 | 2021 “They’re a part of our process now. We’ve integrated. We want continuous training with Pivot looking at the jobs as they come up and evaluating and talking to the craftsmen,” Wilson said. Although shipbuilders at any experience level benefit from the partnership, there is special attention for new craftswomen and craftsmen. They go on a ship tour and are shown how to safely approach different workspaces they will experience. “We want them to understand that learning to work safely is a part of learning your craft,” Wilson said.
Pictured from left are Mark Wilson, Donna Abbott, Michael Rice, Monica Mueller, Tawanda Osborne, Joshua Hall, Justin Helbig and Tobias Raynor.
Partnership Aims to Prevent Injuries In an effort to prevent injuries to insulators working on John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), X33 acting Lead General Foreman Mark Wilson recently partnered with Pivot Physical Therapy to evaluate teams and develop job-specific stretches and exercises for shipbuilders.
He said there has already been a positive impact from the partnership with Pivot, and he anticipates improvements to safety numbers in the future. “I think this sends the message to the employees that we really care about them and that we put safety first,” Wilson said. “We want them to work in a safe environment and to do things the correct and safe way.”
NNS Accepting Applications for 2022 Summer Internships Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is accepting applications for 2022 summer internships through Nov. 28. The company anticipates hiring more than 100 interns next summer with the following majors: business, computer science, criminal justice, data science, engineering, project management and supply chain. NNS will offer two different internship options based on department requests – 100% on-site or hybrid (50% on-site, 50% telework). Students will work 40 hours a week for 10 weeks during the summer.
To qualify for a NNS summer internship, students must: • Be enrolled in a STEM-related bachelor’s or master’s degree program. • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA. • Provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or fit within an exemption under the law. Students are encouraged to apply early, and video interviews are expected to start this month. Direct interested students to buildyourcareer.com to apply for the
following positions: • “ABILITY Intern” – Req No. 9439 (for students with documented disabilities) • “BUSN MGMT Intern” – Req No. 8692 (for business majors) • “ENGRG Intern” – Req No. 8425 (for engineering majors) • “INTERN” – Req No. 9933 (for all other majors) • “IT Intern” – Req No. 8691 (for IT majors)
Recognizing National Quality Month As Newport News Shipbuilding continues to recognize National Quality Month, O06 is highlighting New Construction Aircraft Carrier Programs, which encompasses John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81). Below is a message from Curtis S. Hall, New Carrier Construction lead general foreman. “We produce quality because it is our responsibility and it is part of who we are. It is a core value, it’s our reputation, our credibility and our integrity.”
Look for the retro Quality banners that are displayed at NNS entry gates. Along with these banners, O06 has created hard hat stickers with the same cards. Contact program quality managers (PQM) for information regarding the stickers and how to get some for your team. The first round of Quality Craftsman will be released next week. Nominations for the next round should be submitted by Oct. 15. Check page 4 for a Quality-themed word search.
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AROUND THE YARD Shipbuilders Donate Shoes to Make a Difference The E81 Engagement Team was looking for a project for the department to participate in that is easy, would support the community and show kindness. After searching the NNS Gives platform, the team found Thrive Peninsula – a nonprofit organization committed to assisting individuals and families on the Peninsula through difficult times. One of the projects it supports is the shoe mission, which collects and donates all types of shoes, no matter the condition. Donating shoes makes a difference and supports developing micro-enterprises in developing nations, keeps shoes out of local landfills and earns funds to support local families in distress. The E81 Team – organized by Shelia Ellis, Suzanne Phillips, Angel Williams and Cheryl Byrum – is called E81 Shoe Savers. Although the engagement activity has been underway for a short time, a barrel already is overflowing with shoes donated by E81 shipbuilders. Shipbuilders are encouraged to check the NNS Gives platform (nns.YourCause.com) for projects to help support the community.
Flu Shots Available for Shipbuilders QuadMed’s BeWell for Life team is offering no-cost flu shots to all Newport News Shipbuilding employees. Flu shots are available on a walk-in basis at the HII Family Health Center during its normal business hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Employees can also sign up to receive a flu shot during their Know Your Numbers health screening appointment. QuadMed offers health screening appointments throughout NNS and employees do not need to complete a screening to get a flu shot at an onsite appointment. For more information, including instructions to schedule a Know Your Numbers screening, visit myquadmed.com/hii/flu or call 327-4200.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
CNC Machinist (Experienced) Engineer Mechanical 3 Fitter (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Nuclear Quality Inspector 2 Outside Machinist (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Pipefitter (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Rigger (Entry-level & Experienced) Sheet Metal Worker (Trainee, Entry-level, & Experienced) Superintendent Welder (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced)
10031 7950 10030, 10028, 10029 9950 10095, 10093, 10094 9586, 9604, 9605 10108, 10107 10129, 10127, 10128 10015 10109, 10099, 10098
M53 X51 X11 O39 X43 X42 X36 X32 X10 X18
Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News 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.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19
Cases reported last week: 66
Total cases at NNS: 4,704
NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 3,532
NNS employees vaccinated: 60%
See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
Check Out HOLA’s Latest Podcast The latest edition of the Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group’s podcast series is a two-part edition titled “LatinX, Latino, Latinas.” The podcast is moderated by Manny Colon, HOLA chair, and includes guests Oliver Aguilar, Jason Lugo and Alejandro Nava Moncada. Listen to part one and part two of the podcast on MyNNS. As a reminder, HOLA is hosting Hispanic Americans Lecture Series Redux Heritage and Hope: Shipbuilder’s Perspective from 4:30 until 6 p.m. on Oct. 14 via Zoom. The meeting ID is 841 0145 9551. To participate, shipbuilders must use a personally owned device and must not be on NNS property.
Newport News Transit Center Construction Project Construction at the Newport News Transit Center, located at 150 35th St., is beginning Oct. 11 and will continue for approximately four months. During construction, customers will still be able to access the transit center building during the normal operational hours via the entrance on 34th Street, however, bus staging areas will be relocated. Visit gohrt.com for additional information to view the most current information on the HRT bus staging areas.
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10 | 11 | 2021
DATEBOOK OCTOBER 13
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. To sign up, visit the PEER Program website on MyNNS.
OCTOBER 13
Join Engineering & Design, Amber Richardson (O36) and Chris Brown (O35) from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session on WebEx 101. Are you WebEx savvy? WebEx is a dynamic tool that has several features that aid in collaboration and knowledge sharing. Successfully navigate your next WebEx meeting. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.
OCTOBER 13
Join the Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG) from 12 until 12:30 p.m. to celebrate the U.S. Navy’s birthday and discuss the importance of being “Resilient and Ready.” Gary Fuller, vice president of Fleet Support Programs, will lead the discussion. Note: This is a lunch and learn event, and no charge information will be provided. Register on MyNNS. WebEx number is 990 638 651. Invites with be sent out 24 hours before the event for those who are registered. For more information, contact Mike Altrogge via email.
OCTOBER 13
The holidays can be hard on your finances. Attend SmartPath’s “holiday financial planning” webinar to learn how you can save money while still celebrating with friends and family. Visit www.onsmartpath.com/hii to register for the noon webinar.
OCTOBER 14
Join the E&D Change Agent Team from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session – Simple Approach to Action Planning. Taking action on employee feedback is essential. Creating an action plan based on employee feedback can lead to increased engagement and productivity. The Simple Approach to Action Planning uses guided questions that tie your action plan to your team goals. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.
HELP RESTORE VIRGINA’S ENDANGERED LONGLEAF PINE FOREST
The Nature Conservancy and Virginia Department of Forestry need shipbuilders’ help to box seedlings of rare longleaf pine trees. Their nursery has a narrow window in which to safely package these trees for transplanting this winter across hundreds of acres of southeastern Virginia. Participants will learn about this unique tree and why it matters to the future.
On Nov. 5, volunteers will work inside the nursery from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and should wear comfortable shoes, work clothes and light work gloves. Masks are required inside the nursery. The event will be held at the Garland Gray Forestry Center, located at 19127 Sandy Hill Rd., Courtland, VA 23837. Register on NNS Gives.
OCTOBER 14
The Spear and Gear Toastmasters Club invites shipbuilders to hear speech presentations, speech evaluations and participate in table topics to develop public speaking, listening and leadership skills from 6 until 7 p.m. via Zoom. Those interested in joining online should contact Jamar Skyles (E03) or Tammy Smith (N358) for Zoom meeting information.
OCTOBER 14
The Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a number of activities. The main event, Hispanic Americans Lecture Series Redux Heritage and Hope: Shipbuilder’s Perspective, will be held from 4:30 until 6 p.m. Oct. 14 via Zoom. The meeting ID is 841 0145 9551.
OCTOBER 17
The Mariners Club at NNS is holding its annual golf tournament at the Kingsmill Resort’s River Course. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. with a buffet breakfast (included) served from 7 until 8:30 a.m. The tournament is a four-man captain’s choice format, and there will be a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Proceeds will support local charities. Contact Rudy Hendricks (X21) via email to request a registration form. Only the first 32 teams will be accepted.
OCTOBER 20
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. To sign up, visit the PEER Program website on MyNNS.
OCTOBER 20
Join Engineering & Design, Amber Richardson (O36) and Chris Brown (O35) from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session on WebEx 102. Since you already know the basics, we can kick it up a notch. WebEx 102 will cover some advanced WebEx functionality that people may not know exist. Want to impress your team? Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.
OCTOBER 27
Join the Engineering & Design Communications Team from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session on active listening. This session is part of a Capitalize Communication series that is focused on using tools and techniques to improve communication. Active listening is the key to getting the most out of a conversation because it concentrates on what is being said and involves fully engaging in the messages that are being conveyed. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.
OCTOBER 28
The Spear and Gear Toastmasters Club invites shipbuilders to its monthly virtual meeting to hear speech presentations, participate in table topics and hear speech evaluations to develop public speaking, listening and leadership skills from 6 until 7 p.m. via Zoom. Those interested in joining should contact Jamar Skyles (E03) or Tammy Smith (N358) for more information.
NOVEMBER 1-30
Newport News Shipbuilding’s 2021 Holiday Food Drive will be held Nov. 1-30. Options will be available to order food items or donate monetarily to the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank online and containers will be located at gates/turnstiles to drop off food items. Boxes also will be available for on-site department collections and competitions. In addition, employees can make a one-time credit card donation or reoccurring payroll and one-time payroll deductions at nns.YourCause.com.
NOVEMBER 7
FitNNS and the Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) are teaming up to support the Hidden Heroes Virtual 5K. Hidden Heroes is a national campaign to bring more services and support to America’s military and veteran caregivers. Visit give.hiddenheroes.org/event/ hidden-heroes-5k/e347259 to register for the virtual race. Use promo code FITNNS to save 20% on registration. Registration includes a race shirt, an official race bib, a finisher’s medal and participation instructions.
VIRTUAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE A virtual leadership conference, hosted by Newport News Shipbuilding’s Learning Organization, continues Oct. 12. All sessions for the conference – titled Mission Possible: Agile Leadership in an Ever Changing Environment – are 30 minutes, and participants have several options from which to choose. The conference kicks off at 4 p.m. and sessions begin at 4:10 p.m. and 4:50 p.m. Register, see topics and a lineup of presenters for the Oct. 12 sessions on MyNNS. To attend sessions, employees must have access to a company laptop, tablet or computer. For more information, contact Vickie Robinson at 757-871-7917 or via email or Michael McClellan at 757-705-8408 or via email.