11 l 22 l 2021
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Work Begins to Reclaim Land at Dry Dock 3
Photo by Ashley Cowan
A small ceremony in early November officially marked the beginning of the end for Newport News Shipbuilding’s Dry Dock 3. John Anderson, NNS’ senior dockmaster, and other officials poured buckets of water into the dry dock as it was flooded likely for the last time, more than 100 years after its first flooding. “The long-term plan is to fill in the dry dock to gain back real estate,” Anderson said. “We’re in the early stages where we need to flood the dock, scrap the dry dock gate and build a new bulkhead across the entrance.” Dry Dock 3 is one of the three original timber dry docks built at NNS. Construction
began in December 1905, and it officially opened in 1908. The dry dock was reconstructed in 1966 and docked its last vessel – Los Angeles-class submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) – in 1996. The dry dock had been modified over the years for a specific function – to dock an older class of submarines – and it became difficult to use for other purposes. In the 1990s, a decline in commercial ship repair work at NNS led to excess capacity, and in 2002 the company voluntarily decertified the dry dock. To reclaim the land, crews will remove all steelwork like stairs, stanchions and piping systems, break up the concrete floor and walls, and fill the area with dirt. The ground
will be suitable to drive piles for building construction if that’s how the company decides to use the space. With NNS’ current workload at record levels – and waterfront space at a premium – Anderson said the multi-year project to reclaim the dry dock is important. “This is the first dry dock we’ve ever decommissioned and planned to fill in,” he said. “This is definitely a unique project, and it’s part of the NNSFORWARD Strategy to make these kinds of investments into the plant. I’m excited because it’s unusable in its current state, and this will allow us to make it usable space again.”
Vaccination Mandate Suspended The previously announced COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Newport News Shipbuilding employees has been suspended. NNS President Jennifer Boykin issued a message to employees last week regarding the changes. In her message, Boykin wrote that NNS’ Navy contracts “do not include a vaccine mandate requirement at this time.” As a result of the new information, COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition
of employment for current or leased employees. Employees who applied for a religious or medical exemption are being contacted in writing with additional clarification. Shipbuilders who opted to submit for retirement or to resign as a result of the federal mandate have the option to request reversal of their decision. Employees are still encouraged to get vaccinated and to provide... CONTINUED ON PG 2
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Shipbuilders Support Local Foundation The Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG) is recognizing the hard work and effort of shipbuilders Dwayne Banks (O43), Amy O’Donnell (O43) and Michael Chandler (X21). The Facilities Maintenance Department (O43) recently donated 30 sleeping cots to the Dreams of Hope Foundation in Newport News. O43 purchased the cots during the 2019 hurricane season for essential personnel who stay on-site when normal shipyard operations cease. To increase the safety of their work area, Banks and his team have been diligently working to declutter the Material Handling Warehouse (Bldg. 103) of unused and obsolete material. O43 worked closely with the VERG and Simone Dreher, executive director of the Dreams of Hope Foundation, to take custody of the cots. Founded in 2012 by Dreher and her husband Coy, the foundation provides meals, shelter and mental health services to those in need. The foundation, supported through donations and volunteers, has become a staple in Newport News for those who have nowhere else to turn.
Vaccination Mandate Suspended CONTINUED FROM PG 1
...proof of vaccination to the NNS Access Center (Bldg. 625). The NNS Vaccination Site will remain open through Dec. 22. Hours of operation are 4:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays and 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. Monday hours will be reduced to 6:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. beginning Nov. 29.
The company’s mask and in-person social gathering policies remain in effect. NNS will continue to conduct contact tracing investigations if an employee is found to have COVID-19. Testing and quarantine procedures remain in place for employees identified as close contacts.
Vaccinated Shipbuilders Win Raffles A series of cash raffles meant to thank Newport News Shipbuilding employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 has resulted in two more winners. Jean Moore (O51) and Wonda Clary (X33) each won $2,500 in the final cash raffle drawing on Nov. 19. In addition, NNS will hold one more raffle for a reserved Zone A parking spot, good for one year, at the end of November.
Holiday Food Drive Continues Through Nov. 30 Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual Holiday Food Drive runs through Nov. 30. Information about how shipbuilders can make donations is below. • Weatherproof containers are located inside the gates at turnstiles for food drop off. • Visit YouGiveGoods.com/nns-holidayfooddrive2021 to purchase items online. • Use an online platform for monetary donations. • 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.
USW LOCAL 8888 LABOR CONTRACT UPDATE
Last week, United Steelworkers (USW) Local 8888 members at Newport News Shipbuilding voted against a new labor contract that was negotiated over the past two months. Work will continue under a contract extension, and the company and USW will continue to honor all current contract terms and conditions as both teams work to reach an agreement on the new one. As the company and union determine next steps, NNS provided information on the main highlights of the company’s offer in a message to employees on Nov. 19.
Simone Dreher and Dwayne Banks are pictured with donated cots.
Talent Acquisition Wraps Up Fall Recruiting Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition (K21) wrapped up university fall recruiting season Oct. 28 with West Virginia University. Since September, Talent Acquisition, along with support from the Contracts and Pricing, Engineering and Design, and Nuclear Propulsion divisions connected with more than 600 students at in-person and virtual recruiting events. In addition to West Virginia University, other schools included North Carolina State University, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Virginia State University, the College of William & Mary, the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Akron, Hampton University, Christopher Newport University, Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University. Talent Acquisition also supported recruiting events at the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) conferences. As a reminder, Talent Acquisition is accepting applications for 2022 summer internships until Nov. 28. December 2021 graduates should apply for open entry-level positions now. Employees are encouraged to share these opportunities. Visit huntingtoningalls.com/ hii-careers/co-op-internship-opportunities or buildyourcareer.com for more information.
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AROUND THE YARD Did You Know?: Consistency in Allocating Costs Charging similar costs as indirect on one contract but direct on another contract is a Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) noncompliance. A CAS noncompliance could result in downward contract price adjustments, cash withholds and other detrimental financial impacts to the company. For this reason, it is important to be consistent in charging labor and material costs. Government Financial Relations (O74) can provide assistance in determining the correct way to charge.
Nominations Open for Diversity Conferences Newport News Shipbuilding celebrates shipbuilders by recognizing success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through the participation in national conventions and award conferences. NNS supports six major STEM Diversity Conferences each year. Twice a year, NNS requests nominations of employees who have and are making significant contributions to the company to be recognized during these diversity conferences. Nominations for the conferences listed below are open through Dec. 15. Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE): SASE recognizes the achievements of Asian Pacific Islander Americans students and professionals in their respective worlds. Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE): SHPE aims to change lives by empowering the Hispanic community to its full potential in STEM awareness. SHPE was created to bring awareness, provide access and prepare Hispanics for STEM careers. Women of Color (WOC): The WOC STEM Conference recognizes outstanding women and provides opportunities for professional development, networking and recruiting. To learn more about nominating an employee, visit the Diversity Conference and Awards website.
The Apprentice School Celebrates Veterans The Apprentice School celebrated Veterans Day by reaching out to the brave men and women who served in the armed forces and thanking them for defending America’s freedom during an appreciation event. All veterans from The Apprentice School were invited to share a little about their service. They highlighted the many places they were stationed, the amazing people they met along the way, and some of the missions they carried out. The school thanks U.S. Navy veterans Milan Willis (X32), Josh Crawford (E06T) and Eugenia Duncan (X33); U.S. Marine Corps veterans Sally Krystyn (O22) and Patrick Krystyn (O22); U.S. Army veteran Bruce White (O22); U.S. Coast Guard veteran Curtis Tamplet (O22); Army National Guard veteran Brian Burnham (X33) and U.S. Air Force veteran Steve Romolo (O22) for their service and for participating. The Apprentice School also thanks all veterans for their service, and invites even more veterans to participate in the event next year.
NNS Recognizes New Women’s ERG at the YMCA Julia Jones, vice president of Manufacturing and Facilities, gave the keynote address Friday at the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas’ launch of its new Women’s Leadership Resource Network. Jones serves on the board of directors for the YMCA and encouraged members of the employee resource group to think big when determining its mission. “I encourage you to think about what your vision is for your new group,” Jones said. “Don’t create glass ceilings for what this group can accomplish. When we’re empowered, and when we work together, there’s no limit to what we can do.” The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas represents 17 centers across southeastern Virginia.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19
Cases reported last week: 25
Total cases at NNS: 4,831
NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 4,001
NNS employees vaccinated: 74%
See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
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DATEBOOK NOVEMBER 28
Earn a Bonus by Referring Successful Trades Candidates
DECEMBER 9
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).
The Spear and Gear Toastmasters Club invites shipbuilders to a virtual Toastmasters meeting via Zoom to hear speech presentations, speech evaluations and participate in table topics to develop public speaking, listening and leadership skills from 6 until 7 p.m. Those interested in joining should contact Jamar Skyles (E03), Paul Gee Jr. (O52) and Tammy Smith (N358) for more information and to receive the Zoom link.
NOVEMBER 30
The Engagement and Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) offices invite shipbuilders to join their monthly ED&I Together Strong Life Unites Panel Discussion Series: Celebrating The Art of Becoming from 4:30 until 6 p.m. via Zoom. Panelists include Joshua Buchanan (X51), Melanie McGrath (O60), Fatina Brave-Ingalls, Tina Lawrence (E70) and Miranda Williams of the Technical Solutions division. This event is open to all NNS employees. Register on MyNNS. No charge will be provided. Email DiversityAndInclusion@hii-nns.com for more information.
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.
DECEMBER 7
The L.E.A.R.N. Program and Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) will host an after-work presentation with HII President and CEO Mike Petters from 4 to 5 p.m. via WebEx. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on the L.E.A.R.N. website. No charge is provided. For questions, contact Tanika Vasquez (E08) at 688-7916 or email LEARN@hii-nns.com.
DECEMBER 13
THROUGH DECEMBER 31
The most wonderful time of the year can also be filled with financial stress, but the BeWell Smart Holiday Spending Program can help you control holiday spending to keep you and your budget merry and bright. You’ll track your progress on Wellness Online and, for completing the program, receive a copy of the book “Fuel: The Most Important Number in Your Financial Life” by SmartPath CEO Alok Deshpande. Visit Wellness Online to enroll and start the program.
Newport News Shipbuilding is offering $1,000 cash bonus awards to current employees who refer trades candidates who are hired. The previous amount was $500. “The company has a critical need to hire right now,” said Cindi Wolfe, director of Talent Acquisition. “We’re excited to be able to offer this increased cash bonus award to our current employees as an incentive for them to refer friends and family they think would be great shipbuilders.” Referrals must be submitted through the internal employee Careers site by signing in with their MyHR ID and must be submitted by Dec. 31. Employees will be required to submit a copy of their referral’s resume. This is a system requirement. Both the referral and job seeker’s application must be submitted before the job posting deadline. Cash bonus awards will be paid after the new hire starts work. For more information, visit the REFER program resource page at huntingtoningalls. com/hii-careers/refer-a-friend.
Know Your Numbers Program Underway
MASTER SHIPBUILDER CLASS OF 1981
If you are a Master Shipbuilder who started your career at Newport News Shipbuilding in 1981 and are interested in sharing your shipyard story, please let us know by sending an email to Currents@hii-nns.com.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Fitter (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) HII Mechanical – Project Management Analyst 3 Product Trainer 3 Welder (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced)
11550, 11884, 11564 10017 12344 12784, 12764, 12744
X11 Newport News N910 Newport News O26, O67 Newport News X18 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.
Editor: Nicholas Langhorne Currents@hii-nns.com
Currents is published every Monday for employees of Newport News Shipbuilding. To submit a story, visit nns.huntingtoningalls.com/currents.
Huntington Ingalls Industries has kicked off the 2021-2022 cycle of the Know Your Numbers program. Eligible employees have until March 31, 2022, to complete the two program requirements: a health screening and a wellness profile. Salaried Newport News Shipbuilding and HII corporate employees who complete both program requirements will qualify for a discounted medical rate on their HII Anthem medical plan beginning July 1, 2022 – a savings of $600 annually compared to the standard medical rate. Hourly employees and employees not enrolled in an eligible HII medical plan can complete the program on a voluntary basis to be entered to win giveaways. Visit myquadmed.com/KYN to take steps to complete the program. Get News. Give Feedback. Follow Huntington Ingalls Industries: