Nov. 8, 2021

11 l 8 l 2021

A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

Photo by Ashley Cowan

Each year on Nov. 11, the nation pays tribute to veterans who have served in the armed forces, including about 3,500 current employees at Newport News Shipbuilding.

Craig Heaton (X36) is among the shipbuilders who have served in the military. He spent 21 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. He initially joined because he wanted to save lives.

“Not too long after joining, I knew that I’d have to be in the right spot at the right time in order to save a life so that kind of changed for me quickly,” Heaton said. “My purpose became to make a difference in someone’s life. And I think I’ve impacted a lot of

people over the years.”

Allison Whipkey (E85) said her more than eight years in the U.S. Navy challenged her in ways she had never been challenged before, but it also was rewarding. Serving as a sailor gives Whipkey a strong sense of purpose for the work she does now at NNS. “Being a prior sailor, I know what we do is important. Delivering these ships to work the way they’re supposed to work is huge. That’s the sailor’s home for months at a time. The work we do directly benefits them,” she said.

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NNS to Christen New Jersey (SSN 796) Newport News Shipbuilding will christen Virginia-class submarine New Jersey (SSN 796) Saturday, Nov. 13. Watch a video on MyNNS to hear from shipbuilders in the Sail Loft who were hard at work last week putting finishing touches on the flag that will cover New Jersey’s bow during the ceremony.

Shipbuilders in the Sail Loft put finishing touches on the flag that will cover New Jersey’s bow during the christening ceremony. Photo by Ashley Cowan

NNS will broadcast the ceremony live beginning at 11 a.m. at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/SSN796 and on the Huntington Ingalls Industries and Jennifer Boykin Facebook pages. A limited number of tickets to attend in person are available on a first-come, first-served basis. NNS employees can email ShipbuildingEvents@hii-nns.com to request tickets.

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Honoring Our Veterans CONTINUED FROM PG 1

X31 Foreman Frank Harris always knew he wanted to serve. “I wanted to be in the Army from the time I was old enough to walk,” he said. “When Sept. 11 happened, I was in sixth grade. I knew that if the war was still on when I got old enough, I was going to join and fight.”

Harris didn’t join the U.S. Army, but he did serve in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2008 until 2012, taking part in the Battle for Marjah in Afghanistan, which was the subject of an HBO documentary. The experiences he had as a Marine give him a unique perspective, he said.

“There’s definitely a sense of purpose in what we do here,” Harris said. “As much as I would probably enjoy being an electrician

outside the shipyard, I would never see a house I built on the news going off to launch planes and kill terrorists.”

Rose Brodie (O34) served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years. The Air Force’s core values – Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do – remain important to her and helped draw her to NNS. “I wanted to jump into something where I still felt comfortable and where I was still serving,” she said. “Every day is a new day to excel. Every day is a new opportunity for growth.”

Rafael E. Faria (X44) served in the U.S. Army for 25 years. “Overall, serving in the Army was a very good experience. I think it made me a better American. It really

made me appreciate this country even more because I have seen a lot of places outside the United States. Overall, things in this country were much better than every place I served,” he said.

Dean Gonsalves (X47) served in the Air National Guard. He was in the Army ROTC as a student at the Virginia Military Institute and his father served in the Marines. Now at NNS, he has had the opportunity to learn more about the Navy.

“It just makes you proud to be a part of an organization that defends this country,” Gonsalves said. “It has been a good eyeopening experience for me because I’ve been able to see all branches of the military.”

Shipbuilders Complete Third Annual LEAD Forward Program Newport News Shipbuilding partnered with LEAD Virginia and community leaders to host the three-day LEAD Forward program in September and October. The class included 33 early- and mid-career level NNS leaders representing 18 divisions.

The program, now in its third year, was designed by LEAD Virginia to advance leadership development among NNS professionals. Partnering with Hampton Roads businesses, the LEAD Forward program provides immersive learning experiences. It also exposes participants to the various regional economic and environmental factors that impact various businesses, how business leaders assess and respond to those factors, and the implications of those factors as they relate to NNS. “The NNS LEAD Forward Program is a great opportunity for current and future leaders to build relationships and understand how NNS leaders influence not only our company, but our Hampton Roads community,” said Brian Fields, vice president of Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81) Aircraft Carrier Programs and a LEAD Virginia program graduate.

This year’s LEAD Forward program class included 33 shipuilders from across the company.

Photo by Ashley Cowan

“The LEAD Forward program is one-of-a-kind,” said Susan Jacobs, vice president of Human Resources and Administration. “Participants receive both professional and personal leadership development as they discover more about who they are as leaders – and who they aspire to become. It is my hope that participants completing the LEAD Forward program find their perspectives broadened and leave a little different than when they entered it.”

NNS to Christen New Jersey (SSN 796) Vaccinated Shipbuilders Win Raffles CONTINUED FROM PG 1

All in-person guests (adults and children) must provide hard copy proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 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.

For more information, visit nns.huntingtoningalls.com/SSN796.

A series of cash raffles meant to thank employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 has resulted in two more winners.

Tramaine Stokes (X36) and Adam Krininger (X02) each won $3,750 in a drawing held Nov. 5. The final weekly drawings are scheduled for Nov. 12 and 19. Each event will result in two more winners, with each employee winning $2,500. In addition, NNS will hold one more raffle for a reserved Zone A parking spot, good for one year, at the end of November.

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AROUND THE YARD Software Center of Excellence Completes Successful Appraisal

Pictured from left are Matthew Burris and Reby Vanta.

Shipbuilders Recognized During Conference Two Newport News Shipbuilding employees were honored during the 2021 Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) National Conference and STEM Career Fair, the largest conference and career fair for Asian Americans in the United States.

Matthew Burris (E24) received the Career Achievement award. The award recognizes highly experienced, mid-career professionals who have made significant achievements in engineering and the nominee’s performance as a role model and mentor for Asian and Pacific Islanders in technology.

Reby Vanta (E63) received a Promising Professional award. The award recognizes early career professionals who demonstrate tremendous potential for future contributions to the fields of science and engineering.

E44’s Software Center of Excellence (SwCoE) has been appraised at level 3 of the CMMI Institute’s Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI). E44’s SwCoE is the only entity at Newport News Shipbuilding that is CMMI-3 appraised for meeting standards for software development and test programs. The independent appraisal was performed by Virginia-based ANTS Corporation. This marks E44’s second successful CMMI appraisal; the first occurred in 2015.

The CMMI Institute is part of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association. CMMI was developed by the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, initiated by the U.S. Department of Defense, to assess the quality and capability of software contractors.

CMMI is a capability improvement model approach that provides thousands of organizations with the essential elements of effective processes that ultimately improve their performance.

A CMMI level 3 appraisal demonstrates improved performance to meet the needs of NNS customers. At a level 3 maturity, processes in the SwCoE at NNS are assured to be well characterized and understood, and are described in standards, procedures, tools, and methods. A software engineering organization at this level consistently

Members of the team that took part in the appraisal are pictured outside VASCIC. Photo by Ashley Cowan

delivers quality products on time and within budget, core principles of the SwCoE’s business objectives.

The SwCoE’s Andy Moburg and Genevieve Gilliland led the appraisal.

“This appraisal does not represent a ‘finish line’ but reflects an unbiased external opinion that our efforts support creating a quality product for our customer and that we are on the correct path. From here we will build upon this foundation in our journey of continuous process improvement,” said Andrew Limbaugh, one of SwCoE’s four core managers.

Moburg and Gilliland are excited to engage in sustainment activities moving forward, including expansion of the continuous process improvement beyond the SwCoE.

NNS Vaccination Site Now Offers Booster and Flu Shots COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are now available at the NNS Vaccination Site (Bldg. 601) for all Newport News Shipbuilding employees who received the Pfizer vaccine and have been fully vaccinated for six months. Appointments are encouraged but walkins also are accepted. Proof of vaccination must be presented. NNS is working to expand booster shot opportunities for employees who received the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Operating hours at the site are from 4:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Monday and Tuesday and from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

In addition, flu shots are also available at the NNS Vaccination Site.

Again, walk-ins are welcome but appointments are encouraged.

Employees can receive flu shots or COVID-19 vaccines/boosters only, or get both during the same visit. To schedule an appointment, visit myquadmed.com/hii-nns/COVID-vaccine.

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported last week: 22

Total cases at NNS: 4,800

NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 3,795

NNS employees vaccinated: 69%

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

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DATEBOOK NOVEMBER 9

New Sign-On Bonuses for Experienced Welders

NOVEMBER 30

Join Engineering & Design, Mike Altrogge and Rick Burgos from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session on the Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG). VERG supports our proud community of veterans and encourage each other through shared experiences, veteran recruitment, career development and providing awareness of veterans benefits. Learn more about VERG. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend.

For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.

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

NOVEMBER 11

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.

NOVEMBER 16

Newport News Shipbuilding’s Engagement and Diversity & Inclusion offices will host the sixth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Jan. 14 with guest speaker Dwayne Blake, HII corporate vice president of Investor Relations. There will be sessions to accommodate all three shifts (with limited capacity) in Bldg. 4930 with a livestream option. The events are open to all employees by reservation only. Look for more information in future editions of Currents.

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.

JANUARY 14

Join Engineering & Design and Tawana Robinson (O44) from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session on Future Leader Xperience (FLX). The FLX program prepares shipbuilders who are interested in pursuing a path to a first-line leadership position or other positions of increasing responsibility. Are you ready to start your leadership journey? Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.

ON THE COVER

Pictured from top left are Rafael E. Faria and Frank Harris. Pictured from bottom left are Dean Gonsalves, Rose Brodie, Allison Whipkey and Craig Heaton.

They appear in reverse order on the right side wearing their military uniforms. No masks were required because each photo was taken individually.

Employees are encouraged to share these opportunities. Visit buildyourcareer.com for more information.

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE

TRAFFIC SAFETY REMINDER

Newport News Shipbuilding reminds employees to drive safely and adhere to posted speed limits as they travel to and from the shipyard. To improve safety and as the result of excessive speeding in the area, the Newport News Police Department is enhancing enforcement efforts along Warwick Boulevard between 47th Street and Cedar Lane.

SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS

“The company has a critical need to hire hundreds of welders now and all next year,” said Kelly Fischer, Talent Acquisition manager. “These sign-on bonuses make NNS more competitive and may encourage more experienced welders to relocate to our area.”

Additionally, NNS is now offering $1,000 cash bonus awards to current NNS employees who refer trades candidates, including welders, who are hired. Visit the REFER program resource page at huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refer-afriend for more information.

NOVEMBER 28

Nov. 28 is the deadline to apply for a 2022 summer internship 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).

Newport News Shipbuilding is offering $2,500-$5,000 sign-on bonuses for experienced welders. Welders with one to five years of experience can earn a $2,500 sign-on bonus. Welders with six or more years of experience can earn a $5,000 signon bonus. In addition, NNS will continue to offer $500 sign-on bonuses to entry-level and welder trainees where no experience is required. Job seekers who apply through until Dec. 31 are eligible for the signon bonuses. The sign-on bonuses are for external new hires. Current NNS employees are ineligible.

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

Job Title

Req Number

Dept.

Location

CNC Machinist (Experienced) Engineer Nuclear 3 Engineer Structural 2 Fitter (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Outside Machinist (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Pipefitter (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Refueler (Experienced) Welder (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced)

10031 11155, 11164 10843 11550, 11884, 11564 10095, 10093, 10094 10379, 10384, 10385 10096 10109,10099,11024,11006

M53 E86 O48 X11 X43 X11 X43 X18

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.

Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual Holiday Food Drive is underway and runs through Nov. 30.

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

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

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Visit YouGiveGoods.com/nnsholidayfooddrive2021 to purchase items online.

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

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Visit nns.YourCause.com to make a one-time credit card payment or a one-time or recurring 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. For more information, email CorporateCitizenship@hii-nns.com.