Photo by John Whalen
FALL 2016
SUPER
LIFT 1735 Shipbuilders do a lot of heavy lifting, but when a mass of steel is as heavy as six blue whales, success calls for organization, teamwork and safety. On Aug. 29, 30 shipbuilders hoisted 900 tons of steel, dubbed superlift 1735, into Dry Dock 12 and onto John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second Gerald. R. Ford-class aircraft carrier. The lift, comprising an airconditioning machinery room and vacuum-collection pump room, is one of nearly 90 superlifts to be placed in the dry dock and joined together since the Kennedy’s keel was laid in August 2015. Kennedy is on track to be completed with 445 lifts, 51 fewer than Ford and 149 fewer than USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), the last Nimitz-class carrier. Kennedy’s superlifts are larger, heavier and more outfitted than the Ford’s lifts, a lesson learned from construction of the lead ship that is helping to reduce construction costs and improve efficiencies on Kennedy. For Shipfitter Bill Scillath, superlift 1735 was only his second. He was responsible for ensuring everything was secure on the unit before the superlift was hoisted into the dry dock.
A 900-ton unit is lifted onto John F. Kennedy (CVN79). Photo by John Whalen
“Everybody has to work together, and safety is a top priority,” Scillath said. “You make sure you know what you’re doing. Nine hundred tons is a
lot of weight, so you can’t lose your head in this business. You have to stay focused.” A lift this large requires the expertise of everyone from the crane operator and the riggers to the shipfitters and construction supervisors, said Pipefitter Chris Eckstein, who helped build the AC plant and ran the crew as a make-up supervisor. “It takes a lot of teamwork to pull off a successful lift. There’s a lot of communication between the construction supervisors and the trades. It’s not a productive day without teamwork.” Organization is also essential, said Deck Electrician Odis Wesby, who helped electrify the unit. “You have to have a plan and sometimes you have to adjust it. Organization is key because it takes away a lot of rework. What goes into a successful superlift is all of the qualities of a good marriage, basically.” When the superlift slowly rises into the air and makes its way into place on the aircraft carrier, it signifies yet another goal reached. “It’s gratifying to stand back and watch and realize what we did in a short amount of time,” Eckstein said. “To think, ‘We did all of this in six months,’ and what it took to get there – staging issues, weather issues and everything else. It definitely makes you proud.” I By Christie Miller
GENERATIONS
L-R: Daniel Bloom III, Andrew Joseph Butler, Jim S. Butler, Joseph Butler Jr. and Joseph Donald Butler. Photos by Chris Oxley
The Butler family has worked at Newport News Shipbuilding for 130 years, ever since Joseph Garrett Butler walked through the gates in 1886. At only 10 years old, Joseph Garrett Butler delivered cold water to shipbuilders working on Dorothy and other hulls for 75 cents a day. A hard worker, he quickly learned what it meant to be a great shipbuilder. He spent the next 31 years at the shipyard, driving mules and carts carrying material for ships. Since then, Joseph Garrett Butler’s relatives – five generations – have worked here, including his greatgrandsons and great-great grandsons who are employed here today. Butler’s sons, Boyd Butler and Garrett Joseph Butler, worked at the shipyard from 1919 to 1969 using planers, drill presses, shears and punches in the Fabrication Department. Garrett had two sons who worked at the shipyard. His youngest, John Carter Butler, worked as a welder before retiring as a welding instructor in 1999. Garrett’s other son, Joseph Donald Butler, was working at a local park during the spring when an NNS superintendent offered him a job at the shipyard. He was a foreman and
general foreman who worked on the S.S. United States. He was also the first of the family to work shipboard. “I’ll never forget coming to the shipyard as a 19-year-old kid and going up to the top deck of the United States,” Joseph Donald Butler said. “I could see my reflection in the water of the swimming pool. It was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life.” Beginning his shipyard career in 1975, Systems Engineer Joseph Butler Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and became a foreman in 1984. He worked 21 years in carrier reactor plants and new construction carrier planning before accepting a job in the IT department. He even took his father’s parking space when he retired. “I guess it’s something I didn’t really think that much about,” he said of making the decision to work at NNS. “It was just something that each generation of our family did – working here.” His brother Jim S. Butler is a foreman who has worked in submarine and carrier programs throughout his career since he started in 1981. “It makes you feel really good and proud to say that we, not just Newport News Shipbuilding, have been around for 130 years,” Jim Butler said. “I hope the Butler name is here for another 130 years.” Now, Butler Jr.’s son and stepson, Andrew Joseph Butler and Daniel Bloom III, both work at the shipyard. Andrew went through the Advanced Apprentice program at The Apprentice School and now works in planning for the shipyard’s SharePoint team. His stepbrother Daniel is part of the team inactivating the legendary USS Enterprise (CVN 65). “It has been an interesting journey being a fifth-generation shipbuilder,” Andrew Butler said. “Knowing that my family has been a part of this company since the beginning, and has seen and worked most of the ships we’ve delivered – it’s inspiring. It’s what motivates me to come in every day and do the best job I can do.” I By Jeremy Bustin
FAMILY TIES
The Butler family has worked at NNS since the beginning.
James S. Butler (1981-present)
Boyd Butler (1919-1966)
Joseph Garrett Butler (1886-1917)
1875
1900
1925
1950
John Carter Butler (1976-1999) Daniel L. Bloom III (2013-present)
1975
Garrett Joseph Butler (1925-1969)
2000
Joseph Butler Jr. (1975-present)
Joseph Donald Butler (1952-1993) Andrew Joseph Butler (2004-present)
Shining a Light on
EXCELLENCE On September 28, 140 recipients of the 2016 Newport News Shipbuilding Model of Excellence Award were honored during a ceremony held at the Marriott at City Center in Newport News. The evening consisted of a reception and dinner followed by an awards presentation.
During his remarks, Newport News Shipbuilding President Matt Mulherin congratulated each employee on their extraordinary contributions and commitment. “You are passionate. You are innovative. And you never give up. You are our champions,” he said. Since the inception of the prestigious president’s award in 1994, four categories – leadership, operational excellence, innovative excellence and customer satisfaction – have been used to recognize individuals and teams for their significant achievements. This year, "Courage to Make a Difference” was added to recognize an individual or team that demonstrates courage as it pertains to ethics, inclusiveness, engagement and other behaviors that positively change the company culture or make a difference to the business or community. “I think every employee wants to do a great job,” said Curtis Armstrong, a member of the Big Dave and the Pinball Machine Team recognized for Innovation Excellence. “I’m just glad we have the opportunity to make a difference, affect change and work with great people.” Armstrong and his teammates researched and collaborated with global industry leaders and world-class
manufacturers to identify two unique machines to fit NNS’ pipe-bending needs. Cheryl Hardcastle, a member of the Kesselring S8G 15-2/3 Shutdown Hull Insulation Team in Milton, New York, said her team was honored to receive the MOE award. “Our team, along with so many others in New York, work hard every day supporting the Kesselring Site objective of Navy student training. We feel privileged to stand beside and be recognized with so many amazing Newport News shipbuilders.” For the past three years, Yasmine Robinson has managed every aspect of the MOE program. She said, “I have one of the most rewarding jobs in the shipyard. I work with a phenomenal group of men and women on the MOE Board who are responsible for evaluating each project over a two-month timeframe. I’d like to thank the MOE Board for their commitment to helping make this important recognition a priority.” During the two months, Robinson, the board, and facilitators Cynthia Allen-Whyte and Amanda Halfpenny review the nominated projects and innovations. Then the board makes its recommendations to the NNS president. From 52 nominations, the board recommended 18 projects and 140 employees for recognition. Visit the NNS website to see a highlight video of the MOE ceremony at http://nns.huntingtoningalls.com/employees/ pub/watch/moe2016.html. | By Gina Chew-Holman
2016
AWARD RECIPIENTS Jeffrey Adelman Curtis Armstrong Josh Ayer Perry Barber Jr. William Barrett Robert Barth Jeffrey Berry Robert Bishop Corey Boeninger Michael Bonelli Connie Boothe Reilly Bowman V Jason Boyce Rebecca Boyd Nicholas Brady Edmond Braxton Jr. Colon Brinkley III Garry Bunting Charles Butler Joseph Charland Chris Charnock II Justin Clark Max Coburn Jr. Eric Collins Jr. Paul Condron Jr. Dresella Cook Cody Coulter Patrick Cullins Michael Cunneen Robert Davenport Bruce Davis Carlton Davis Jr. Darren Davis David Dea David Deibler
Dominic Diangelis Paul England James Evans Gary Figg Melvin Fogg Ross Gambill Jr. James Gilliam Jr. David Gooding Alvin Goodwyn Deryck Grant Charles Gray George Hagley Jr. Randall Hall Cheryl Hardcastle Darnell Hawkins William Hayes Jr. Thomas Henderson Jr. Richard Henry Daniel Hladik Matthew Holding Scott Holt Craig Hooten Tracy Howard Christopher Howell Bruce Hufton Christopher Joseph Sean Kennison Shelton Laws James Lester Keith Liakos Adam Lilley Chien Chun Lin Robert Lynn Allan Mabe Tim Manning
Christopher Marshall James Martin William Massenburg Greg McCants William McCormick Jr. Dan Moniak Robin Moody Bryan Moore Eugene Moore Jeffrey Morris Ronald Morris II Renae Myles Jeffery Myrick John Nesbitt Andrew Nicholson Dennis Nodurft Stephanie Owen Kevin Patterson Floyd Pauling Eugene Phillips Jr. Bill Price Aaron Pritchett Kenney Quinn Jr. Anthony Raasch Eluy Raymond Mark Reynolds Anthony Rhodes Daniel Rhodes Kendall Ridenour David Roane Jeffrey Robbins Aaron Rutherford Pamela Setterholm Thomas Shaffner Michael Sheldon
Wesley Sheppard Jason Shorter Francisco Sisneros Craig Smith Dennis Smith William Smith Earl Sommers Garrett Sonnenberg David Stallings Patrick Stephenson Sharonda Steverson Harold Strickland Jr. Herbert Stringfield Wendell Sutton Jon Sweeney Rodney Taylor James Tierney Matthew Tillas Dale Trojan Carolyn Tucker Brian Utne Daniel Wagner Darrick Walker Mike Walters Kernell Washington Wayne Webb Jason Wiley James Williams Jr. Malcolm Williams Phillip Wilson Terence Wood Tony Wood Jack Wright Jr.
Photo by Allison Pittam
Graduates from the Continental Maritime of San Diego Weld School become certified and fully qualified to weld piping systems and hull structures on ships using shielded metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding processes.
34 & COUNTING
The seven most recent graduates of the Continental Maritime of San Diego Weld School bring the total to 34 employees who have earned welding certification since the program began in 2010. “It’s not an easy course,” explained Thomas ‘Goody’ Goodlett, Weld School director/instructor and a retired Master Chief hull technician who has worked for CMSD since 2009. “Students will spend two hours a day after their full work shift, every Monday through Thursday, and will also attend school on Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon.” The 20-week course requires students to pass a written test and perform procedures to become certified to weld piping systems and hull structures on ships, said Goodlett. “When a welder leaves our school, they’re fully qualified in two processes,” he added. Graduates are qualified in shielded metal arc welding, or STICK, and gas tungsten arc welding, or TIG. To be eligible to attend school, a CMSD employee must work in the shipyard for at least one year, learning about the departments and procedures. “Weld school definitely had its ups and downs, but I stuck with it,” said Devin Aguayo, who took the course to learn
a new skill. “I accomplished my goal to be a certified CMSD welder, but I’m also proud of completing a course that not everyone was able to.” Graduates get promoted for their newly learned technical capabilities and demonstrated skills, and are very grateful to their instructors for their support and encouragement. “Weld school was difficult in the beginning, but with help from my instructors, it became easier,” said graduate Fermin Solorio. “The Boiler Shop was in need of welders, and taking the class was an opportunity to learn another trade.” Solario was this year’s star student, earning eight qualifications. “I feel really good about graduating, but it’s only the first step,” he explained. “Now I need to get experience on the ships, and I know I’ll get better every time I weld.” Following graduation, the newly certified welders are assigned to a department, the CMSD shipyard at North Island, or the 32nd St. Naval Base. “I look forward to using my welding experience to become a valued employee for CMSD,” concluded Solorio. CMSD Vice President and General Manager Dan Flood told the graduates, “You took advantage of an opportunity we gave you. Let’s see you become the best artisans you can be. Congratulations on this career milestone.” Goodlett said CMSD started the school to groom welders. “It’s difficult to find qualified welders who can pass the Rapid Gate credential and understand both military specifications and our shipyard standards. Our welding program fulfills all these needs.” I By Allison Pittam
GOLD STANDARD The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding Praised as a Center for Training Excellence
The Council on Occupational Education has reaccredited The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding until 2022.
promised that integrity was the linchpin to my success as an apprentice. I came in with no knowledge and no experience, and the school has offered me an open door to my education and career. All they require from me is my integrity,” she said.
To retain accreditation, The Apprentice School had to maintain quality programs, undergo an extensive selfreview process, and continue to meet the council’s standards and conditions for accreditation.
Partnership with Old Dominion University
“The Apprentice School has become a national model for apprenticeship programs,” said Ray Bagley, Newport News’ vice president, Trades Operations. “Our faculty and staff go to great lengths to make the apprenticeship experience at Newport News Shipbuilding relevant. I applaud them for this outstanding accomplishment.” In a letter to the school, the council wrote: “The school excels at its primary mission to instruct students to such competency levels essential to success, making them a center for training excellence. The team found that the students were enthusiastic about their career possibilities, program progression and continuing education opportunities. The faculty is highly skilled, committed, professional, nurturing and worked collaboratively toward the school’s mission, creating an exceptional educational experience.” Apprentice Elise Feldt exemplifies the enthusiasm the council cited in its letter. “From the start, The Apprentice School
An innovative partnership launched three years ago by Old Dominion University and The Apprentice School contributes to the school’s excellence. “Our apprentices are full-time shipbuilders who were taking courses in one of the most academically challenging programs in higher education,” said Alicia Uzzle, manager of academics with The Apprentice School. The program integrates work experiences at the shipyard for the marine engineer apprentices while they also attend academic courses at ODU. A typical work week may find apprentices working full-time three days and attending academic classes two days of the week. Jarrod Griffith found the engineering classes an invaluable complement to his work as an apprentice shipbuilder. He took a materials science class at ODU, then used those skills to support his engineering work at NNS. “It’s really nice how it fits in. We’re able to use the knowledge we gain in the classroom right away,” Griffith said. “I think I’ve done well because I’ve had so much support.” This year, the first nine apprentices enrolled in the Professional Development Program graduated from ODU with degrees in engineering. The program has been so successful that other apprenticeships and degree opportunities are being considered. The nine graduates are also completing their apprenticeships this year and will move into full-time positions at the shipyard. “We have been really fortunate to be part of this first group,” Angel Counts said. “We know there are other apprentices eager to start.” | By Gina Chew-Holman
Photo by Chris Oxley
NEW HR SYSTEM ON THE HORIZON
Just like MyNNS and MyTime have changed the way employees access information and enter their time, a new web-based HR system, MyHR, will allow employees to access their personal information online and in real time. When it debuts in 2017, MyHR will let employees view and change their personal information from any computer – either at work or at home, and from mobile devices. Employees can change their preferred name, address, telephone number and emergency contacts. “This change will be empowering for employees,” said Tammy Franks, director of Compensation and Human Resources Information Systems. “Employees will have access to MyHR 24/7 and can make changes when it’s most convenient for them. The system is simple to use, efficient, and will help employees be more productive. They’ll be able to see their personal information whenever they want.” Today, a fairly simple process like changing a home address requires an employee to complete a paper form, then mail or hand-deliver the completed form to the Employment Office. The employee must then wait until their next pay stub, which could take a week or two, to confirm the address was correctly updated in the HRIS system.
“MyHR will help modernize our processes and remove some of the frustration employees experience with our paper processes today,” said Bill Bell, vice president of Human Resources and Administration, who is a co-sponsor of MyHR. “We’ve heard employees and we want to enhance how they engage with HR. We also want to move this 130-year-old company along to become the modern company that our current and future employees expect.” In addition to having access to personal information, salaried employees will use MyHR to document their 2017 performance goals, which will replace the paper Performance Agreement form. “Leveraging web- and cloud-based technology will be groundbreaking,” said Bharat Amin, the company’s chief information officer and co-sponsor of the MyHR project. “MyHR will play a big role in bringing technology that we enjoy at home to the office. Rather than bringing employees to HR, this change will bring HR to employees.” MyHR is coming in 2017. For more information and to view a video about MyHR, visit www.huntingtoningalls.com/myhr.
I By Gina Chew-Holman
Honoring Those Who Serve Throughout the year, Newport News shipbuilders proudly recognize the contributions of the men and women who have selflessly served in the United States armed forces. With gestures big and small, employees also show their appreciation for the more than 3,600 veterans who work at Newport News Shipbuilding. This year, the NNS Electrical Department established a “Wall of Honor” in an effort to appreciate and recognize over 200 employees in the department who have served in the United States military. Photographs of electrical department employees, foremen and apprentice craft instructors are on permanent display on the second floor of the department’s building. The company’s Veterans Employee Resource Group uses its diverse military experience, traditions, and customs to enhance the image of the company with employees, customers and community. Yearround programs hosted by VERG provide support and foster the professional development of its members. On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, employees concluded a week-long celebration of all veterans with early morning and evening flag ceremonies and a recognition luncheon. Other activities included wearing items to work to represent the different branches of the service, “Take a Veteran to Lunch” and a volunteer Community Service Day. At the start of the holiday season, NNS has made it a tradition to acknowledge and send special greetings to members of the NNS family who are serving abroad or at home.
Engineer Alberto Ramirez, who served in the Marine Corps and the Navy, said he participated in the community cleanup because service is at the core and a tradition of being in the military. “I think service is so important, and this opportunity to provide service to our community is a continuation of my military experience.” Our thanks and gratitude are sent to the following employees who are on active military duty, and to their families who share in their sacrifice: Mike A. Olga B. Carlos B. Leeana C. Heather D. Aaron G. Jason G. Kevin H. Jerome H. Marshall H. Quinton H. Andrew J. James M. Jr. Timothy P. Yohannes P. Scott R. Brittaney S. MalachI U.
AMSEC X33 AMSEC E85 E88 X18 X11 X36 X79 X43 X36 E72 X70 X32 E25 O39 E85 A572
* Full names not provided for privacy.
Success IN MOTION
Newport News Shipbuilding never met a challenge it didn’t like.
plate what they need, they can make anything happen.”
So when the shipyard received the contract for its first Virginiaclass submarine post-shakedown availability, the PSA team welcomed it with an open mind. In order to quickly get VCS boats back to sea to perform their mission, the Navy has always had a desire to complete PSAs in six months or less – but had never achieved that objective on any of the previous deliveries.
And they did. The PSA included combat systems and electronics upgrades, hydraulic plant acoustic improvements, and general maintenance on the submarine. One challenge of the waterborne PSA was touch-up painting on the hull, including below the waterline. Two dive teams used a coating process that allowed surface preparation and coating to safely take place underwater.
In true NNS fashion, the PSA team set out to be the first yard to accomplish the six-month objective. The challenge didn’t prompt the slightest flinch from the team, nor did the lastminute decision to complete all of the work on the USS John Warner (SSN 785) at Pier 6 and not in dry dock – another pioneering feat. The team simply rolled up its sleeves and went to work, said Outside Machinist Troy “Sarge” Williams. “You’ve got to be confident in your ability. This opportunity gave us a chance to show the Navy what we can do and, hopefully, get us more contracts.” Deferred work, base contract work, warranty work and greater than 50 percent emergent work increased upfront planning. All the support organizations contributed to the planning process, which set the team’s success into motion, said Planning and Production Control Supervisor Kay Smith. Trades, planning, testing, production control support and engineering were consolidated in one area, which allowed changes to occur almost immediately. “In my 34 years at the shipyard, I’ve learned that if you give the deck
VCS Construction Supervisor Joe Tester recalled an afternoon at Pier 6 when two cranes were working at once. One crane lifted ballast cans into the Virginia payload tube, while the other crane loaded torpedo cradles into the weapons shipping system. “I had a Navy person tell me we have the best rigging crew he’s ever seen,” Tester said. “That’s a lot of weight being put on the boat at once, and both rigging crews were working at the same time. We couldn’t have done what we did in the time we did it without the experience and dedication of the rigging crews.” That kind of credit can be given to many, Smith said. “Our ultimate goal was to redeliver the boat to the Navy on schedule and ensure they had what they needed to be successful. Everyone in the value stream leaned in and gave 110 percent every day. Everyone who contributed should be very proud of this accomplishment and for making history at NNS.” Tester already has his eye on the next PSA. “I took a week off and I was ready to come back and tackle the next one – in less than five months next time.” I By Christie Miller
USS John Warner (SSN 785) departs Newport News Shipbuilding for post-shakedown availability sea trials. Photo by John Whalen
2016 YEAR IN
REVIEW
March
3/1 SN3 opens field office in the United Kingdom. 3/5 Washington (SSN 787) christened. 3/13 Over 100 employees participate in the NNS-sponsored One City Marathon. 3/19 HII Family Health Center opens.
January
1/25 NNS celebrates 130-year anniversary.
April
4/7 A statue of President Gerald R. Ford unveiled aboard CVN 78. 4/15 Undersea Solutions Group completes endurance testing on Proteus. 4/30 Keel is laid for submarine Delaware (SSN 791).
May February
2/15 Shipbuilders overhauling CVN 72 test the steam catapult system. 2/17 NNS dedicates 13th Habitat for Humanity house. 2/20 Sen. Tim Kaine delivers keynote address to The Apprentice School’s graduates.
5/2 NNS allows personal camera-enabled devices on shipyard property. 5/21 Over 1,400 employees, friends and family participate in NNS 5K. 5/23 NNS is awarded Enterprise (CVN 80) advanced planning contract.
September
9/5 Shipbuilders donate more than 20,000 school supplies to area students. 9/28 NNS recognizes 140 employees at Model of Excellence Award Ceremony.
June
6/1 NNS dedicates 14th Habitat for Humanity house. 6/11 Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) turns at pier to complete testing. 6/27 Newport News Industrial announces 52,000-square-foot expansion at its headquarters.
October
10/13 Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus recognizes more than 1,000 CVN 78 shipbuilders and sailors. 10/22 Over 2,200 employees register for American Heart Association Heart Walks and donate $36,000.
July CVN 79 shipbuilders begin using newly installed 12,000-squarefoot covered facility that protects employees and equipment from inclement weather and severe heat.
November
11/10 NNS employees host Community Service Day cleanup as part of week-long Veterans Day celebration.
August
8/9 Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) construction program completes pierside radar system testing. 8/22 NNS receives $52 million contract for USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) nuclear propulsion and complex modernization. 8/31 NNS redelivers John Warner (SSN 785) after completing post-shakedown availability work.
December
12/5 NNS employees, along with company support, exceed their $1.5M goal for 2016 United Way campaign.
THE SOUND OF SHIPBUILDING
Since July 1948, a familiar sound has fondly echoed 24/7 throughout the shipyard and downtown Newport News – the blowing of the shipyard whistle. Without it, shipbuilding wouldn’t sound the same. The shipyard whistle operation is complex and takes place in the Powerhouse. “Two minutes prior to every whistle that sounds at the shipyard, we stand ready to turn a switch that warms up the system,” explained Power Plant Operator Steve Marshall. “Five seconds before the whistle sounds, a manual handle is pulled down and held for 30 seconds. Once the whistle sounds, the switch is turned off and the action is entered into our log book.” Sirens are strategically placed throughout the shipyard so the more than 20,000 shipbuilders can hear the whistle. The whistle signals the start or end of shifts, when it’s time for lunch, and when the shipyard has moments of remembrance. Year-round, Department Power Plant Operators Greg Adams, Terrence Cheek, Mike Dixon, Richard Ferguson, Ralph Gilley, Steve Marshall, William Scott and Bobby White rotate between four shifts, Monday – Saturday, to ensure that the whistle sounds. Power Plant Operator and Master Shipbuilder Ralph Gilley has heard the shipyard whistle for 52 years. “I’ve enjoyed being part of this team. We blow the whistle for everyone in the shipyard and, because of us, employees know when it’s lunch and when it’s time to go home,” said Gilley. Through the years, new technologies have been introduced to automate the shipyard whistle process. But what has been proven to be most reliable is a team of dedicated shipbuilders turning a handle, the good old-fashioned way. | By Christy Higgins
Power Plant Operator Steven Marshall prepares to sound the lunchtime whistle. Photo by John Whalen
Trading her ballet slippers for steel-toed boots, Helen Gault retired from professional ballet and joined The Apprentice School at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division three years ago. Now, the same dedication and discipline used in dance is helping her learn non destructive testing at the shipyard. “At 18, I signed a contract with the Virginia Ballet Theatre,” she said. “We always had to have excellent attendance, and our discipline was top-notch. Here at the shipyard it’s that same work ethic.” Along the shipyard’s 550 acres of waterfront, Gault inspects welds on aircraft carriers and submarines. In shops and on the ships, she uses calibrated ultrasonic testing machines to make sure welds meet the proper specifications. “Checking to make sure our calibration is correct is important,” she explained. “If we miss a rejectable
discontinuity in the weld, then it could affect the structural integrity of the ship when it’s out at sea.” And for Gault, accuracy isn’t just about her job. It’s about the final product and those who use it. “I’m proud to know I contributed to the safety of the sailors who will be serving aboard these ships,” she said. “I’m glad I can contribute with my weld inspections to make sure that what’s going out there is the best quality available.” Gault’s work at the shipyard connects her with her father, who passed away while serving in the U.S. Air Force. “Defending our country and defending our freedom was important to him, and I think he’d be proud that I’m doing the same thing,” she said. “It’s definitely a great feeling to know we have the same goal.”
Ali Harkous has a special appreciation for the United States. With the goal of going to college, he came to the U.S. during a time of conflict in his home of Beirut, Lebanon.
“It’s in our blood to help the sailors,” he said. “We assess their equipment, troubleshoot and see if there are any discrepancies and help them do the repair.”
“There was a civil war in Lebanon in 1975,” he said. “It was a scary time. I was really lucky that I was able to leave Lebanon and come to the United States to go to school.”
Working from the motto “find, fix and train,” Harkous recognizes the important role AMSEC plays for Navy sailors.
After graduating from college, Harkous, now a manager of the surface program management office at NNS’ AMSEC subsidiary, turned to the U.S. Navy to start his career. With that experience, he joined AMSEC to help sailors from the civilian side. “The majority of our employees are retired Navy,” Harkous said. “We call them subject matter experts who provide fleet service to U.S. Navy ships, no matter where they are.” Harkous and his team train Navy crews to operate and repair equipment aboard their ships, both at the pier and at sea.
“Giving sailors the ability to maintain their equipment and be able to operate sufficiently while they’re underway – and in harm’s way – gives us the freedom we enjoy here in the United States,” he said. And after living in the U.S. for 30-plus years, Harkous still appreciates this freedom. “We are lucky to live in the United States,” he said. “It makes me proud to know we’re making a difference in our sailors’ lives. Wherever you find the U.S. Navy, you will find Huntington Ingalls Industries.”
Photo by John Whalen
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus Visits Newport News Shipbuilding Newport News Shipbuilding hosted Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus Oct. 13. Mabus toured the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and recognized more than 1,000 shipbuilders and sailors for their hard work on the construction and testing of the ship. Mabus also discussed Navy and Marine Corps accomplishments over the past seven years, including the Navy’s work in innovation, energy, shipbuilding, personnel initiatives and partnerships. “What the Navy gives America is presence – not at the right place at the right time, but all the time,” Mabus said. “Quantity is a quality all its own. These shipbuilders produce great American ships. With aircraft carriers, we get on station faster, stay there longer, and we bring everything we need.” Matt Mulherin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding, and Capt. Richard McCormack, Ford’s commanding officer, accompanied Mabus on the ship tour. Ford is 99 percent overall complete, and less than 10 percent of the overall testing program remains. “Secretary Mabus’ encouraging words mean a lot to these men and women who have worked hard to bring Gerald R. Ford to life,” Mulherin said. “Like all lead ships of a new class, Ford has come with its challenges. The shipbuilders and Ford crew have tackled each challenge together and without hesitation. I’m very proud of their perseverance, and I’m honored to be a part of building this great ship.”
Yardlines is published quarterly for the employees of Newport News Shipbuilding. This issue of Yardlines was produced by: Jeremy Bustin, Dawn Eanes, Christy Higgins, Christie Miller, Eugene Phillips, Ben Scott, Lauren Shuck, and LaMar Smith. Contributing writer: Allison Pittam Editor: Gina Chew-Holman Send change of address, comments, questions and story ideas to communications@hii-nns.com or call 757-688-1048. To stop receiving Yardlines, go to nns.huntingtoningalls.com/Yardlines to unsubscribe. nns.huntingtoningalls.com
ON THE COVER USS John Warner (SSN 785) prepares to depart Pier 6, with the assistance of tugboat Huntington, for postshakedown availability sea trials. Photo by John Whalen
Matthew Joyner finds joy in a labor of love through his not for profit organization Valiant Service Dogs. Photo by John Whalen
MAKING A DIFFERENCE PAW PRINTS ON THE HEART On Feb. 7, 2015, Matthew Joyner and his wife Jamie learned their nephew, Army Specialist Shea Williams Porter, had passed away after returning home from Afghanistan. “The news was absolutely devastating,” said Joyner. “Our family was in complete disbelief.”
Since the initial phone call, the Joyners have worked closely with the organization to become certified service dog providers. “We donated five puppies from our first litter to the Alaskan organization,” said Joyner. “Since then, we have visited the organization’s headquarters in Alaska for training.”
Shea had struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder, and the Joyner family wanted to do something to keep their nephew’s legacy alive.
Once they become certified, the Joyners plan to train and donate puppies to local Hampton Roads veterans through their not-for-profit organization, Valiant Service Dogs.
“Ironically, we were in the process of preparing to breed our chocolate Labradors,” he said. “The original plan was to donate one puppy from each litter to a service dog organization. But after Shea’s death, we decided we wanted to do more.”
Joyner explained, “Through this organization, we hope to involve the community and give back to veterans who are struggling with PTSD. We hope to save lives, bring hope to U.S. war heroes and keep other families from experiencing the grief our family has experienced.”
Joyner contacted the base in Anchorage, Alaska, where his nephew had been stationed. “I wanted to see where they recommend veterans get service dogs from. I then contacted Midnight Sun Service Dogs.”
To learn more about the Valiant Service Dogs, visit www.valiantservicedogs.wix.com/valiantservicedogs.
I By Lauren Shuck
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