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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Nicholas Langhorne
NNS’ First Truck Crane In Service Newport News Shipbuilding’s first truck crane is officially in service. The 100-ton crane has been in the shipyard for about a year as shipbuilders have been getting it certified for use and training for qualification. Earlier this month, Jacqulyn Sheppard (X36) operated the crane to place a forklift in Dry Dock 2. “This is the first productive lift we’ve had with the crane, and hopefully it will help save a lot of money,” X36 Foreman Charles George said as he watched the evolution. He said the crane will help service ships around the shipyard if other cranes are down for repairs. It also will perform “odd jobs” like placing items in dry docks or on top of buildings, helping to eliminate the need for truck crane rentals. “The boom can go out to 200 feet, so it can pretty much get anywhere in the shipyard,” George said. Sheppard is currently the only female mobile crane operator at NNS. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years. I was in the military before, and I’ve operated cranes all over the place.” She is still training on the truck crane – which she said is much more intricate than other mobile cranes – and was excited to make the first in-service lift. “This is intense training. It has been a long time coming,” she said. “It’s kind of cool. Women can operate the big stuff, too.”
The Future of Welding Heeding the call of “arc on,” observers’ welding helmets quickly come down. At the flick of a switch, a magnetic crawler begins to move, assisting the weld torch along its remotely controlled journey, filling the weld groove one pass at a time. Welding – the process of joining two components together – is part art and part science. Working with molten filler metal is a potentially dangerous, labor intensive and critical tool in manufacturing environments. However, creation of this weld was far from typical; the magnetic crawler and weld torch are not manually operated by a welder or with a pendant, but rather through a haptic stylus and computer, feet away from hot steel. Peering intently into a laptop, a welder skillfully completed his first TeleWeld pass. The overall project was facilitated by Newport News Shipbuilding Technology Development (E32). NNS is the lead... CONTINUED ON PG 2
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Taking Action for Safety When they saw a safety hazard caused by an uncovered hole at the Modular Outfitting Facility (MOF), two shipbuilders took action. “Enough was enough,” said Edward Taylor (X11). “We had to do something before someone fell. There probably was a cover at some point, but it was lost a while ago.” A piece of sheet metal had been used to cover the small hole near one of the building’s bay doors. But after it was run over and bent by a forklift, the temporary cover became a hazard as well. What Taylor and Rodney Walker (X11) did after they saw fellow shipbuilders tripping over the hole impressed VCS Safety Rep H.D. Trulley. “Without anybody saying anything, they took it upon themselves to find a piece of scrap metal, measured it, cut it out, and even had feet welded to the bottom so it would stay in place,” Trulley said. “That is the example of engagement and the type of culture that we want to create here. Safety is personal. We all have to own it and live it. Our lives depend on it.”
Rodney Walker, left, and Edward Taylor with the cover they made to keep shipbuilders safe. Photo by Ashley Cowan
Walker said he and Taylor were just looking out for the safety of fellow shipbuilders. “You want everybody to go home safe. You don’t want anybody getting hurt,” Walker said. • Create a method for craftsmen and craftswomen to get exposure, gain confidence and guide future efforts in remote controlled manufacturing technologies.
The system demonstrated is designed specifically for mechanized MIG welding. However, remote welding technology could be expanded to other types of welding in the future. Remote welding is not a new concept for NNS. The company already has some welding set-ups for specific applications using cameras to view welds with a set work station distanced from where the weld is made. The main difference of the Tele-Weld system is its trackless crawler, which provides more versatile capabilities, and a portable remote system with potential to be located anywhere. The Tele-Weld system showed promise when tested by NNS welders.
The Future of Welding CONTINUED FROM PG 1
...partner along with the Edison Welding Institute for Tele-Welding: Remote Operation of Shipyard Welding Equipment project. Further support came from the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP), which aims to reduce total ownership cost and improve capabilities of both government and commercial ships. Additional partners include Robotic Technologies of Tennessee, General Dynamics Electric Boat and Visible Welding. Three years in the making, the design impetus was to: • Develop a system allowing craftsmen and craftswomen to operate welding equipment from a remote location.
“The main impact to welding operations this technology would have is the ability to better utilize existing experienced welders who, due to age, injury, or other mobility restrictions, cannot weld in some of the more physically demanding shipyard environments,” said Ryan Lottes, project welding engineer. “It would also prevent injuries and provide a better work environment for trades currently welding applications where a Tele-Weld system could be used.” The welding test group saw a great deal of promise in the remote Tele-Weld system and recognized benefits it could offer welding trades. As subject matter experts, welders provided valuable feedback to developers on additional capabilities the prototype system needs to be effectively used at NNS. Implementation of this technology ultimately has potential to shift welding into a high tech, clean environment while encouraging a new generation to consider welding and manufacturing as a career choice. By significantly reducing geographical labor pool impacts, remote welding can allow personnel of diverse physical capabilities to contribute to the workforce.
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AROUND THE YARD New Jersey Christening and Model of Excellence Programs Available Newport News Shipbuilding employees who would like hard copies of programs from the New Jersey (SSN 796) christening or 2021 Model of Excellence programs can pick them up in the lobby of Bldg. 520. Commemorative New Jersey christening posters also are available in the lobby.
Holiday Food Drive Ends Nov. 30 Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual Holiday Food Drive runs through Tuesday, 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/nnsholidayfooddrive2021 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 onetime 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.
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.
Talent Acquisition Sponsors Holiday “Military Moments” Campaign Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is partnering with radio station 101.3/2WD to sponsor the annual “Military Moments/Military Salute” campaign this holiday season. These are messages from active service members to family and friends that will be shared through Dec. 26 as the station plays holiday music. NNS Talent Acquisition has been a proud sponsor of this campaign since 2012.
Know Your Numbers Program Underway 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.
NNS Vaccination Site Open Through Dec. 22 The NNS Vaccination Site (Bldg. 601) will remain open through Dec. 22 to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Mondays, 4:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. The site offers Pfizer first and second shots, plus Pfizer boosters that are suitable for any type of initial vaccine. Employees can also receive flu shots. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. Visit myquadmed.com/hii-nns/COVID-vaccine to schedule an appointment. Although the vaccination mandate has been suspended, NNS strongly encourages shipbuilders to get vaccinated.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported last week: 12 Total cases at NNS: 4,843 NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 4,011 NNS employees vaccinated: 74% See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
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DATEBOOK NOVEMBER 30
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 9
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.
DECEMBER 13
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), Tina Lawrence (E70), Fatina Brave of Ingalls Shipbuilding, 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.
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) Outside Machinist (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Refueler (Experienced) Sheet Metal Worker (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced) Welder (Trainee, Entry-level & Experienced)
11550, 11884, 11564 12964, 12924, 12944 12965 12805, 12794, 12804 12784, 12764, 12744
X11 X43 X43 X32 X18
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.
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.
DECEMBER 18
The Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) is requesting volunteers to assist in laying Christmas wreaths in support of National Wreaths Across America Day from noon until 2 p.m. at Hampton National Cemetery. This a great family event to show support in our community. No charge will be provided. Sign up on NNS Gives (nns.YourCause.com). For additional information, contact Paul Gee (O52) at 688-9134 or Mike Altrogge (E84) at 380-3460.
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.
BLOOD DRIVES
Newport News Shipbuilding is hosting blood drives in support of the American Red Cross. A time charge will be provided for employees who donate. Blood drives will be held from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) on the following dates: •
Nov. 30
•
Dec. 2
•
Dec. 7
To schedule an appointment, contact Natasha Eck or Sunny Lee via email.
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