10 l 19 l 2020
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Matt Hildreth
Montana (SSN 794) Moves to the Floating Dry Dock Newport News Shipbuilding has transferred the recently christened Virginia-class submarine Montana (SSN 794) to the Floating Dry Dock in preparation for the ship’s launch. During a three-day process that began Saturday, Oct. 3, the 7,800ton submarine was successfully raised off its keel blocks and transported out of a construction facility using a transfer car system. Once the submarine was positioned in the Floating Dry Dock, shipbuilders began to make final preparations to ensure Montana can be launched into the James River for the first time in November. Once in the water, Montana will be moved to a pier for execution of the waterborne test program and crew certification. “Moving Montana to the Floating Dry Dock is an important accomplishment for the 10,000 shipbuilders who, through the
teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat, have collaborated to get us to where we are today,” said Jason Ward, vice president of Virginia-Class Submarine Construction. “It signifies that the submarine is prepared to start the next and final stage of its construction before going to sea.” Construction of Montana began in 2015, and the submarine achieved pressure hull completion earlier this year. The ship is currently approximately 85% complete. Montana was christened by former Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell during a ceremony in front of a virtual audience on Sept. 12, and the submarine is scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Navy in late 2021. Watch a time-lapse video of the move on MyNNS.
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Lean Community of Practice Created Newport News Shipbuilding’s Lean Emerging Leaders and Lean Promotion Office have created a community of practice (CoP). Lean is a continuous improvement method that streamlines workflow and removes waste. The Lean CoP will be the central point for sharing and sustaining Lean best practices and people-centric leadership, while driving Lean processes as a transformational effort for Lean process improvements across NNS. The CoP will hold a virtual kickoff event on Monday, Nov. 2, from 4:30 until 6 p.m. on an online platform. Mark Preston, author of Southern Sensei and president of Lean Applications LLC, will be the keynote speaker. He has used Lean to drive change in manufacturing, supply chain and sales environments for over 30 years. He has achieved three Master Lean Black Belts and helped create and lead the development of the Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME) Lean Sensei Assessment. Currently, Preston is acting director of AME’s Champions Club. Other speakers will include AME President Kim Humphrey; Brian Fields, vice president of Business Transformation and chief transformation officer; and Cullen Glass, director of Strategic Planning and executive sponsor for the Lean CoP. Shipbuilders interested in attending the event can RSVP on the Lean CoP website on MyNNS. Those who sign up will receive an email with a link to the online platform closer to the event. Information about joining the CoP will be available during the event.
Micro Market Opens in Bldg. 160 Newport News Shipbuilding’s newest Micro Market, and the first on the waterfront, recently opened in Bldg. 160-2. The market is similar to a convenience store, offering shipbuilders a variety of selections and self-checkout. Micro Markets also are located in Bldgs. 600, 884, 888 and 902.
Upgrade Completed The successful launch of SAP S/4HANA marks an important milestone for Newport News Shipbuilding. This culmination of work, with hundreds of shipbuilders contributing to various conversion efforts over an extended duration, helps modernize the company’s infrastructure and sets the stage for future capabilities – such as Production Engineering & Operations (PEO), Project Manufacturing Management & Optimization (PMMO) and Extended Warehouse Management (EWM). “We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone on a successful upgrade and say thank you for your support,” Heather Westmoreland (K51) said on behalf of the project team. See below for more information about the upgrade: • Visit the SAP S/4HANA website on MyNNS for a list of frequently asked questions. • If you are experiencing difficulty with legacy transactions, check the obsolete transactions list for information regarding your specific area of work. • See a list of training aids on MyNNS. Call 688-HELP for assistance with issues not addressed by the information above.
Shipbuilder Steering the Way Thominice “Kitty” Hargett (E89) recently was honored for coming to the aid of a fellow shipbuilder. Hargett was inside Bldg. 600 when she saw a shipbuilder lying on the floor just inside the entrance. She immediately began to render assistance and remained calm as she called 911. The shipbuilder’s wife – who had dropped him off – watched from outside the building as he fell. Once Hargett had the situation under control, she assured the shipbuilder’s wife that he was OK. Mary Cullen, vice president of Nuclear Propulsion, met with Hargett to present her award and thank her for taking quick action to help a fellow shipbuilder.
Thominice “Kitty” Hargett, right, with Mary Cullen.
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NNS Parking Update In recent weeks, finding a parking space at Newport News Shipbuilding has become challenging as some parking lots are near capacity.
lots, spaces reserved for visitors, handicap spaces, expectant mother, privately owned paid parking lots or NNS parking inside the gates.
The Parking and Transportation Team monitors the number of vehicles parked in each lot daily. At this time, the company does not plan to change its open parking policy. All parking lots on NNS property will continue to be available to any employee on a first-come, first-served basis. The policy does not include 24-hour government and/or U.S. Navy parking
“Our data shows that parking volume on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday is highest,” said Wayne Potter, Parking and Transportation manager. “However, there is plenty of parking available at Hidens and the Bldg. 902 and 903 parking garages every day of the week. We encourage shipbuilders who don’t want to drive around searching for a space to park in these areas
and use our shuttle system.” See a map of available parking on MyNNS. NNS’ shuttle services continue to operate under a normal schedule Monday through Friday. Passengers are required to wear a mask and social distance – and vehicles are cleaned throughout the day. Additional information about shuttle services is available on the Parking and Transportation website. Employees who have questions or concerns regarding parking at NNS should email ParkingSolutions@hii-nns.com.
Dixon was on the Delaware Memorial Bridge when that July phone call came. He decided to keep driving to Virginia to be with his wife, Cathy. A week later, his fever ballooned to 103.4 and his breathing grew labored. He ended up in a hospital intensive care unit. “It was really scary at first,” he said. A conversation with his mother provided a big boost. Her advice: “I need you to pray and I need you to fight.”
Shipbuilder Vincent Dixon recovered after a long battle with COVID-19. Photo by Matt Hildreth
Long Road Back: Shipbuilder Wins 11-Week Battle With COVID-19 In July, Vincent Dixon was driving back to Virginia from the Kesselring Site in upstate New York when he received a concerning phone call. A co-worker at Kesselring was running a fever and had a bad cough, symptoms of COVID-19. Dixon, an X73 general foreman and 39-year veteran shipbuilder, had been careful while at Kesselring. He wore a mask and practiced social distancing. As someone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), he didn’t take risks. But despite his best intentions, Dixon tested positive a few days later. He battled the disease through three weeks in a hospital followed by eight weeks of therapy. COVID-19 took a toll – he lost 37 pounds – but support from family and fellow shipbuilders boosted his spirits. “It’s rough,” he said. “I’ve never been in that situation.”
Instead of opting for a ventilator, doctors turned Dixon onto his stomach to ease his breathing. Slowly but surely, he began to recover. Still, he spent 18 days in the ICU before being discharged. He would have stayed longer, but doctors relied on Cathy, a registered nurse, to monitor his condition at home. “I had the best nurse in the house,” Dixon said with a laugh. Eight weeks of at-home therapy followed. He finally regained enough strength to return to work in early October. “Everyone should take this virus seriously,” he said. “I don’t want to see anyone go through what I have gone through these last 11 weeks.” And he’s taking no chances with the onset of winter. “I got that flu shot already,” he said.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 at NNS Cases reported Oct. 12-18: 23 Total cases at NNS: 841 Total number of NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 612 See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
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DATEBOOK OCTOBER 19-23
The Apprentice School Student Association is hosting Spirit Week from Oct. 19-23. See the flyer for details about the theme for each day.
OCTOBER 22
Shipbuilders looking for a way to sharpen speaking, listening and leadership skills can join the online “Spear and Gear” Toastmasters Club meeting via Zoom from 5 until 6 p.m. RSVP by Oct. 20 to receive further meeting details. Contact Jamar Skyles (X44) and Michael Miller (E37) at spearandgeartoastmastersclub@gmail.com from a personal email address.
OCTOBER 21
Join Liza Carter (O44) on from 12 until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session on the Mentoring Program. The Mentoring Program develops employees’ skills and knowledge to promote professional growth. Mentoring establishes relationships that empower employees to contribute and strive to meet their full potential. Mentors are transformational leaders. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. No charge is provided. Email E&D Connections for more information.
OCTOBER 24
The United Steelworkers Local 8888 is hosting a Red Cross blood drive from noon until 5 p.m. at the Union Hall, located at 4306 Huntington Ave. To schedule an appointment, contact Luke McCann at 757-807-9892 or at lukemccannpgl@yahoo.com.
NOVEMBER 1-30
Due to safety protocols, Newport News Shipbuilding’s 2020 Holiday Food Drive will be virtual. Shipbuilders can give through the YOUGIVEGOODS and Virginia Peninsula Foodbank JustGiving platforms. Look for more information about how to give in upcoming editions of Currents. Fundraising protocols are available on MyNNS. Send fundraising questions and requests for approval to CorporateCitizenship@hii-nns.com.
NOVEMBER 29
Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is accepting applications for 2021 summer internship programs through Nov. 29. Direct interested students to buildyourcareer.com to job No. 3041 or to job No. 183 for the ABILITY internship program for students with documented disabilities.
OCTOBER 24
Volunteers are needed to plant longleaf pine trees from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Family and friends, age 12 and up, also are welcome. Help bring this majestic tree back from the brink and learn why its return is important to Virginia’s heritage and future. Register on NNS Gives to volunteer. Contact Sarah Lambert (O27) via email for further information.
WiSE Woman Award Recipients Announced Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) presented “Wise Woman” awards to the following employees during the third quarter of 2020: • Danielle Greenberg (O06) was recognized for commendable and sustained performance in July. • Aysis Blackley (O35) was recognized for outstanding leadership in August. • Catherine Ramach (X44) was recognized for commendable and sustained performance in September. WiSE presents this award each month and award winners are published in Currents on a quarterly basis. For questions regarding the program, visit the WiSE Woman website on MyNNS or contact Tiffany Byers (X70) to submit a nomination by completing a WiSE Woman nomination form.
Employee Engagement Survey Results
UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVES
Newport News Shipbuilding is hosting the following blood drives in support of the American Red Cross. A time charge will be provided for employees who donate. Thursday, Nov. 5 Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 3 Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 18 Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 9 Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, contact Natasha Eck at 688-7196 or via email, Sunny Lee at 380-4745 or via email, or Christina Charnock at 380-2863 or via email.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Construction Supervisor 2 Construction Supervisor 2 Engineer Metrology 3 Engineer Structural 4 Industrial Security Analyst Integrated Master Scheduler 3 Manager Administration 3 Nuclear Quality Inspector 4 Production Planning and Scheduler 3 Quality Control Technician 3
2283 2504 848 2091 788 3043 3455 1359 307 2804
X01 O64 O68 O41 O96 X44 X52 O96 X44 K46
Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Ballston Spa, NY Newport News Newport News Ballston Spa, NY 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.
Results from Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual Gallup employee engagement survey will be available for leaders beginning Oct. 20 via Gallup Access. Leaders can participate in a live demonstration to learn how to use the Gallup Access platform to view results for their teams, prepare for action planning and view recommendations and best practices for success based on their results. These demonstrations will be held on all three shifts Oct. 20 and 22. Managers can learn more and sign up on MyNNS.
PMSA UPDATES
The Project Management Shipbuilders Association (PMSA) is looking for an operations lead to manage community events. If you are interested, visit the website on MyNNS for more details. The PMP exam format is changing in January 2021 to include agile. To learn more about upcoming programs, visit the PMSA Boot Camp and Events page. For questions or assistance, contact PMSA Boot Camp Lead Debra Brand via email.