10 l 31 l 2022
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Volunteers Needed for Nov. 19 Keel Laying Employee volunteers are needed to assist during the Saturday, Nov. 19, keel laying ceremony for Virginia-class submarine Arkansas (SSN 800). The Little Rock Nine are the ship’s sponsors and will participate in the event. 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 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.
Chad Ryan, a U.S. Navy veteran who served on Enterprise (CVN 65), was part of the Foundry team that created the mold and poured the bow towing chock for Enterprise (CVN 80). The pour included steel from CVN 65. Photo by Aaron Pritchett
A Special Connection More steel from Enterprise (CVN 65) is being repurposed for the next Enterprise (CVN 80). Shipbuilders in Newport News Shipbuilding’s Foundry recently poured CVN 80’s bow towing chock – part of the aircraft carrier’s mooring system – using steel from CVN 65. Chad Ryan, a molder specialist in Newport News Shipbuilding’s Foundry, served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, and completed his final deployment on CVN 65. He was among the shipbuilders who prepared the mold for the bow towing chock pour. “It’s exciting for me to be a part of that and to lead this job,” he said. “When I think about it, it’s something that I take a lot of
pride in. It’s an honor to have somebody put the faith in me to be able to take this job on.” The molding process is pretty much the same as it was when NNS shipbuilders built CVN 65, according to Foundry General Foreman Kevin Forrest. “The pattern that we use to make the bow chock is the same pattern that we used for 65,” he said. “It’s a lot of history involved in it, and Chad being a part of the history of CVN 65 – now he’s a part of CVN 80 – which I think is very cool.” Watch a video on MyNNS to learn more about the process.
The End of an Era for Currents
Beginning next week, 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.
Email ShipbuildingEvents@hii-nns.com to volunteer. There is currently a waitlist for tickets to attend the event. Shipuilders who would like to be added to the waitlist to receive two tickets – one for yourself and one for a guest – also should email ShipbuildingEvents@hii-nns.com.
Food Drive Begins Next Week
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. “Combined with the effects of nutrition insecurity on families post pandemic and now with rising costs for food, fuel and utilities, the donations from the Newport News Shipbuilding’s food drive are vitally important,” said Donna Tighe, director of Development for the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. “As the holiday season approaches, these donations will allow us to meet the increased needs of our neighbors who are reaching out for help. This annual event gives our community hope for a brighter and healthier future, and we are very grateful for your compassion and generosity. Thank you for a holiday without hunger.” CONTINUED ON PG 2