10 l 14 l 2019
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Matt Hildreth
Foundry Pours ColumbiaClass Casting Newport News Shipbuilding’s Foundry successfully poured its first high-yield steel casting for Columbia-class submarine construction on Oct.10. Earlier this year, the Navy granted the Foundry new qualifications to produce two grades of high-yield steel castings used in applications on naval programs such as Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines. The Foundry is one of four in the world that is qualified to produce high-yield steel castings to the Navy’s new more stringent criteria. This first production casting was of a fixed cleat. The effort for qualification, which included procedure writing, testing and communicating with the Navy, took more than 200 employees and five years of work led by Brian Eller (A572), who becomes a Master Shipbuilder this month. “It was the unique talents possessed by each individual that contributed to the success of this project,” he said. CONTINUED ON PG 2
Shawcross to Retire After more than 39 years of service to Newport News Shipbuilding, Mike Shawcross, vice president of CVN 80 and 81 Aircraft Carrier Programs, will retire at the end of the year. NNS President Jennifer Boykin announced Shawcross’ retirement in a letter to shipbuilders Oct. 9. In the same letter, Boykin announced Lucas Hicks will serve as vice president of New Construction Aircraft Carrier Programs, effective Nov. 15. He most recently served as vice president of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) Aircraft Carrier Construction and the Gerald F. Ford (CVN 78) Post Shakedown Availability. In his new role, Hicks will assume responsibility for CVN 80 and 81, making him responsible for all Ford-class construction programs.
Pictured from left are Crescent Islam, Marie Lawson and Feby Mathew.
Shipbuilders Honored at Conference Three Newport News Shipbuilding employees received awards during the 2019 Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) National Conference and STEM Career Fair, the largest conference and career fair for Asian Americans in the United States. The conference was held Oct. 10-12 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Engineer Marie Lawson (E73) received a SASE Professional Achievement award. The award recognizes a highly experienced, midcareer professional who has made significant discoveries, important advances in his or her chosen career path, and is acknowledged as... CONTINUED ON PG 2
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who they are. “Our citizenship has been questioned. Our right to be here has been questioned. Our right to belong to this larger American community has been questioned,” he said, adding that Hispanic communities continue to help push the United States toward its aspirational goals. Riofrio also spent time breaking down a term that was new to some shipbuilders – Latinx. The genderless term is meant to be more inclusive compared with Latino, Latina and Hispanic – which emphasizes a connection to Spain. “Terms are never able to cover the inherent diversity of a group,” he said. “Latinx attempts to make room for everyone.”
John Riofrio speaks to shipbuilders during the The Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance’s (HOLA) annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Photo by Matt Hildreth
HOLA Hosts Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration The Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an event featuring John Riofrio, director of Latin American Studies and an associate professor of Hispanic Studies at the College of William & Mary. He emphasized the vital role of Hispanic Americans in the United States – through military service, economic and cultural contributions, and the fight for civil rights – throughout the nation’s history. “Dedicated to community, unafraid of hard work and highly patriotic in their belief of the American dream, Hispanics – immigrant or native born – have long been at the center of America’s efforts to be a better version of itself,” Riofrio said during the Oct. 3 event.
Eric Starck (E81) said he was introduced to the term during the event. “I had never heard of Latinx, so that was a new concept to me,” he said. Cesar Irizarry (E16) said he appreciated how Riofrio weaved history into his talk. “I like Latin American history and the way that he explained it in a short period of time, giving a quick background of exactly where we come from,” he said. Liliana Reyes (E73) said events like the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration are important for shipbuilders. “There are a lot of different cultures here, so it is important to understand and learn about each other,” she said. “You build a connection and a better working environment.”
Despite those efforts, Riofrio said, Hispanic Americans – including many who can trace their American heritage back centuries – have paid “a steep price” for simply being
Shipbuilders Honored at Conference
Foundry Pours Columbia-Class Casting
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...a leader of large initiatives.
Ernest Coltrain Jr. is an apprentice on the steel melt crew who participated in the pour. “I enjoy working in the brass and steel shops,” he said. “At first the pours were intimidating, but I learned how to come out of my comfort zone and learn the job.”
Material Process Engineers Crescent Islam (E33) and Feby Mathew (E33) received Promising Professional awards. The award recognizes an early career professional who demonstrates tremendous potential for future contributions to the fields of science and engineering. SASE was founded in 2007 to help Asian heritage scientific and engineering professionals achieve their full potential. The society’s achievement awards recognize Asian and Pacific Islander American students and professionals for work they do in their respective fields.
Rob Austin, Columbia construction director, watched the pour. “A lot of new work starts now,” he said. “The Foundry’s ability to pour this new material is critical to the success of the Columbia program due to the limited number of qualified suppliers.” The same day, the Foundry poured the last castings for John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), which included parts to hangar bay and deck edge elevator doors. Kennedy is set to be christened Dec.7.
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Wear Your Favorite Jersey to Work on Friday, Oct. 18 With the World Series beginning next week and football season underway, employees are encouraged to show team spirit by wearing their favorite team’s apparel to work on Friday, Oct. 18. Take a group photo with your coworkers and submit photos to communications@hii-nns.com by 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, for a chance to be featured in Newport News Shipbuilding communication channels. As a reminder, photos must be taken on an approved NNS device by an employee who is approved to take photos at NNS (has a camera icon on their badge). Photos should not be taken on ships or platens and cannot show Navy work (ships, units, etc.), drawings or company badges. If your department does not have an approved camera-enabled device, contact Matt Hildreth (O29) at 688-3357. Arrangements for a photographer to come to your work location to take a group photo will be made based on availability.
NNS Hiring Co-op Students for Spring 2020 Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is hiring business management and designer co-op students to work part time starting in January 2020. To qualify, applicants must be full-time students who are at least 18 years old, have a minimum 3.0 GPA and can work up to 20 hours a week while still in school. Business management co-op students must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business management, economics, finance or a related field. Designer co-op students must be pursuing an associate or bachelor’s in drafting and design or a related field. Direct interested students to apply in the Students & New Grad portal at www.buildyourcareer.com. Applications for the designer co-op (32325BR) will be accepted until Oct. 31. Applications for the business management co-op (32326BR) will be accepted until Nov. 3.
Pictured from left are Vera Hansley, Parnetha Callahan, Mansford Masters and Hampton Vice Mayor Jimmy Gray.
State Agency Honors Shipbuilder Mansford Masters (E27), a designer at Newport News Shipbuilding, was honored as a Consumer of the Year by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) during its Champions of Disability Employment award ceremony earlier this month. DARS works with community partners to provide and advocate for resources and services to improve the employment, quality of life, security and independence of Virginians with disabilities. A shipbuilder since September 2018, Masters said he “couldn’t ask for a better job or employer.” “I’ve always been very well accommodated. There haven’t been any problems making sure that I’m able to maintain my health while pursuing a career doing something that I love. That makes me very happy,” he said.
Shipbuilders recently participated in “fun walks” at Dry Dock 12 and Pier 3 in support of the Hampton Roads Heart Walk. Photo by Matt Hildreth
Peninsula Heart Walk is Saturday Newport News Shipbuilding is a sponsor of the Hampton Roads Heart Walk. The Peninsula walk is Saturday, Oct. 19, at Peninsula Town Center in Hampton, and the Southside walk is Nov. 2 at Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach. Register at www.HamptonRoadsHeartWalk.org or become a team lead. For more information, visit the NNS Heart Walk website on MyNNS or contact Tammy Wagner (E42) at 688-2824.
Masters said it’s important that people with disabilities have opportunities to share their talents and contribute. “People with disabilities certainly don’t choose to be that way, and they shouldn’t be penalized,” he said. “It’s important to keep an open mind and be optimistic about what somebody may be able to bring to the table. People will surprise you.”
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Shipbuilders Named Outstanding Apprentices The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry recently named Travis Cake (X36) and Joshua Kauffman (X62), both foremen at Newport News Shipbuilding, Outstanding Apprentices for 2019. Cake and Kauffman both completed their apprenticeships this year and were recently promoted to their supervisory roles. “I was ecstatic to hear that two of our recent graduates were being recognized for their outstanding work,” said Jimmy Jessup, acting manager of Craft Training at The Apprentice School. “It has been a while since we had an apprentice win this award, and I don’t think we have ever had two award winners in one year.” The Department of Labor and Industry will honor Cake and Kauffman during a luncheon in Richmond in November.
Pictured on the front row from left are Jarrod Burke, Joshua Kauffman, Latitia McCane, Travis Cake and Linda McMillian. Pictured in the back row from left are Jimmy Jessup, Chris Davis, David Vandegrift, Cynthia Lear and Regina McLean.
SFA Thanks Shipbuilders Structural Fabrication and Assembly (SFA) engagement champions and management recently hosted a cornhole tournament and cookout to thank shipbuilders. More than 1,200 SFA shipbuilders on all three shifts were treated to a free meal, cornhole games and could bring canned goods or cash donations for the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. “It helps with morale. The people are engaged, and you’re helping out an organization at the same time,” said engagement champion Sharon Arrington (X11).
Structural Fabrication and Assembly shipbuilders watch a cornhole tournament during lunch. Photo by Matt Hildreth
Hot Work Safety As national fire safety month continues, it is important to know rules regarding hot work at Newport News Shipbuilding, especially removing, covering or shielding all combustible materials within 35 feet of hot work that could ignite or be damaged. Hot work, defined as welding, burning, grinding or other fire or spark-producing operations, can generate a variety of hazards, including air contaminants, fire, noise, optical radiation, heat and thermal burns. When performing hot work operations, shipbuilders have a responsibility to ensure their safety as well as the safety of others around them. Good housekeeping helps prevent fires.
A shipbuilder for 29 years, Arrington said she believes engagement champions are helping to bring about change at Newport News Shipbuilding in a number of ways, including recognizing employees for outstanding work.
The Value of Different Generations Supply Chain Management (O50) hosted an inclusion and diversity celebration in September focusing on the value of the different generations at Newport News Shipbuilding. Pictures from all generations were displayed and shipbuilders had an opportunity to answer a quiz for prizes. More than 100 people participated, and winners included Angela Osborne (O59), Collin Hasenecz (O51) and Tijuan Ballen-Adams (O51). “The team, led by April Dixon, did an amazing job highlighting that people throughout the company are seeing that being inclusive of different perspectives,
experiences, cultures, genders and ages helps keep our business innovative and forward thinking,” said Kim Humphrey, O50 inclusion and diversity champion.
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AROUND THE YARD Flu Shots Available at NNS Newport News Shipbuilding employees are invited to receive free flu shots in locations throughout the shipyard starting Wednesday, Oct. 16. Flu shots are available on a first-come, first-served basis to all NNS employees through BeWell for Life, operated by QuadMed. Details about locations and hours are listed below. Oct. 16 Bldg. 600 (Conference Room C) Noon until 3 p.m.
Nov. 1 Bldg. 902 (Conference Room 1A) 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Oct. 21 Bldg. 86 (IE-2) Noon until 3 p.m.
Nov. 8 Bldg. 160 (EOC Conference Room) 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Additional flu shot events will be available in the coming weeks, including the opportunity to get a flu shot and complete a confidential health screening. Flu shots are also available now at the HII Family Health Center for employees and their families enrolled in an HII medical plan. Call 327-4200 for details.
Navy Celebrates 244th Birthday The U.S. Navy celebrated its 244th birthday Sunday, Oct. 13. Newport News Shipbuilding is proud to support the Navy and its sailors who serve our nation and defend our freedom. U.S. Navy photo
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safe and secure online while increasing the nation’s resilience against cyber threats. This’s year’s theme is “Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT.” All Newport News Shipbuilding employees play a role in cybersecurity and should use good cyber hygiene at work and at home. Shipbuilders will see content in different formats, including lunch and learns, focused on the topics listed below. Own IT Internet-connected devices are an everyday element of life. Constant connection allows greater opportunity for cyber criminals to compromise important personal information. It’s important to understand which devices and applications present risk and how to keep information safe and secure. Shipbuilders have to be particularly careful, given the threats from not just criminals, but also hostile nations. Secure IT There are news stories every day about people’s information being stolen, and the criminals are only getting better. Protect against threats by learning about security features available at work and at home. This includes using strong passwords changed regularly, anti-virus and personal firewalls. Where possible, take advantage of multifactor authentication. Many businesses that handle personal information send one-time passwords via text or email to better protect customers. Protect IT Social media apps create a digital profile. Cybercriminals and legitimate businesses can access information in your profile. Shipbuilders should understand, secure and maintain their digital profile and privacy. Shipbuilders should be familiar with, and routinely check, privacy settings to help protect themselves and their information. Visit the Cybersecurity (T51) website on MyNNS to learn more and to see a list of upcoming events.
Pictured from left are Lorrie West, Bryan Caccavale, John Knierim, Johnta Knight, Rebecca Dillman and Barry Fallon.
Shipbuilders Steering the Way John Knierim (O53) and Johnta Knight (O53) were recently honored with Level One On-the-Spot ethics awards for taking action after a fellow shipbuilder was involved in an accident. Knierim and Knight were working in Bldg. 160 when a 1,300-pound piece of pipe fell on the leg of an X42 mechanic. Knierim and Knight heard the employee yelling and quickly used a forklift to lift the pipe. The shipbuilder was able to avoid permanent damage because of Knierim and Knight’s quick action. Bryan Caccavale, vice president of Supply Chain Management, met with Knierim and Knight to thank them for their actions and to present their awards.
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DATEBOOK OCTOBER 14 & 18
Leading up to the Hampton Roads Heart Walk, shipbuilders are invited to join Chris Miner, vice president of In-Service Aircraft Carrier Programs, for lunchtime fun walks from noon until 12:30 p.m. to raise awareness of heart disease. Walks will take place in front of Bldg. 86 on Oct. 14 and at Pier 3 (Nimitz-Class Route) on Oct. 18.
OCTOBER 15
L.E.A.R.N. will host an after-work presentation with Christie Thomas, vice president of Contracts and Pricing, from 4:30 until 6 p.m. in the VASCIC auditorium. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign-up on the L.E.A.R.N. website. For questions, contact Tanika Vasquez (E08) at 688-7916, Helen Dennie (O28) at 380-4831, or email LEARN@hii-nns.com.
OCTOBER 19
Join Apprentice alumni for Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for kids activities, bounce houses, face painting, food and more before the Builders Homecoming game at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Kimberly Jordan-Dillard (K46) at (757) 371-4127.
OCTOBER 19
The Apprentice School Builders football team will host Louisburg College from Louisburg, North Carolina, at 1 p.m. at the Apprentice Football Stadium for homecoming. Shipbuilders are encouraged to come out to cheer on the Builders. Use the hashtag #AnchorsUp to support the team on social media.
OCTOBER 22
Join the Hampton Roads Section of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) at the Hampton Yacht Club from 6 until 8:30 p.m. for “The Apprentice School - Celebrating a Century” with Bill Fox. To RSVP, visit the SNAME website or email TJ Brackin at sname.meetings@gmail.com.
OCTOBER 23
Engineering and Design is hosting a Teaching, Enlightening, Aspiring (TEA) Talk event with Keisha Pexton, director of Learning and Workforce Development, from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. in VASCIC (2 West Dining Room). TEA Talk is a leadership development series that provides a forum for employees to hear personal stories from company leaders about how their personal lives have influenced their careers. No charge will be provided. RSVP on the E&D TEA talk website on MyNNS. For questions, contact Tanika Vasquez (E08) at 688-7916.
OCTOBER 24
Shipbuilders are invited to attend an internal Integrated Digital Shipbuilding hiring information session from noon until 2 p.m. in Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room). The session will include an informational presentation, followed by Q&A with iDS leadership and Talent Acquisition and tours of the Mobile Experience (MX) trailer. Employees must use personal time or flex with management approval if attending during normal working hours. Career opportunities are available in design, engineering, IT and production planning. Employees are encouraged to register on MyNNS.
OCTOBER 26
The Apprentice School Builders football team will host Keystone College from La Plume, Pennsylvania, at 1 p.m. at the Apprentice Football Stadium. Shipbuilders are encouraged to come out to cheer on the Builders. Use the hashtag #AnchorsUp to support the team on social media.
NOVEMBER 1
Newport News Shipbuilding and the American Red Cross are hosting a blood drive in Bldg. 4931 (PCU Assembly Room) from 5 until 11 a.m. Shipbuilders who would like to donate should fill out the Blood Drive Donation Form and return it to Judy Fundak (K18) via email or fax it to 688-7060.
NOVEMBER 4-15
Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual Holiday Food Drive will be held Nov. 4-15. Drop-off containers will be located inside gate turnstiles. Foodbank building collection boxes for waterfront and outlying buildings will be available as requested. Email Judy Fundak (K18) to request a box to be delivered the week prior to the drive.
NOVEMBER 16
Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) is seeking volunteers to work the silent auction at the 27th Annual Achievable Dream Tennis Ball. The event starts at 4 p.m. at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Dinner will be provided. Contact Cenise Waites (T56) at 688-1697 or via email by Nov. 4 to sign up.
NOVEMBER 23
The Apprentice School Builders football team will take on a representative of the NCAA Division III Old Dominion Athletic Conference at 2 p.m. during the Neptune Bowl at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. This inaugural event is a small college bowl game. Shipbuilders are encouraged to come out to cheer on the Builders. Use the hashtag #AnchorsUp to support the team on social media.
NOVEMBER 30
Nov. 30 is the deadline to apply for the 2020 Summer Internship and ABILITY Internship programs. Direct interested students to apply in the “Students & New Graduates” portal at www.buildyourcareer.com. To qualify, students must be enrolled in bachelor’s or master’s degree programs, have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be able to work a minimum of 10 weeks during the summer months. Preference is given to rising juniors and seniors majoring in business, computer science, engineering or information technology programs.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
NNS SAFETY REPORT
Compared to figures from September 2018 Year-to-Date Injuries
944 (up 16%) Year-to-Date Injuries with Days Away, Restricted or Transferred
650 (up 11%) Safety Improvements
1,384 (2% below goal)
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Director, Benefits Strategy & Engagement Director, Business Development 2 Director, Quality Assurance Policy 2 Engineering Technician 3 Entry-level Deck Electrician Experienced Deck Electrician Experienced Sheet Metal Worker Import Export Manager Manager Design Engineering 1 Manager Production Planning & Scheduling 2 Manager Quality Engineering 2 Manager Supply Chain Procurement 2 Material Handling Supervisor 1 Media Production Rep 2 Senior Supply Chain Specialist
32736BR 32791BR 31890BR 32488BR 32195BR 32192BR 32274BR 31284BR 30732BR 32764BR 32773BR 32795BR 32255BR 32723BR 28765BR
N354 K26 O30 X44 X31 X31 X32 O55 E83 X63 O58 O59 O53 O36 O51
Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News San Diego, CA
Employees are encouraged to use the “Current HII Employees” portal to apply. The company continues to offer cash bonus awards for referrals to select positions, visit www.huntingtoningalls.com/careers/refer-a-friend for more information.
2019 Third Quarter
As part of the NNSFORWARD Strategy to Enable Our Workforce, Newport News Shipbuilding is committed to making various quality of life improvements for its employees. Below is an update on current initiatives and a preview of what is to take place over the next quarter.
Initiative
Today
Next Quarter
Parking
• Implemented zone parking in the 41st Street parking lot.
• Increase the number of group rider parking spaces.
Initiatives focused on improving and increasing employee parking and company-offered transportation services.
• Plans to implement zone parking at Brooks Crossing are on hold until the facility reaches full capacity. • NNS and Navy leadership are currently discussing plans to open a portion of the 50th Street parking lot for second-shift employees. • Added 75 more parking spaces to the NNS satellite parking lot located at 7505 Warwick Blvd. This brings the total number of available parking spaces at this location to 175.
• Continue to evaluate additional offsite parking locations to use as satellite parking lots for employees.
Initiative Facility Enhancements Initiatives focused on reclaimed spaces, renovations and facility enhancements.
Today • Held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Applebee’s (Bldg. 227) to reopen the café following renovations. Upgrades include a restored floor and audiovisual system. • Opened the Brooks Crossing facility. In addition to office space, it includes a STEM Digital Innovation and Fabrication Lab and the Brooks Crossing Opportunity Center. About 600 employees are working in the facility to reimagine design and manufacturing processes.
Employee Wellbeing Initiatives focused on safety, health, worklife balance and financial wellbeing.
• NNS and Aramark came together to hold a farmer’s market in July. Future farmer’s markets will be held twice a year (spring and fall). • Held a “Fun in the Park” event at the HII Family Health Center in September. • Opened a new micro market at Brooks Crossing. The opening of the micro market in Bldg. 160-2 was postponed to complete infrastructure needed to support the market.
Next Quarter • Hold a ribbon-cutting event to open the Trades Café, located in Bldg. 64. • Open the shipyard’s first wellness pod, which is located inside Applebee’s (Bldg. 227). • Begin installing industrial vending machines across the shipyard. The machines will vend personal protection equipment (PPE) items.
• Chesapeake Regional Healthcare’s mobile mammography unit will be onsite at the HII Family Health Center every Monday in October to perform free annual screenings for NNS employees. Call (757) 312-6400 for information. • NNS is a sponsor of the Hampton Roads Heart Walk again this year. Employees are encouraged to sign up for the Peninsula walk on Oct. 19 and the Southside walk on Nov. 2. • Open new micro market in Bldg. 160-2. • A fall farmer’s market event will be held on Nov. 4 at the HII Family Health Center. • The final “Fun in the Park” event for this year will be held in the North Yard on Oct. 16 (rain date is Oct. 23).
Other Shipyard-Wide Initiatives
• Held first-ever Inclusion and Diversity Week at NNS in September.
Initiatives associated with NNSFORWARD Strategy.
• Held three “Food Truck Round Up” events (first and second shift) to showcase new food options available to employees. • Opened new Digital Café in Bldg. 600. Shipbuilders can visit the cafe to resolve issues with mobile devices or computers. • Shipbuilders collected more than 22,000 school supplies for local students during the 2019 School Tools Drive. • The Enable Our Workforce Expo scheduled for Sept. 24 has been postponed until first quarter 2020.
• NNS’ annual Holiday Food Drive will be held Nov. 4-15.