11 l 20 l 2017
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
The sun rises over Newport News Shipbuilding. Photo by Ashley Cowan
NNS Shines During Security Assessment Newport News Shipbuilding received the highest possible security posture rating – SUPERIOR – following a recent Security Vulnerability Assessment at the shipyard.
Apprentice Elise Feldt, a Career Pathways volunteer, reads to second graders at Palmer Elementary School in Newport News. Photo by John Whalen
Shipbuilders Read to Local Students Several Newport News Shipbuilding employees spent Thursday morning reading shipyardthemed storybooks to students at Palmer Elementary School in Newport News in support of American Education Week. Shipbuilders read three books penned by NNS employees: “The Adventures of Ingalls” by Doris McNair (O14), “L’il Tug” by Phyllis Evans (E81) and “Good Ships” by Joe Purvis (E83). McNair, Evans and Purvis won first, second and third place, respectively, in Career Pathways’ New Tools for the Next Class Storybook Contest. “Not only did shipbuilders have the opportunity to come out to read books and enrich the lives of students, but they also were able to share materials from the New Tools for the Next Class Contest Series,” said Career Pathways Representative Pierrette Swan. “This was an amazing opportunity to show these students the wonderful things going on at Newport News Shipbuilding.” McNair was among the NNS volunteers who read to students in kindergarten through third grade.“It was very exciting. I like working with kids and helping to inspire them. I like seeing their thoughts and how they react to information,” she said. “I wanted to send the message that we’re all different. We all have unique talents, and we can all do great things when we grow up.” CONTINUED ON PG 2
The Defense Security Service conducted the assessment at NNS Oct. 23-27 to evaluate the effectiveness of the company’s security program to ensure compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). The NISPOM establishes requirements for government contractors to protect classified information. “The results of this assessment are a testament to the high level of knowledge and professionalism that our employees demonstrate on a daily basis,” said Facility Security Officer John Forlow. “Our SUPERIOR rating is a reflection of a lot of hard work on the part of all of our employees to learn about their security responsibilities and take them seriously.” He said the security team has worked for the past three years to address vulnerabilities and engage face-to-face with shipbuilders to talk about security. NNS last received a SUPERIOR rating in 2011. “Our ratings impact how frequently we are assessed, so there is a very real cost savings in having to prepare less frequently for audits,” Forlow said. “Everyone who took part in the preparation, execution, administration or any other facet of this assessment did remarkably well.”