NNS’ Firefighters Work to Keep Shipbuilders Safe 10 l 24 l 2022
The Newport News Shipbuilding Fire Department has jurisdiction over the shipyard’s 550 acres of waterfront and other outlying buildings. That includes thousands of shipbuilders and Navy personnel, as well as a number of aircraft carriers and submarines in various stages of construction and overhaul.
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
The shipyard environment can lead to unique situations for emergency responders, and that’s why it’s so important for the company to have its own fire department, according to Lt. Joe Sibert. “It’s pretty imperative to have someone with knowledge of the ships for immediate response to any type of incident as opposed to having someone from an outside jurisdiction who doesn’t have a lot of knowledge of what’s going on,” said Sibert, an NNS firefighter for 12 years.
A shipbuilder puts a finishing touch on a John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) compartment just before it is turned over to ship’s force. Photo by Ashley Cowan
NNS Turns Over 1,200th Space on John F. Kennedy Newport News Shipbuilding reached another milestone in the construction of aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). Shipbuilders recently turned over to the ship’s crew the 1,200th compartment of CVN 79’s approximately 2,600 total compartments. The most recently completed spaces house important communications equipment. “It’s the hub for combat systems
communications,” said Construction Superintendent Garrett Blanchette. “Work on this particular complex has been in progress since the platen. It was a significant endeavor that involved the majority of the trades across the value stream.” Now that the spaces have been turned over, test teams will begin energizing internal equipment and start bringing the compartments to life.
NNS firefighters go on regular ship tours and have frequent drills to keep up with changes as construction progresses on vessels. The firefighters – who also are EMS providers – are split into three crews that work 24-hour shifts. Between emergency calls, they stay busy with tasks that include drills, maintaining and checking equipment, completing building inspections and taking a wide range of required training. “We stay pretty active,” said NNS Fire Chief Christopher Wilcox. “The fire station is a home away from home for the crews.” On average, the fire department responds to about four calls per day, but the majority do not involve fire. “For every 15 medic calls we run, we probably get one fire call,” said acting Lt. Mike Symonds. CONTINUED ON PG 2
Keel Laying Set for Nov. 19 Newport News Shipbuilding is hosting a keel laying ceremony for Virginia-class submarine Arkansas (SSN 800) at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. The Little Rock Nine are the ship’s sponsors and will participate in the event. There is a limited number of tickets available for shipbuilders and guests.
move fulfilled the landmark Supreme Court decision that ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Faced with shouting mobs, threats of violence and hostile state leaders who blocked their way, the teenagers were escorted by federal troops at the direction of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The Little Rock Nine made history in 1957 as the first African American students to attend all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. The
Employees who would like to volunteer or request tickets should email ShipbuildingEvents@hii-nns.com.
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Newport News Shipbuilding’s firefighters are split into three crews that work 24-hour shifts. Photos by Lexi Whitehead and Ashley Cowan
NNS’ Firefighters Work to Keep Shipbuilders Safe CONTINUED FROM PG 1
He said many incidents to which the department responds could be prevented by taking time to assess situations and follow safety rules. That includes always using proper PPE to avoid injuries and observing the 35-foot rule for hot work to avoid fires. “The decisions you make can affect a lot of people. Slow down to see the big picture before you jump into something,” said Symonds, an NNS firefighter for nine years. Firefighter Tim Bowens has been with the NNS Fire Department since June, after working in the Hampton Fire Division for nearly two decades. Bowens said joining the fire department was a good change of pace and he brings “a fresh set of eyes.”
At NNS, given the industrial environment, he was surprised that there are so few “serious calls,” and credits the company’s safety culture. “Management has done a wonderful job of putting safety first, not only for us, but for anybody who works in the shipyard,” Bowens said. Fire prevention is a focus for the department during National Fire Prevention Month in October and all year. It’s important for employees to know where fire extinguishers are located in their work areas and how to use them. “The goal is for us to never have to respond to a fire call,” Wilcox said. “It’s not going to happen, but it’s the goal.”
Support NNS’ Annual 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 on MyNNS. Shipbuilders can support the food drive in the following ways: •
Visiting YouGiveGoods.com/nns-holidayfooddrive2022 to make online food purchases.
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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 one-time 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.
New Hire ERG Holds Kickoff Event Newport News Shipbuilding’s newest employee resource group hosted a kickoff event last week at Coastal Fermentory with its executive sponsor, NNS President Jennifer Boykin, and other company leaders.
Shipbuilders attend a kickoff event for NNS’ new hire employee resource group. Photo by Lexi Whitehead
The new ERG is aimed at employees who have been at NNS for five years or less. The goal is to enhance the new employee experience by providing opportunities for personal development and growth as well as building professional networks across the company. Employees who are interested in getting involved should check for updates in upcoming editions of Currents.
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AROUND THE YARD STRIDE Celebrates National Coming Out Day Shipbuilders Together Realizing Inclusion Diversity and Equality (STRIDE) members and executives, including Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin, gathered beside Dorothy Oct. 11 to promote the continuation of a safe and inclusive environment where shipbuilders and others feel comfortable being their true selves. “We had a great turnout. It was inspiring to see so many executives and STRIDE members showing their support and celebrating. It means a lot that we work for a company that actively engages in diversity efforts,” said STRIDE Chair Ariel Matthews. This year’s National Coming Out
Day marks the 35th anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987 and honors the bravery of LGBTQ+ individuals who decide to come out and live openly. “A sense of belonging is important to have in the workplace, and having the comfortability to be yourself can provide that and encourage unity” said STRIDE Communications Chair Haleigh Benson. Whether a part of the community or an ally, celebrating National Coming Out Day is an important way to raise awareness, according to STRIDE. “At NNS our STRIDE ERG was
Shipbuilders celebrate National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11. Photo by Ashley Cowan
organized to support the equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. All employees are welcome to join STRIDE and support this community,” said Mary Cullen, vice president of Nuclear Propulsion and STRIDE executive sponsor.
Shedding Light on the Quality Management Process October is National Quality Month. Can you guess the first element in quality management? It’s planning. Quality management can be broken down into four main components: planning, assurance, control and improvement. In the initial phase, planning, an organization establishes its core business practices and baselines so that goal thresholds can be established. Generally, an organization can determine its own quality standards, but here at Newport News Shipbuilding, these standards are already preset.
success for all parties, not just to aid in setting expectations, but to remind the organization of the ultimate goal. (3) Establish key points of contact for the quality management system, such as data analysis or metric trending, as well as applicable procedures. (4) Develop a process flow for periodic review of the data trends and metrics for improvement as well as revisiting the organization’s vision for success. If there are any questions regarding the first step of quality management, reach out to the Quality Division.
There are four key areas an organization should accomplish in the planning stage: (1) Identify the stakeholder’s priorities and expectations. This will ensure the organization has all points of view and creates a holistic approach. (2) Outline what constitutes
Be sure to check back next week to read up on the next components of quality management, assurance and control.
ASIAN ERG Recognizes Shipbuilder Janice Boone was recently recognized by the Asian Shipbuilders Including All Nationalities (ASIAN) employee resource group (ERG) for commendable and sustained performance as part of the ASIAN ERG Recognition Program. The program highlights the extraordinary efforts of individuals at Newport News Shipbuilding and provides shipbuilders at any level with the opportunity to tell the stories of fellow shipbuilders that define company values and inspire others.
Julia Jones, second from right, and ASIAN board members present a certificate of recognition to Janice Boone, center. Photo by Lexi Whitehead
MASTER SHIPBUILDER PANEL
Julia Jones, vice president of Manufacturing and the ASIAN ERG executive sponsor, and ASIAN board members congratulated Boone and presented her with a certificate of recognition. For more information about the recognition program, contact Vinod Mathur at 757-688-1668 or via email.
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.
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DATEBOOK 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 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.
NOVEMBER 17
The L.E.A.R.N. Program and the African American Shipbuilders Association (AASA) will co-host an after-work presentation with Xavier Beale, vice president of Human Resources and Trades, from 4 to 5 p.m. via WebEx. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on the L.E.A.R.N. website on MyNNS. Contact Christina Hayden (K51) or email LEARN@hii-nns.com for more information. No charge is provided.
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.
Think Before You Print Newport News Shipbuilding implemented the Managed Print Service (MPS) Program over 10 years ago to help decrease overhead expenses. While the overall intent of the program was to reduce the number of single use devices, it also helped reduce printing, which lowered printing costs. Just last year, NNS decreased printed materials by 7% from the previous year. Since the program started, overall paper prints have scaled down by 45%, going from 92 million to 50.3 million. Although NNS is printing less, we can do more. Shipbuilders are asked to think before printing. The prevalence of remote work over the past several years has reduced printing. As employees come back into the office, maintain the mindset of printing less often. Ask yourself if documents can be sent via email or reviewed during a meeting instead, and print in color only when necessary. Every employee’s actions matter, not just environmentally but also to ensure cost savings that could be used on other projects/initiatives to help move NNS forward. Please do your part. Together, we can make a difference.
NOTICE: CURRENTS IS CHANGING
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.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS SEWER IMPROVEMENTS IMPACTING STREETS
The Hampton Roads Sanitation District, in coordination with the city of Newport News, is improving the sanitary sewer infrastructure around Newport News Shipbuilding. Construction is expected to continue through fall 2023. The project will impact sections of Washington and West avenues, as well as 31st, 35th, 38th, 46th and 48th streets.
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.
Job Title Req Number Dept. Engineer Electromechanical 2 26753 E24 Engineer Mechanical 2 24865 E82 Engineer Mechanical 3 21668, 21704 O41 Essential Trades Training 22874, 22875, X42, X43, Programs 22873, 23104 X32, X31 Fitters 25746, 25744, X11 25745, 25725 NDT Test Examiner 2 26844 E37 Outside Machinists 25564, 25565 X43 Pipefitters 25567, 25569 X42 Refueler 25566 X43 Welders 25650, 25845, X18 25664, 25665 Nuclear Quality Inspector 27367 O39
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Employee Referral Cash Bonus Eligible Eligible Eligible Not Eligible
Remote Work Considered No Yes Yes No
Eligible
No
Not Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible
No No No No No
Not Eligible
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.