10 | 26 | 2020
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Matt Hildreth
The Art of Shipbuilding Ryan David (X11) always liked to draw.
was a larger undertaking than his previous work on paper.
“During lunchtime, I’ll eat and draw,” he said. “I’ve drawn my whole life. My dad did and still does it. I would just watch him when I was younger.”
“I was extremely nervous and overwhelmed,” he said. “There is a difference between paper and a very porous wall. I didn’t know how it was going to go.”
At Newport News Shipbuilding, David is an X11 lineman, helping to build Virginia-class submarines. A few weeks ago, he was approached with an opportunity to connect his shipyard career with his lifelong hobby. A new craft learning center outside the Supplemental Modular Outfitting Facility (SMOF) had a blank wall Ryan Sparks, an X11 manager, hoped could be turned into something that could engage and inspire the craftsmen and craftswomen who use the space to develop their skills.
Despite some doubts, David got to work – designing and drawing an X11 logo as the wall’s centerpiece and drawing shipbuilders based off photos. He’s still working on the piece, but so far, it has been a success.
“We have new Craft Learning Centers with engaging graphics on the outside and empty white walls on the inside. Our team thought that something could be created to display the demographics of our trade, engage our shipfitters during training, and give someone a rare opportunity to showcase their skills,” Sparks said. “After hearing about David’s artistic ability from his foreman, Colt Copeland, we decided to reach out and share our vision.” Sparks and David brainstormed, settling on a mural-like drawing that would showcase X11’s different elements. David said the wall
“It was a big surprise to find out I could use these skills at work. I still really can’t believe it,” David said. “I’m proud to represent X11 and individuals that I know. I drew people I work with on a daily basis.” A fixative will be applied to the drawing – done in pencil – to preserve and protect it from smudging. David, a Navy veteran who served on USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) before coming to NNS, said there are parallels between art and shipbuilding. “In our job, you’ve got to pay close attention to detail. With this kind of stuff, you have to as well,” he said. Watch a video of David working on the drawing on MyNNS.
2 2
CURRENTS
10 | 26 | 2020
Reflecting on USS Thresher During Quality Month A signature is paramount in shipbuilding. Just ask Phil Stephens, a Quality manager and SUBSAFE program director at Newport News Shipbuilding. “When a shipbuilder signs their name on a document, they are certifying that what is in writing is 100% accurate. If they are unsure, they don’t sign it,” he said. Stephens and his Quality team understand that Navy sailors and crewmen depend on the work of NNS shipbuilders to build safe, dependable ships and to prevent tragedies like that of USS Thresher (SSN 593), a nuclear-powered attack submarine that sank off the Massachusetts coast nearly 60 years ago, killing all 129 crew aboard. Though NNS did not build Thresher, the company recognizes the tragedy each year as a reminder of the importance of quality in shipbuilding. The Navy recently released documents related to the loss of Thresher, sparking interest about the improvements that have been made since the catastrophe – especially as NNS recognizes
Quality Month in October. The specific cause of the loss has never been determined, but out of the tragedy came the creation of the Submarine Safety Program known as SUBSAFE, a Navy program that is still in place today. The SUBSAFE program continues to evolve and is more robust today than when it was established in the 1960s, but the core principles remain the same and are an integral part of shipbuilding. It’s another process to keep safety at the forefront of shipbuilding and hold Quality accountable. “The Quality Division at NNS is engrained into every step in building ships and provides the processes needed to identify any issues,” Stephens said. “A tragedy like Thresher is highly unlikely to happen today because of these processes. All steps in the building process, from design through testing all the way to paperwork, are important.”
Foreman Hiring Assessment Launches Nov. 1 Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition has partnered with Gallup to develop and implement a talent-based hiring assessment for foreman candidates. The assessment will not be evaluated on a pass or fail score and will not be the sole determinant when selecting a candidate. The tool will serve as an additional resource for the hiring department to help predict the future success of NNS leaders. All potential candidates seeking foreman positions will take the Gallup talent-based hiring assessment starting Nov. 1. “Our goal is to find the best fit between a person’s talents and the company’s needs. We want to know we are setting shipbuilders up
for personal and career success within their roles. This emphasis provides the greatest growth, satisfaction and opportunities for the individual as well as our organization,” said Susan Jacobs, vice president of Human Resources and Administration. Candidates who apply for foreman positions and meet the basic qualifications will receive a link to complete the assessment online. Questions related to the assessment may be directed to the Ask HR&A website, while application issues or other inquiries can be sent to BuildYourCareer@hii-co.com. Additional information can be found at www.huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/gallupforeman.
Apprentice School Foundation Awards Scholarship The Apprentice School Foundation awarded its second 2020 scholarship to Caleb Russell. The Disputanta, Virginia, native started his apprenticeship on Sept. 21 as an electrician. Russell graduated from Prince George High School this year with a 3.20 GPA. He was active in his community putting in numerous hours of community service through his involvement in 4-H. Russell also played baseball for seven years and plans to play for the Builders. The Apprentice School Foundation provides a tax-deductible opportunity for alumni, friends and community partners of The Apprentice School to help fund scholarships, historic preservation and community service projects that carry on the school’s legacy. The foundation awards four scholarships annually. Visit The Apprentice School Foundation’s website (www.tasfd.org) for more information.
Caleb Russell, center, is pictured with The Apprentice School Foundation board members Stan Best and Jessica Walker.
10 | 26 | 2020
CURRENTS 3
New Traffic Signals Installed Near North Yard To improve safety and traffic flow near Newport News Shipbuilding’s Hidens Complex, the city of Newport News has installed new traffic signals and pedestrian crosswalks on Warwick Boulevard. The new signals are located at the intersections with 67th and 71st streets as well as the north Hidens exit. The traffic signals are expected to begin normal operations Thursday, Oct. 29. Motorists should use caution as they navigate the new traffic pattern.
Parking Impacted by Drive-Thru Flu Shot Event NNS and United Steelworkers Local 8888 will host a drive-thru flu shot event for all represented shipbuilders on Nov. 1-2 and Nov. 9-10 in the parking lot behind the United Steelworkers Local 8888 Union Hall, located at 4306 Huntington Ave. The drive-thru will be open from 8-10 p.m. on Nov. 1 and Nov. 9; and from 4:30-7 a.m. and 2-5 p.m. on Nov. 2 and Nov. 10 to accommodate all three shifts. Shipbuilders must remain in their vehicles and wear a mask throughout the vaccine process. Please be aware that 88 parking spaces between 43rd and 44th streets will be unavailable behind the USW Local 8888 Union Hall to accommodate these events. Vehicles left in those spaces will be subject to towing. For the Nov. 1-2 event, parking will be secured at 4 a.m. on Oct. 31, and the parking spaces will reopen beginning at 9 p.m. on Nov. 2. For the Nov. 9-10 event, parking will be secured at 4 a.m. on Nov. 7, and the parking spaces will reopen beginning at 9 p.m. on Nov. 10.
Annual Holiday Food Drive Begins Nov. 1 Newport News Shipbuilding’s 2020 holiday food drive – which runs from Nov. 1 until Nov. 30 – will be virtual. The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank is serving even more families as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Food requests grew by 88%, and the number of people in the community facing hunger daily could grow from 70,000 to 89,000 – including 28,000 children. Hunger is an issue across the region. To meet the consistent need for healthy meals, the Foodbank partners with over 200 member agencies and feeding programs to distribute food. Shipbuilders can support this year’s holiday food drive through YOUGIVEGOODS for tangible item donations and Newport News Shipbuilding Gives or the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank for monetary donations. Information about how to access NNS Gives, as well as fundraising protocols are available on MyNNS. Send fundraising questions and requests for approval to CorporateCitizenship@hii-nns.com.
Shipbuilders Encouraged to Vote
The sun sets over the rudder of Los Angeles-class submarine USS Helena (SSN 725). Photo by Matt Hildreth
Check Out Hot Shots Hot Shots is a collection of photos taken around Newport News Shipbuilding by staff photographers. View the October edition on MyNNS or on the NNS to Go app.
Don’t Forget to Log Volunteer Hours The 2020 Huntington Ingalls Industries Report to the Community will be distributed next spring. Shipbuilders who have volunteered, either through Newport News Shipbuilding-sponsored opportunities or personal volunteer endeavors, should visit nns.yourcause.com to enter their 2020 volunteer hours to assure recognition in the publication. Instructions are available for employees to access the platform and log volunteer hours. For questions, email CorporateCitizenship@hii-nns.com.
Tuesday, Nov. 3 is Election Day. All voters will get to vote for president and a member of Congress. In some states, such as Virginia and North Carolina, voters will choose a U.S. senator. Some will get to vote in other local races.
On-the-Spot Ethics Awards Announced
Newport News Shipbuilding encourages all employees to make their voice heard in this important election. And the company encourages employees to do so in a safe manner that adheres to pandemic guidelines.
The following shipbuilders were recently honored with Level Two On-the-Spot Ethics Awards: Jefferson Teller (X51), Vicki C. Carroll (O12), Leora A. Patterson (X44), Scott W. Charnock (E89), Frenchie L. Puryear (E17), Douglas L. Patrick (X42), Thomas E. Golden Jr. (X31) and John R. Purcell (K47).
Many states, including Virginia and North Carolina, are allowing early voting without an excuse. To learn more about these options, deadlines for voting, and ballot application forms, visit the website of your local voter registrar or go to usa.gov/election-office and select your state.
4 2
CURRENTS
10 | 26 | 2020
Blast and Coat Facility Team Seeks Volunteers for Nonstandard Shifts In November, the Blast and Coat Facility team will transition to a nonstandard 12-hour work shift. The Blast and Coat team is responsible for performing surface preparation and coating operations on small piece parts to large units that support all programs. The team is looking for shipbuilders to support newly negotiated nonstandard 12-hour work shifts starting in November.
premium pay. Any employees assigned to one of the nonstandard work shifts will be paid time and one half for all time worked after eight hours in the workday and/or for hours over 40 in the workweek. In addition, an employee on a nonstandard shift who works an unscheduled Saturday and/or Sunday will be paid in accordance with the current Labor Relations agreement.
The team needs:
“We are at a time and place where as a company we must deliver our warships back to the nation as quickly as possible to continue to defend freedom foreign and domestic. Our nation is calling and we must respond,” said X10 Superintendent Eugene Saunders.
•
X33 blasters
•
X33 blast machine operators (BMEO)
•
X33 marine painters
Employees on first shift will work 12 hours – 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. – with paid lunch periods for four consecutive days and then will have four consecutive days off. The shift will continue with start days moving to the right each new week. For example, during week one, an employee would work Monday through Thursday and be off Friday through Monday. During week two, the employee would work Tuesday through Friday and be off Saturday through Tuesday. Employees on second shift will also work a 12-hour four-day schedule – from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. – but will additionally receive shift
Employees working the nonstandard 12-hour four-day schedule in the Blast and Coat facility will not be required to work on the 11 paid holidays provided for in the labor agreement unless such assignment is taken on a voluntary basis. In reference to vacations, an employee on a nonstandard shift who takes a full day (12 hours) of annual leave on a scheduled workday will be paid as though the scheduled shift has been worked. Visit buildyourcareer.wufoo.com/forms/bc-nonstandard-shift to express interest in joining the team. For questions, employees should contact their representative in Labor Relations (O21).
Real-time model control demonstrates the viability of expanding this technique to include shipboard hardware, which will allow realtime testing of an actual system inverter under shipboard algorithms and loading conditions. This is a significant event in the development and implementation of the digital twin. This milestone is attributed to the hard work and dedication of Mohammad Elwir (E56), Jim Turso (E05), Keith Mabry (E44), Jason Johnson (E02) and Mark Hoffman (E70), who developed the inverter control model.
Using Innovation to Achieve Milestone to Support Digital Twin In support of shipboard testing, the Advanced Weapons Elevator (AWE) Digital Twin Team achieved real-time model control of a project-level inverter. A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical object or system.
“This team successfully exported pulse width modulation (PWM) signals from the elevator control model which proves that hardware can be operated using the same technique without risking anything shipboard,” said Electrical Principal Engineer Manager Doug Mintz (E02). For more information, check out the Flexlab presentation, which includes a live inverter output model.
Parking Update Clarification The Oct. 19 edition of Currents included a parking update referencing parking lots with plenty of open parking spaces daily (Bldg. 902 and 903 garages and Hidens). Within the notice, information about restrictions to the company’s open parking policy were listed. The list should have read: Open parking excludes parking spaces identified as 24-hour reserved, spaces used by government and U.S. Navy personnel, HII Family Health Center parking, privately owned and leased lots (including retail), expectant mother, visitor, and handicap spaces. Additionally, the policy does not apply to parking spaces inside shipyard gates. Frequently asked questions about NNS’ open parking policy are listed on the NNS parking and transportation website.
10 | 26 | 2020
CURRENTS 35
Flu Shots Available Shipbuilders can schedule a no-cost flu shot at events throughout Newport News Shipbuilding and at the HII Family Health Center through QuadMed’s BeWell for Life team. Dedicated walk-in flu
shot events will also be available at the health center from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays until Dec. 19. Employees should visit www.myquadmedical.com/hii/flu for details and appointment
NOTICE: Navy to Prohibit Neck Gaiters Onboard Commissioned Ships, Government Installations Newport News Shipbuilding employees who wear neck gaiters for protection against COVID-19 will have to find an alternative in certain cases because of a new Navywide directive. The Navy has decided to prohibit neck gaiters onboard commissioned ships and at government installations. At the shipyard, this affects shipbuilders who work onboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73) and on three submarines currently undergoing maintenance and overhaul: USS Boise (SSN 764), USS Columbus (SSN 762) and USS Helena (SSN 725). Shipbuilders who board these ships will have to swap out their neck gaiters for another type of face covering. The directive goes into effect Monday, Nov. 2. The prohibition on government installations affects employees who travel to Naval Station Norfolk, where the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) are located, as well as Norfolk Naval Shipyard, currently the home of the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). In these cases, the Navy directive applies not just while working onboard those ships, but anywhere in the installation where a face covering is needed. Deadlines earlier than Nov. 2 may be instituted for the Navy base and the Norfolk shipyard. NNS will continue to allow shipbuilders to wear neck gaiters as long as they don’t violate the Navy’s prohibition. That’s because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not prohibit gaiters, and the company follows CDC guidance.
“For shipbuilders with full beards, gaiters can provide a better, more comfortable fit than face masks,” said Dru Branche, director of Environmental Health and Safety. “They have proven popular in the shipyard and we will continue to make them available in our Fastenal vending machines.” Mission readiness played a major factor in the Navy’s decision, according to its directive. The service wants to increase the probability that a crew is free of COVID-19 when called upon. It incorporates lessons learned from fleet operations, where sailors can live in tight quarters for months on end.
This Week’s COVID-19 Q&A The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has changed its definition of close contact. Previously, it was defined as being within 6 feet of someone infected with COVID-19 for 15 consecutive minutes. The new guidance defines it as “within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.” Does this change how NNS tracks close contacts when a shipbuilder comes down with the virus? We have already adjusted our contact-tracing procedure accordingly and do not view this as a big, sweeping change. However, it could result in more shipbuilders being identified as close contacts. Time will tell. I work for NNS but am based in Washington, D.C. Am I violating company policy if I receive a COVID-19 test at a different location than the Old Apprentice School gym in Newport News? No. That site is only for employees who work in Newport News. If you work outside the area, alternate testing can be arranged.
NNS policy requires that I receive a COVID-19 test before traveling on business to another state. What if my destination requires testing upon arrival? Both tests are still required. Even though you were tested at NNS, follow the rules set forth at your destination.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 at NNS Cases reported Oct. 19-25: 33 Total cases at NNS: 874 Total number of NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 634 See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
6 2
CURRENTS
10 | 26 | 2020
DATEBOOK NOVEMBER 4 AND 11
Get support for managing holiday stress. BeWell for Life and HERO are hosting a two-part virtual “Holidaze” workshop designed to help you de-stress and maximize fun this holiday season. Workshops will take place via Zoom at noon on Nov. 4 and Nov. 11. Visit www.myquadmedical.com/hii for registration details.
NOVEMBER 11
Are you less than 10 years away from retirement and feeling nervous about whether or not you’re ready? Attend SmartPath’s webinar at noon to learn how to prepare for retirement. Register at www.joinsmartpath.com/hii/classes. If you can’t participate in the live webinar, register anyway, and SmartPath will email you a recording of the session.
NOVEMBER 14
The 2020 Hampton Roads Heart Walk will be virtual. For more information and to sign up, visit the Heart Walk website on MyNNS. Those who sign up will receive a free mask. The event is open to shipbuilders and their families and friends.
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.
Pictured from left are Hope Wagoner, Cornelius Hawkins, Tanesha Christia and Kisha Breedlove.
VCS Engagement Team Hosts Mask Design Contest The Virginia-Class Submarine Program’s InDEEP Engagement Team recently hosted a mask design contest for shipbuilders. The goal of the contest was to engage shipbuilders, promote positivity, spark creativity and allow employees to show pride as they wear required face masks. The first round winner was Hope Wagoner (X67). Second round winners were: First place: Cornelius Hawkins (X18) Second place: Tanesha Christia (X33), Starlett Hilton (X33), Chenice Gaulden (X33) and Willie Jenkins (X33) Third place: Kisha Breedlove (X33), Tonya Horton (X33) and Mary Cupp (X33)
T- SHIRT SALES SUPPORTED LOCAL NONPROFITS
Newport News Shipbuilding has ended the “Be Strong Be Safe” T-shirt sales, which began earlier this year to support local nonprofits during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has been more than just a health crisis, and has impacted the entire community. Thank you to NNS employees across the country who purchased 551 “Be Strong, Be Safe” T-shirts. For each T-shirt purchased, $10 has been donated equally in support of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and United Way of the Virginia Peninsula’s COVID Relief Fund.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Business Planning Analyst 4 Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Electrical 4 Engineer Electromechanical 3 Engineer Electromechanical 4 Engineer Software 3 Engineer Software 3 Engineer Software 4 Production Planning and Scheduler 3
3299 805 2949 3424 3445 3303 801 802 1308 307
X52 E44 O05 E70 E24 E11 E44 E44 E44 X44
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.
NOVEMBER L.A.W. COURSES
Join Learning After the Whistle (L.A.W.) for an opportunity to grow personally and professionally in November. L.A.W., is a program offered by Newport News Shipbuilding’s Leadership, Professional and Organization Development Department (O44) for all employees. L.A.W. classes are currently being offered virtually, at no cost to employees and beginning at 4:30 p.m. Attendance is on employees’ own time, and no time charges are provided. To learn more about L.A.W., visit the website on MyNNS, email LearningAftertheWhistle@hii-nns.com or call Marcia Stewart-Downing at 757-778-2886. L.A.W. offerings in November, which are listed below, will be on an online platform: Leadership Essentials Nov. 10, 12 and 17 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. Zoom – A Basic Introduction Nov. 19 4:30 until 6 p.m.