12 | 15 | 2014
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Kennedy Tree Spreads Holiday Cheer in North Yard Shipbuilders working on the construction of aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) spread cheer on the Final Assembly Platen (FAP) in the weeks leading to shipyard shutdown with a safety tree. According to CVN 79 Construction Superintendent Lee Murphy, crews came up with the idea to build a tree to hang “S” and “J” hooks, on as well as other supplies, that would typically be placed in barrels when not in use. “We have a bunch of ‘line trees’ in our work area already for line management and to keep lines off the ground, so, coming up with a tree to hang other supplies on came natural to us,” said Samuel Brandon (X31). “Having these items hung on a tree is not only easier for us to get to, it’s also safer because we reduce potential trip hazards and it saves us time by having our supplies near us when we need them.” Welder Dante Johnson (X18) and Fitter Lee Morton (X11) constructed the tree and set it up following the Thanksgiving holiday. “Once the tree was built, we began using it,” said Morton. “But with the holidays in full swing, we thought it would also be neat to make the tree festive by hanging lights and other ornaments on the tree as well.” Shipfitter Tyrone Armstrong (X11) said that once the crew put a few decorations on, they invited other trades to hang an ornament representative of their trade on the tree as well. “We wanted everyone in the shipyard family to be represented,” Armstrong said. Some of the items on the tree include tape, a bucket, steel toe boots and a hard hat with a sticker from every trade. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Shipbuilders Spread Cheer By Giving Back to the Community this Holiday Season. ... SEE PG 2-3
Watch the Latest Edition of Focus NNS Featuring the Top Stories of 2014. ... SEE PG 4
Don’t Miss NNS’ Holiday Salute on WVEC Dec. 20 through Jan. 1. ... SEE PG 9