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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Lexi Whitehead
NNS Breaks Ground for Two Habitat for Humanity Homes Newport News Shipbuilding joined elected officials and community leaders last week to break ground on two houses that shipyard volunteers will build in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg while employing new technology. The groundbreaking marks the first time NNS has sponsored two homes at once, and the 20th and 21st sponsored by the shipyard since 2002. It is also the first time the homes sponsored by NNS are being built partly
by Habitat for Humanity building partner Alquist’s 3D printing technology. These will be the first Habitat for Humanity homes built in the city of Newport News using 3D printing technology and are just the third and fourth Habitat for Humanity homes in the country being built using 3D printing technology. BayPort Credit Union is also a partner on the 20th home. In keeping with shipbuilding heritage, NNS designates a “sponsor” for each house. NNS Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin is
the sponsor of the 20th home, while Dave Bolcar, vice president of Engineering and Design, is the sponsor of the 21st home. “Where we see vacant lots now, there will be not one but two high-quality houses, demonstrating the craftsmanship for which Habitat for Humanity and our shipbuilders are known. These houses will energize this neighborhood like our efforts to revitalize the entire Southeast community,” Boykin said. “Building two houses at once allows volunteers to take knowledge learned... CONTINUED ON PG 2
Shipbuilders Honored at National Conferences Four Newport News Shipbuilding employees were honored during a pair of national conferences Oct. 6-8. At the 2022 Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) National Convention in Atlanta, Shwetha Sosale (T56) was recognized as a promising professional, and Nirmala Suresh (T53) was recognized for professional achievement. Tanika Vasquez (X23) was recognized as a technology all-star, and Porsha Wilkerson (K91) was recognized as a technology rising star at the Women of Color STEM Conference in Detroit. As a reminder, NNS is accepting nominations of employees to
Pictured from left are Shwetha Sosale, Nirmala Suresh, Tanika Vasquez and Porsha Wilkerson.
be recognized during the following diversity conferences: Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and Women of Color STEM. Visit the diversity conference and awards website on MyNNS for more information. Nominations are open through Dec. 15.
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Shipbuilder Honored With Inaugural Compass Award Gary Zimak, director of Supplier Quality at Newport News Shipbuilding, was recognized last week along with three other employees from HII’s three divisions and company headquarters with the inaugural Compass Award for Compliance. This award will annually recognize one employee from each division and the HII headquarters for efforts in shaping the direction to reduce compliance risks.
Pictured from left are Paul C. Harris, HII’s executive vice president and chief sustainability and compliance officer; Gary Zimak, director of Supplier Quality; and NNS President Jennifer Boykin. Photo by Lexi Whitehead
The Compass Award is one of several initiatives in HII’s compliance program to keep compliance and ethics at the forefront of employees’ minds.
NNS Breaks Ground for Two Habitat for Humanity Homes CONTINUED FROM PG 1
...from the first and apply it to the second. We experience this momentum when we build our nation’s nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines in series production, applying lessons learned to continuously improve.”
The groundbreaking also featured remarks from LaShand Coleman, a current Habitat for Humanity homeowner and NNS shipbuilder. Coleman owns the 13th house that NNS sponsored and shipbuilders helped build.
Using the 3D printing technology, which NNS engineers will lend expertise to during construction, and building two homes at once will leverage efficiencies and allow the homes to be built faster.
The family selection process for homes 20 and 21 is underway. The homebuyers will be required to maintain steady employment, good credit and provide 400 hours of “sweat equity” to help build their homes. Once construction is complete, the families will purchase the homes from Habitat with a 30-year, no-interest mortgage, which illustrates Habitat’s objective to give families a “hand up” rather than a “hand out.” The payments will be cycled back into the community so more homes can be built for qualifying families.
The three-bedroom, 1,200-square-foot homes are being built in the Southeast community of Newport News on land donated by the Newport News Redevelopment & Housing Authority.
Shipbuilder Recognized for First-Time Quality George Robinson (X33) is the Quality Craftsman winner for the third quarter of 2022. Robinson takes pride in everything he does. Whether it’s installing treatments and anti-sweat in the sail bridge access trunk, or making sure that the latest AMR is clean prior to shipping to General Dynamics Electric Boat. No matter how challenging a task may be, he always gives 100% and never cuts corners. Robinson is proud that his jobs have never failed an inspection, and when it comes to handling challenging tasks, he is best known for out-of-the-box problem solving skills. He also has a passion for helping and mentoring newer employees to pass on his work ethic, skills and job knowledge to the shipbuilders who will be the future of this company. “Mr. Robinson is a craftsman who strives for first-time quality in every job assignment while taking great pride in his work. He faces all challenges head on while looking for ways to improve processes and efficiency,” said K46 Lead General Foreman Robert Patsell.
NOTICE: CURRENTS IS CHANGING
Pictured from left are O61 Trade Director Scott Jones, Vanessa Harris, Tonya Gary, K46 Foreman Amani Gillis, George Robinson, K46 Foreman Joni Barbera and K46 Lead General Foreman Robert Patsell.
The first round of October’s Quality Craftsman will be released next week. Submit nominations to QualityCraftsman@hii-nns.com by Oct. 21.
Beginning in November, Currents is transitioning to an online format, and physical copies of the newsletter will no longer be distributed across Newport News Shipbuilding. The Communications Division will continue to produce Currents each week, and it will be distributed on Wednesdays via MyNNS, NNStoGo.com and the NNS to Go app. The app is available for download in both the Apple App and Google Play stores. Email communications@hii-nns.com with any questions or comments about the upcoming changes.
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AROUND THE YARD Employees Complete Facilitation and Continuous Improvement 101 Class
Industrial, Mechanical, and Systems Engineering (IMSE) hosted the third quarterly Facilitation and Continuous Improvement 101 course at Newport News Shipbuilding in September. The 40-hour training was custom built to offer both new and seasoned shipbuilders a high-level overview of the skills and methodologies used to successfully facilitate meetings, projects and events at NNS along with a high-level overview of what continuous improvement is and how it helps the company improve quality, increase customer satisfaction and reduce waste inherent to our processes, products and services. The course, sponsored by IMSE Director Dannon Butts, was created and presented by Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Michael Lynk, also of IMSE. “Learning to communicate and collaborate more effectively is crucial to our success at NNS. I sincerely enjoy teaching this class and hope it will help our shipbuilders to better enable our workforce, transform our business operations, execute efficiently and lead the way,” Lynk said. Butts said he is “proud of the direction in which this course is moving.” “It is evident that momentum is building for the course each quarter.
Pictured in the front row are Lori Pearman (O06), Synda Jacobs (T56), Janet Chavis (O06), Michael Lynk (X51), Ian Flemming (X57), Breeia McBride (O06) and Eve Harden (T56). Pictured in the middle row are Kevin Lynn (K93), Melody Brauchle (K22), Adele Ndeme (T56), Tyler Christofferson (T56), Victoria Newman (E81), Aaron Jackson (X33), Liz Montague (X57) and Jay Ballard (E81). Pictured in the back row are Steven Ridgley (X40), Dan Burs (O06), Josh Douthit (T56), Michael Eldridge (E81), Trey Williams (O06) and Ean Greene (O27).
I was pleased to see so many of my director peers supporting and personally encouraging their own teams during the Friday wrap up. More and more, leaders are seeing the value of this content to drive continuous improvement at NNS,” he said. Facilitation and Continuous Improvement 101 is offered quarterly. To request enrollment, email Michael Lynk.
Night School Program Seeks Instructors The Night School is looking for instructors for Apprentice application credit, basic skills, computer, shipyard and trades classes. Classes are nine weeks and held once or twice a week – from 4:15 until 6:45 p.m. or 4:30 until 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays or 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Apprentice application credit classes include math (algebra I, algebra II and geometry), and mechanical drawing. Basic skills classes include pre-algebra. Shipyard classes include basic ship
Employee Engagement Survey Next Steps Thank you to the Newport News Shipbuilding employees who participated in this year’s engagement survey. Overall participation reached 79%, an increase from 71% last year. Results are now available to leaders via Gallup Access. Leaders are expected to share results with their teams and engage in business outcome action planning sessions through Jan. 31. Teams should discuss what they do well and areas where improvement is necessary for success. After these conversations, teams and leaders should agree to work on one thing within their control to improve engagement and performance, ultimately improving the company’s business operations. All actions should be completed by Sept. 1, 2023, prior to the next annual administration period.
checking for ship alterations and shipyard operations. Computer classes include Word, Excel, Project and computer fundamentals. There is an immediate need for an air conditioning and refrigeration instructor. Additional information, including class descriptions can be found on the Night School website on MyNNS. The Night School is open to suggestions for new classes to support company needs and direction. If you are interested in becoming an instructor, contact Sherry Morgan (O22) at 757-688-8608.
HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
Nearly 62,000 residents across the Peninsula must choose between food and other critical needs. That’s why it’s so important for shipbuilders to support the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank during Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual Holiday Food Drive Nov. 7-18. A list of most-needed items, a how-to guide and fundraising guidelines are available of MyNNS. Shipbuilders can support the food drive in the following ways: •
Making online food purchases at YouGiveGoods.com/nns-holidayfooddrive2022.
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Making online monetary donations to the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.
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Visiting nns.YourCause.com to make a one-time credit card donation or a onetime or recurring payroll deduction.
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Dropping off donations in weatherproof collection containers at gates.
Collection boxes will be available for pickup 24/7 at Bldg. 103 (Southeast Bay Door) beginning Monday, Oct. 24. Boxes for outlying buildings will be available for pickup at NetCenter (Suite 176). Email CorporateCitizenship@hii-nns.com to make arrangements for pickup from NetCenter.
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DATEBOOK OCTOBER 18
NNS employees with less than five years of experience are invited to Coastal Fermentory from 4:30 until 7 p.m. to kick off the NNS New Hire Employee Resource Group (ERG). Sponsored by NNS President Jennifer Boykin, this ERG will create an environment that enhances the new employee experience through connections, personal development and growth, and building strong business and professional networks across the enterprise. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. You will also have an opportunity to challenge your colleagues in a friendly game of cornhole. Register on MyNNS.
OCTOBER 18-20
The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) is hosting a virtual conference Oct. 18-20. NNS is a corporate member, and all shipbuilders are invited. The conference includes keynote speakers, practitioner presentations, idea exchanges and live tours in several tracks related to continuous improvement, supply chain, leadership and more. Attend one, several or all the of the sessions. Seek approval from your management before registering. Contact Brian Tapajna for registration instructions.
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.
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.
NNS SAFETY REPORT
Compared to figures from September 2021 Year-to-Date Injuries
1,092 (down 13%) Year-to-Date Injuries with Days Away, Restricted or Transferred
938 (up 4%) Safety Task Team Inspection Closure Rate
96%
OCTOBER 20
A food truck roundup will be held from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at The Rock. In addition to food vendors Burger Mania, Jessie Lou’s, Latin 2 Soul and Old City BBQ, representatives from the QuadMed, Benefits, and Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion teams will be on hand to share pertinent information with the workforce.
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 3
Join the LEAN Community of Practice (CoP) for an end-of-year celebration from 3:45 until 5 p.m. at Coastal Fermentory in Newport News. Use this as your chance to build relationships with other fellow NNS lean disruptors, share ideas and strengthen your work community. First 50 registrants will be included in a gift card raffle along with the first 30 people who arrive at the event. Register on MyNNS. This event is open to all NNS employees. No charge will be provided.
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.
MASTER SHIPBUILDER PANEL
The Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Office is hosting a panel discussion from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. Nov. 15, and is looking for current Master Shipbuilders who would like to participate as panelists. The discussion will center on Master Shipbuilders’ experiences, the growth of the company and where they hope to see the company progress in the future. Those who are interested should send their name, department and manager’s name to diversityandinclusion@hii-nns.com by Oct. 27.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS Job Title Req Number Dept. Computer Systems Security 22635 E44 Analyst 3 Engineer Electromechanical 2 26753 E24 Essential Trades Training 22874, 22875, X42, X43, Programs 22873, 23104 X32, X31 Fitters 25746, 25744, X11 25745, 25725 Firefighter/EMT 1 26162 O15 NDT Test Examiner 2 26844 E37 Nuclear Security Officer 20310 O15 Outside Machinists 25564, 25565 X43 Pipefitters 25567, 25569 X42 Refueler 25566 X43 Welders 25650, 25845, X18 25664, 25665
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Employee Referral Cash Bonus Eligible
Remote Work Considered No
Eligible Not Eligible
No No
Eligible
No
Not Eligible Not Eligible Not Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible
No No No No No No No
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.