Oct. 25, 2021

Vaccination Deadline is Approaching 10 l 25 l 2021

A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

A motorist drives through a roundabout that once served as a turnaround for the trolley line that provided transportation from Hilton Village to Newport News Shipbuilding. Photo by Ashley Cowan

Honoring the Past Newport News Shipbuilding joined forces with the city to honor the legacy of an important transportation link – the trolley that once ran between Hilton Village and downtown Newport News.

Hilton Village was created in 1918 to help house shipbuilders and their families during World War I. The war effort had led to a hiring boom at the shipyard, leading to a severe housing shortage in Newport News.

Charles Southall, vice president of Columbia-Class Submarine Construction, spoke on behalf of NNS during a recent ceremony to unveil a historical marker at the loop that once served as a turnaround for the trolley.

Hilton Village helped ease the shortage, and – during a time when personal vehicles were not yet common for most – trolley service from the Newport News and Hampton Railway Gas and Electric Co. provided reliable transportation for shipbuilders to and from the shipyard.

“Hilton Village and this trolley provided a quality of life that opened the door for our shipyard to attract the skilled workforce that has enabled Newport News Shipbuilding’s continued success,” Southall said.

Built in what was then a rural area a few miles north of the Newport News city limits,

In the decades that followed, the trolley was gradually abandoned in favor of modern bus service. By 1950, all tracks had been removed. The old trolley turnaround now serves as a roundabout for vehicles traveling along James River Drive and Villa and Botetourt roads.

Raffle Winners Named Fully vaccinated Newport News Shipbuilding employees continue to reap rewards from a series of raffles. Michael Kidd (X31) and Jon Sweeney (E37) each won $5,000 after their names were drawn in the second of five cash-prize raffles. Additional dates for the monetary raffles for shipbuilders vaccinated against COVID-19 are as follows: • Oct. 29:

$3,750

• Nov. 12:

$2,500

• Nov. 5:

$3,750

• Nov. 19:

$2,500

Newport News Shipbuilding employees and contractors must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 8, as the result of a vaccine mandate for federal contractors. In a video message to shipbuilders Monday, NNS President Jennifer Boykin addressed the vaccine mandate.

NNS continues to operate its COVID-19 Vaccination Site at the old Apprentice School gym from 4:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, visit myquadmed.com/hii-nns/COVID-vaccine.

Shipbuilders also can call the COVID hotline at 1-844-243-8749, option 6. Walkins are accepted, but shipbuilders who make appointments will be prioritized. A list of frequently asked questions regarding the mandate and COVID-19 vaccine questions is available on the NNS website.

Tickets Available for New Jersey Christening Newport News Shipbuilding will host a christening ceremony for New Jersey (SSN 796) at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13.

A limited number of tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. NNS employees interested in attending in person can email ShipbuildingEvents@hii-nns.com to request tickets.

All guests (adults and children) must provide hard copy proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of the christening ceremony.

Individuals 18 years of age or older must show a photo ID that matches the name on their vaccination card or negative COVID-19 test, along with a ticket, to gain entry to the event. The event will take place rain or shine and will also be broadcast live on the Huntington Ingalls Industries and Jennifer Boykin Facebook pages as well as the christening website.

The Communications Division is also seeking employee volunteers to support the ceremony as parking attendants, site staff and ushers. Shipbuilders interested in volunteering will have to show proof of full vaccination and should email ShipbuildingEvents@hii-nns.com for more information or questions.

2 2

CURRENTS

10 | 25 | 2021 He also knows a traditional class isn’t always the best way to teach and reinforce safety. That’s why he started using games. During a recent Safety Task Team meeting, he led the members of the team through a game he created to use with his own crew.

“It’s human nature. People are very competitive, so they like to try to win something,” he said. “Playing a game gets people more engaged, and they retain the information better.”

Darren Jackson leads other VCS Safety Task Team members through a game meant to help reinforce safety principles. Photo by Ashley Cowan

Games Help Reinforce Safety Principles As one of the leaders of the Virginia-Class Submarine Program Safety Task Team, Darren Jackson (X33) knows how important safety is at Newport News Shipbuilding.

Jackson, who served as a medical specialist in the Army, said shipbuilders may not think about the risks their jobs involve. “You might not think about it because it’s an everyday thing, but safety is important.

You want to go home the same way you came in,” he said.

H.D. Trulley, VCS safety rep, said this type of engagement will influence positive change. “Task team members engaging with our workforce is instrumental with creating a safety culture of individual ownership,” he said.

Recognizing National Quality Month As Newport News Shipbuilding continues to observe National Quality Month, O06 is highlighting Submarine Fleet Support and the Columbia-Class Submarine Program.

The first message below is from Joe Dvorak, Columbia Program trade director.

“Newport News shipbuilders feel a great sense of pride in what we do because what we do is important. A big part of that comes from knowing that we always deliver top quality ships to our customer.

It’s our reputation that’s been forged over 135 years. We will continue that reputation because producing quality products is our responsibility,” he said.

David Horne, Submarine Fleet Support Program trade director, also shared his thoughts. “It is an incredible honor to build and service the greatest ships to sail the oceans. As captured on The Rock by Collis P. Huntington, ‘Always Good Ships’ is both our legacy and our future. Lives depend on the quality of our work today and will for generations to follow. Each of us must hold ourselves accountable for the firsttime quality of our work, no matter where you are in the value stream. I take pride in knowing that our customer can focus on the global mission without concern for the

Pictured on the left from left are Matthew Obergfell, Chris Fox, Scott Guest, Thomas Bouska, and Steve Monfalcone. Pictured on the right from left are Joseph Traynham, Kelvin Thompson, David Brinkley III and Calvin Chester.

quality of our products,” he aid.

The second round of Quality Craftsman winners are Kelvin Thompson (X33) and the X43 team of Scott Guest (X43), Chris Fox (X43) and Thomas Bouska (X43).

Thompson’s continuous quality work is shown in over 15 tank inspections with a 100% completion rate. He takes pride in his job, while never complaining, and does what is asked of him.

Recently, this X43 group completed the last set of initial door tracks for the deck edge doors on John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). This was completed with first-time quality and no defects, maintaining a 1/16” tolerance across the length of the tracks on all four sets of doors. The process takes roughly two months for each door, and none of the 84 initial tracks had to be cut loose and reset.

If you see any of these Quality Craftsmen around the yard, please congratulate them for a job well done. Next week the overall Quality Craftsman/Group of the Month will be chosen. O06 is accepting nominations through 9:30 a.m. Oct. 26.

10 | 25 | 2021

CURRENTS 3

Shipbuilder Honored During Conference

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE

This year’s Holiday Food Drive begins Monday, Nov. 1, and runs for the entire month. Close to 62,000 Peninsula residents must choose between food and other critical needs like childcare, electricity, medicine and transportation. Newport News Shipbuilding employees can come together to help their neighbors achieve long-term food security.

Demetria Petty-Manes, a Newport News Shipbuilding engineer, was recognized for her achievements during the Society of Women Engineers’ 2021 conference Oct. 21-23. The hybrid conference included in-person activities in Indianapolis and virtual components.

Petty-Manes received the Prism Award, which recognizes women for being technical experts and role models for women in maledominated fields, demonstrating the value of academic excellence and artistry, and lifelong dedication to community service.

With 25 years of professional experience, Petty-Manes now serves as deputy ship design manager for USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). In addition to her work at NNS, Petty-Manes opened D&T Dance Studio in 2012 to give back to her community and continue her love of dance.

During the month of November, NNS departments can schedule their own drives and competitions and drop off items at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.

Information about how shipbuilders can make food and monetary donations is below.

•

Weatherproof containers will be located inside the gates at turnstiles for food drop off.

•

Boxes can be picked up for department collections and competitions (Boxes will not be placed in building lobbies.)

ISO 9001:2015 Surveillance Audit Planned Nov. 2-4

• Boxes for the waterfront are available for pick up 24/7 at Bldg. 103 (southeast bay door).

Newport News Shipbuilding will undergo a surveillance audit of its Quality Management System (QMS) Nov. 2-4. The American Bureau of Shipbuilding Quality Evaluations (ABSQE) will conduct these audits.

Quality Management System Audit: The audit team will review work documents associated with many of the areas of the shipyard, including records for equipment calibration, training, production control, product testing, internal audits, and corrective and preventive actions.

Auditors may also request to randomly interview employees in both nuclear and non-nuclear work areas about work procedures to evaluate their work practices, overall awareness of NNS’ quality management policies and the knowledge of the impact their work has.

Employees should answer questions about how they normally accomplish their work.

During previous audits, several people and departments were asked about their work processes. Managers, general foremen and supervisors should emphasize to employees the importance of having knowledge of their work procedures and working to authorized procedures and drawings.

A successful audit will maintain the shipyard’s ISO 9001 certificate for the Quality Management System. The shipyard was first certified to ISO 9001 in 1993 and has renewed the certification every three years since.

For more information, contact Brent Ruffy (O04) at 688-1439.

Employee Engagement Survey Results

Results from this year’s annual employee engagement survey have been provided to leadership. Over the next few weeks, leaders will share results with their teams and begin preparations for action planning that will improve our business operations and performance based on results. Contact the Engagement Office at EngageNNS@hii-nns.com for more information.

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19

Cases reported last week: 13

Total cases at NNS: 4,758

NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 3,724

NNS employees vaccinated: 63%

See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.

• Boxes for outlying buildings are available for pick up at Bldg. 802-1, NetCenter, Suite 171.

Email CorporateCitizenship@hii-nns.com.

•

Online purchase of food items will be available at YouGiveGoods.com/nnsholidayfooddrive2021.

•

An online platform for monetary donations to the Foodbank will be available.

•

Visit nns.YourCause.com to make a onetime credit card payment or a one-time or reoccurring payroll deduction.

Most-needed items include oatmeal; hearty, meaty soups; canned fruit, vegetables and meat; peanut butter; boxed rice; 100% fruit juices; and pasta meals and sauces.

Each department will deliver their items directly to the Foodbank, located at 2401 Aluminum Ave. in Hampton.

Prior to delivery, contact Moriah Meulenberg at 757-596-7188 or mmeulenberg@hrfoodbank.org or Donna Tighe at 757-596-7188 ext. 135 or dtighe@hrfoodbank.org. For more information, email CorporateCitizenship@hii-nns.com.

NNS SAFETY REPORT

Compared to figures from September 2020 Year-to-Date Injuries

1,258 (up 33%) Year-to-Date Injuries with Days Away, Restricted or Transferred

902 (up 36%) Safety Task Team Inspection Closure Rate

97% (21% above goal)

4 2

CURRENTS

10 | 25 | 2021

DATEBOOK OCTOBER 26

PMP Master Prep will host a lunchtime presentation, “PMP Exam Prep Information Session - Step by Steps on How to Pass,” with Scott Payne from 12 to 12:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on the PMSA website. For questions, contact Debra Brand, or email PMSA@hii-nns.com. No charge is provided.

OCTOBER 26

Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) invites shipbuilders to participate in a WiSE Talk with Women in Business from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. via WebEx. Join executive leaders as they share their personal experiences. The topic for this event is “De-stress to stay focused and productive.” Sign up on MyNNS. For more information, contact Kathy Hansen at 534-3893 or via email.

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 27

The Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG) invites shipbuilders to attend a virtual presentation on WebEx via the Hampton VA Medical Center from 7 until 8:30 p.m.

Retired Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Tanja Thompson will present “From Tragedy to Triumph,” her personal story of surviving breast cancer twice. Attendees must access this external WebEx conference using their personal computer, cell phone or tablet. To attend using a personal computing device, visit veteransaffairs.webex.com, enter meeting number 2762 364 5558 and enter password s5tMv4Rkk@3. To attend via personal phone, call 404-397-1596 and enter access code 2762 561 3238.

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. To register for the virtual race, visit give.hiddenheroes.org/event/hidden-heroes-5k/e347259.

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.

NOVEMBER 8

Together Strong Life Unites Panel Discussion Series: Generational Legacy from 4:30 until 6 p.m. via Zoom.

Panelists include Darren Swann (O44), Sharon Callahan (X51), Paula Lacharite of Ingalls Shipbuilding, Celia Jarvis of the Technical Solutions division (Ailon) and Deborah Lichniak (E03) of the Generational Integration Focus Team (GIFT) employee resource group. This event is open to all NNS employees. Register on MyNNS. No charge will be provided. For more information, email DiversityAndInclusion@hii-nns.com.

NOVEMBER 11

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 4 until 5 p.m. at VASCIC. COVID-19 protocols will be in place, masks will be required. Those interested in joining should contact Jamar Skyles (E03) or Tammy Smith (N358) for more information, seats are limited.

OCTOBER 30

Shipbuilders and their families are invited to participate in the Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) Halloween CARavan from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Bldg. 600.

WiSE members will give away candy, school supplies and WiSE swag. Sign up online by Oct. 22. For more information, contact Donna Diggs at 688-4261 or via email.

NOVEMBER 5

The Nature Conservancy and Virginia Department of Forestry need help to box seedlings of rare longleaf pine trees from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Garland Gray Forestry Center, located at 19127 Sandy Hill Rd., Courtland, VA 23837. Register on NNS Gives.

NOVEMBER 30

The African American Shipbuilders Association employee resource group is hosting a sickle cell anemia disease specific blood drive from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room). To schedule an appointment, contact Natasha Eck or Sunny Lee via email.

NOVEMBER 30

PMP Master Prep will host a lunchtime presentation, “PMP Exam Prep Information Session - Step by Steps on How to Pass,” with Scott Payne from 12 to 12:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on the PMSA website. For questions, contact Debra Brand, or email PMSA@hii-nns.com. No charge is provided.

NNS Founder Turns 200 Oct. 22 was Collis P. Huntington’s 200th birthday.

Huntington founded Newport News Shipbuilding in 1886 and set the standard for high-quality work.

“The Rock,” which stands outside Bldg. 86, is a memorial to Huntington. It includes a plaque that attributes to him the following statement: “We shall build good ships here; at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always good ships.”

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 28

Nov. 28 is the deadline to apply for a 2022 summer internships at Newport News Shipbuilding. Interested students should visit 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), “IT Intern” – Req No. 8691 (for IT majors) and “INTERN” – Req No. 9933 (for all other majors).

SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS

Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.

Job Title

Req Number

Dept.

Location

Deck Electrician (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Engineer Mechanical 3 Metallurgist/Engineer Material Process 3 Outside Machinist (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Pipefitter (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Refueler (Experienced) Rigger (Entry-level & Experienced) Sheet Metal Worker (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Ship Safety Watch Videographer/Media Production 2 Welder (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced)

10111, 10112, 10110 6046 10087 10095, 10093, 10094 10379, 10384, 10385 10096 10407, 10424 10465, 10448, 10464 10092 9025 10109,10099,11024,11006

X31 O46 A572 X43 X42 X43 X36 X32 X43 O29 X18

Newport News 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.