IN THIS ISSUE The Story Behind The NNS Logo Shipbuilders Prepare Dry Dock for Flooding
Yardlines
Photo by Chris Oxley
The Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Christening
A Publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
November/December 2013
SET
READY LAUNCH Shipbuilders Prepare Dry Dock for Flooding
In 1974, during Gerald R. Ford’s first year as President of the United States, Dock Master Garry Bunting was just starting his career at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS). Thirty-nine years later, and with 2,200 dry dock floodings under his belt, he supervised the flooding of Dry Dock 12 to prepare for the christening and launch of the President’s namesake ship. “In the earlier days of my career, I remember going home and watching the transition of Gerald Ford to President on the news,” Bunting said. “Now, being part of that legacy is a great honor.” Bunting is only the ninth dock master throughout NNS’ more than 127-year history, and has worked alongside all but the first three dock masters during his career. The timing of the tides was critical in scheduling the flooding date. A Surface Preparation and Treatment team worked day and night with crane riggers for weeks to clear the floor of Dry Dock 12, removing debris and equipment and covering drains with special plate covers. A dry dock crew helped the team position and secure more than 1,000 keel blocks. Electrical and Mechanical Maintenance crews ensured
water systems were fully operational, and Plant Operations performed readiness checks. “A lot of people were involved in getting the dry dock ready for Ford to float,” said Roger “Smitty” Smith, a shipbuilder instrumental in cleaning up the dry dock. “It was the whole shipyard working together. That’s how we get things done around here.” On October 11, Ship’s Sponsor Susan Ford Bales climbed into the dry dock to see and touch the aircraft carrier’s hull for the first time since the ship was freshly painted. Later, inside the dry dock’s gate control room, Bales had the honor of pushing a series of control panel buttons to begin the long process of filling the 2,173-foot-long, 250-foot-wide dry dock. “It has been really special, and walking down the side of the ship today, I wished my dad was here,” said Bales, addressing a group of shipbuilders following the start of the flooding. What made the occasion even more sentimental was the pen Bunting and Bales used to sign the Dry Dock Flooding Certification. It was the same pen President Ford used many times in the Oval Office. “Knowing I was holding the President’s pen was dramatic,” said Bunting. “It was probably pre-1974 the last time I’d used a fountain pen, so my signature got a little wobbly.” Done in several phases, it took approximately 10 hours and 150 million gallons of water to fill the giant dry dock and slowly lift the more than 90,000-ton ship off its supporting keel blocks. | By Jeremy Bustin
Brionne Birchette (left) manages the hose for Gene Washington as they prepare Dry Dock 12 for flooding. Photo by Chris Oxley
Whether they were discussing the majestic ship, their participation in the ceremony, or a relationship to the ship’s namesake, the two words used most often to describe the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Christening Ceremony were proud and honored.
Dignitaries and friends of the late president spoke at the christening, which was also a celebration of the 38th president’s life. It was also day for President Ford’s daughter, Susan Ford Bales, the ship’s sponsor, to honor her dad.
An estimated 24,000 people lined Newport News Shipbuilding’s (NNS) Dry Dock 12 on Nov. 9 to witness the christening of the first ship in the next-generation class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
NNS President Matt Mulherin spoke at the event and said, “When USS Gerald R. Ford joins the Navy’s fleet in 2016, she will stand as a symbol of sovereign U.S. territory wherever she sails. She will represent her namesake – a
A DAY OF
PRIDE AND HONOR
man who embodied integrity, honor and courage. And she will forever carry with her the spirit of her sponsor, the strength of her crew and the heart of her shipbuilders.” Ceremony participants also included Welder Gerald Barnes and Pipe Fitter Kevin Stewart. The shipbuilders escorted Bales’ daughters, Tyne Vance Berlanga and Heather Vance Devers, who served as Matrons of Honor at the ceremony. Barnes, said, “I am honored to represent the men and women building CVN 78. Seeing the ship
at this stage of construction is awesome. It’s a great accomplishment by all the shipbuilders building the ship.” (Continued on next page)
Left to right: Ship’s Sponsor Susan Ford Bales escorted by NNS President Matt Mulherin; quartet from President Ford’s alma mater, The University of Michigan; ceremony speaker former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld; former Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger greeted by President Ford’s son, Michael Ford; ceremony speaker former Vice President Dick Cheney, and the U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band.
“May God bless and watch over the USS Gerald R. Ford, those who built her and the men and women who will sail her into harm’s way.” Ship’s Sponsor Susan Ford Bales
9
After Bales smashed a bottle of sparkling wine across the ship’s bow to christen CVN 78, Ship Fitter Ann Boyd, escorted by CVN 78 Crew Member Timothy McBride, presented the remains of the christening bottle to Bales in a wood box crafted by shipbuilders. “I am honored to be part of this historic event,” said Boyd. “I love the way Mrs. Bales speaks about her father. She’s down to earth and her involvement and presence at the
shipyard mean a lot to me and the other shipbuilders.” Since November 2006, more than 5,000 shipbuilders have helped to construct Ford, and suppliers from 46 states across the country have contributed specialized parts, skilled services and support to aircraft carrier production. The ship is scheduled for delivery to the U.S. Navy in 2016. Other speakers included: Huntington Ingalls Industries
“I’m happy to have my family with me today. It’s a beautiful ship. I’m proud that so many people came to see what we do on a daily basis.” NNS Sheet Metal Worker Kevin Harden
8
President and CEO Mike Petters; Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell; Congressman Bobby Scott; Admiral John Richardson, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program; former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld; former Vice President Dick Cheney; Sean Stackley, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development & Acquisition; Admiral Jonathan Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations, and Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin, who was the keynote speaker.
An estimated 24,000 guests attended the Nov. 9 Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Christening Ceremony. Photo highlights above include: Dominick DeMasi (top left) who served with President Ford on the USS Monterey during World War II, the procession of guests being greeted by Eagle Scouts from Virginia and Michigan holding 78 flags representing CVN 78, and the Colonial Virginia Council of Eagle Scouts Color Guard. Guests enjoyed ice cream, cotton candy, popcorn and a barbecue lunch.
Susan Ford Bales Remarks at The Christening Of The
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)
November 9, 2013
A presidential historian was once asked how he would describe Gerald Ford. Without any hesitation, he replied, “In order to understand President Gerald R. Ford, three words tell you all you need to know: Integrity, Integrity and Integrity - in that order!”
Gentlemen, as the Ship’s Sponsor and on behalf of Gerald R. Ford, I hereby declare that the ship’s name “USS Gerald R. Ford” is, and shall be, permanently united with the shipbuilders of Newport News Shipbuilding. Thank you, Fellow Shipbuilders.
Today, we remember and honor a Lifetime of Integrity, an Eagle Scout, an All-American football player, a distinguished graduate of The University of Michigan and Yale Law School, a Navy Lieutenant Commander, Congressman, Vice President and President.
In the twilight of his life, Dad learned that Navy Secretary Winter was considering whether to name CVN 78 the USS Gerald R. Ford. Upon learning the news and as Dad had done tens of thousands times before, Dad wrote a letter. But this particular letter was unique. This was a very personal letter to his long-time friend, Greg Willard. This was a letter from Dad’s heart. This was a letter about the United States Navy. This was a letter that expressed Dad’s personal feelings about CVN 78 and her Crew. And, as we realized, with Dad’s death just one month later, this letter had special significance – very special significance. This letter was Dad’s last.
Of course, with his integrity, came Dad’s ever-present humility. Thus, he would have insisted that I focus today not on Dad himself, but, instead, on two other very special groups. Earlier, Matt Mulherin referred to me as a Newport News Shipbuilder. I’ve welded with you; I’ve been up in Big Blue – the giant crane; and I’ve calibrated valves. Last month, I operated the pumps to flood this dry dock. And yesterday I worked on the ship’s List Control System. This shipyard’s motto “Always Good Ships” is not just a phrase; it is a way of life here for over a century. There is nothing – absolutely nothing – that can describe how proud I am to be your fellow shipbuilder. Your integrity and patriotic commitments to excellence are without equal. Shipbuilders of Newport News, you are a national treasure. In a few days, the newly christened USS Gerald R. Ford will leave this dry dock – forever; but she will not leave alone. Unlike ships before her, when the USS Gerald R. Ford leaves this dry dock, her future voyages will be different than those ships – much different. It is now my honor to make an announcement regarding the official name of CVN 78: Ladies and
Captain Meier, would you and your Crew Members and all of your family members please stand. In his last letter, Dad wrote: “In closing, Greg, please permit me a personal reflection. In my life, I’ve received countless honors. But none was greater than to wear the uniform of Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy. On an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific during World War II, I learned to respect and to rely on my comrades as if my life depended on them – because often it did! As a World War II veteran, I yield to no one in my admiration for the heroes of Omaha Beach and the heroes of Iwo Jima. But, at the same time, I take enormous inspiration from their grandsons and granddaughters who are writing heroic new chapters around the globe. Thus, it is a source of boundless pride and humility to know that an aircraft carrier bearing my name may be forever connected
with the valor and patriotism of the men and women of the United States Navy.” Captain Meier and crew members, as you just heard in his own words, Dad was proud and humbled by each of you and the wonderful tribute your ship represents. But Dad would be even prouder if fifty years from now the ship’s Captain and crew will pause to look upon this carrier and the other Ford Class Carriers in the fleet and consider whether Dad deserved this tribute. In particular, will those future crew members consider Dad worthy of the motto of this Ship – “Integrity at the Helm.” Today, Captain Meier, you and your crew have spoken to those future crews about Dad’s lifetime of integrity. You’ve expressed your own views about his integrity and its importance to this magnificent carrier. Dad… their message fills this shipyard. You kept your promise; you healed the Nation; you gave the American people a presidency that was a shining beacon of Integrity At The Helm. And, as demonstrated by Captain Meier, by the crew, and by this mighty carrier, the American people are forever grateful to you. And Dad… I’ll always be proud. Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the 38th President of the United States, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this extraordinary tribute to my Dad. May God bless and watch over the USS Gerald R. Ford, those who built her; and the brave men and women who will sail her into harm’s way. And may God’s Perpetual Light shine upon Gerald Ford and Betty Ford and the nation they loved and served. Thank you.
Visit www.thefordclass.com to view the entire ceremony and see photos and videos from the christening.
Moving The
Photo by John Whalen
On Sunday, Nov. 17, Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) launched Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) into the James River. Six tugboats moved the aircraft carrier one mile south to Pier 3, located in NNS’ South Yard. Hours before the move, weather presented challenges that could have delayed the aircraft carrier from leaving Dry Dock 12 as scheduled. “Early Sunday morning, fog was the issue at hand,”
Ford
said Docking Pilot Captain Fred Burns. “If the wind blew the fog away, it would have been too windy. If the sun burned it off, it would have been past high tide for the ship to clear the blocks. All worked out in our favor. It can best be summed up as ’poetry in motion.’” The ship will be moored at Pier 3 to complete outfitting and testing. The ship is scheduled for delivery to the Navy in 2016.
Steve Torres
LEADING BY
Example
One of the important things Steve Torres learned about leadership came from playing high school football. Growing up near Atlantic City, N.J., the Torres family was known locally for its athletic ability and football skills. “My older cousins and brother all played really good football. So in my junior year when I felt I wasn’t getting enough playing time, I started to withdraw,” said Torres. “I thought, ‘Why put that level of effort in if you’re not going to play?’” The coach noticed and pulled him aside. “He told me, ‘When you don’t show up and put in 100 percent, the rest of the team doesn’t work as hard. Since you started not putting in the effort, the rest of the team started changing,’” said Torres. “I didn’t realize I was having that effect on the players. The coach helped me understand that even when you don’t play, you still have an important role on the team. Learning that I was leading by example really stuck with me.” Torres, who was the second-shift production foreman in the Pipe Hanger Shop until last September, led his team to be one of the most engaged at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS). In September, he received the 2013 Model of Excellence Award for Leadership. After graduating high school in 1998, Torres and his brother Joseph Torres enrolled in The Apprentice School. Steve was recruited to be a linebacker and lineman on the Builders football team. However, once he got started, he found the academic program challenging and chose not to play. “I decided to focus on the academics, learn my trade, and become a better individual,” explained Torres. Before graduating The Apprentice School in 2002, Torres worked new construction on the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and overhaul and
refueling of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). “It was nothing that I had seen before. Our crew was doing some good things and I was taking it all in.” Torres, who became a foreman in 2004, said he took the best parts of what he learned and tried to apply it. Although working with pipe while he was an apprentice helped to prepare him for his job in the Pipe Hanger Shop, developing good communication and people skills was something he had to cultivate and learn on the job. “Sincerity has to be at the center of all your actions and conversations. Lip service doesn’t go over well, and people need to know that you always have their best interest in mind,” he said. Craftsman Henry Rice agreed. “This gang, both young and old, enjoys each other and works well together. This is the best gang I have worked with during my 48 years at NNS.” Steve’s former Hanger Shop General Foreman Jason Roach added,“ Under Steve’s leadership, in addition to going 32 months accident free, the Hanger Shop team has helped deliver superior business results by improving cost performance by more than 10 percent and schedule performance in the electrical hanger process lane by 95 percent.” Torres is now the foreman for Bay 4 in the Sheet Metal Shop. “I enjoy working with people, especially our newer hires. I’d like to leave my stamp on them, just like my high school coach, my Apprentice School teachers and other leaders did for me.” | By Gina Chew-Holman
Steve Torres (left) discusses a work package with Ronnie Diggs while Justin Wilkinson works on a pipe structure. Torres, who was the second-shift production foreman in the Pipe Hanger Shop until last September, received the 2013 Model of Excellence Award for Leadership. Photo By John Whalen
E H T AR E G ND T N A THE E D I O R G T GLEAONAR D TRIDENT LOGO That oval design that you see everywhere at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) is called the “Gear and Trident” logo, or by some, “The Spear and Gear.” The Communications Department recently received an inquiry about the logo’s first usage and its originator. A search through the shipyard’s archives found that the first published appearance of the NNS logo was on March 20, 1926. The logo appeared on the cover of a program for a multiple-ship launching, keel-laying and shipdelivery ceremony – an unprecedented 14 ship events in a single day! More detective work uncovered that Event Conference Coordinator Wayne Gowers, a 50-year shipbuilder, grew up down the street from the logo’s designer, Dick Poitras, in Newport News. Gowers said that in 1963 when he began work in the
shipyard, his father mentioned that a neighbor, Mr. Poitras, had designed the shipyard logo. “His first name was Dick, but he was always Mr. Poitras to me,” said Gowers. “He and my father were friends.” Part of Gowers’ job in the Sheet Metal Department was to hang label plates and plaques on new ships, and the tags were designed by Poitras and his colleagues in the Sign Shop. While visiting the Sign Shop one day, Gowers asked Poitras about the meaning of the logo’s gear and spear. “Mr. Poitras pulled an ink-blotched folder from a drawer, pulled out a few sketches, and told me the story of how it began,” Gowers said. Poitras’ job was to design builder’s plaques for mounting in the engine room of NNS-built ships. Gowers recalled Poitras’ explanation. “I was working on a
Remembering shipbuilders on
ACTIVE DUTY Those in military duty will tell you that serving one’s country is an honor and privilege, but nowhere is that more significant than for those working on vessels for the U.S. military. Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) is proud of all who serve in our military services at home or abroad. We salute those answering the call with courage and honor beyond the gate. NNS offers season’s greetings to the 11 members of our team serving in active duty. We ask all shipbuilders during this holiday time of family gatherings and friendship to recognize the sacrifice made by those serving away from home. Randy A. X11 Marquis C. X18 Steven G. X43 couple of plaques back many years ago,” Poitras told Gowers,“and my boss came by and said, ‘Dick, it would be nice if we had a logo on one of these plaques, so that wherever the ship goes all over the world, it would be a unique logo.’” Gowers added: “He was showing me the sketches and explaining to me that the original idea was an anchor and a gear. Poitras said, ‘The gear represents the engine room and I was looking for something that represented shipbuilding… an anchor.’” But Poitras wasn’t yet satisfied with the design. While mulling it over, one night, he said he walked by his daughter’s desk, and saw a picture of the mythological sea god Neptune holding a spear.
Kendrick H. X43 Coleman H. X36 Selcuk N. E81 Antonio P. X36 Paul P. E86 Edward R. X54 Justice T. E85 Ernest T. X36
Gowers said that Poitras told him, “It struck me right then – the spear and the gear – and that’s how I put it together.” The company registered the logo as a trademark on Sept. 27, 1927 and has used it ever since with variations through the years. | By Mike Dillard
Full names not provided for privacy
SIMPLE TOOLS IN THE
RIGHT HANDS “There is an early 1900s photo of a shipbuilder drilling through some steel using an old air drill,” recalled Cliff Edwards, a general foreman in the Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) program. “In the 1980s, while I was walking the deck plate one day, I realized that some of my guys were still using that same type of drill.”
This iconic photo of a Newport News shipbuilder drilling steel during World War I made a big impression on Cliff Edwards in the 80s, fueling his passion to improve the quality of life for shipbuilders. Photo from Newport News Shipbuilding Archives
Edwards is passionate about improving the quality of life for his shipbuilders. His team recently completed work on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) aircraft launch and recovery systems. During the four-year RCOH, Edwards and his team implemented several improvements that made it possible to work safer and smarter. For example, one of Edwards’ mechanics suggested that a small cart might make it easier to transport heavy things across the busy flight deck. Affectionately named “cricket,” the simple yellow cart reduces the risk of strain. Another tool was recommended to reduce strain in tight spaces. While working on the flight deck’s jet blast deflectors, shipbuilders are required to position a large shaft within one-thousandth of an inch while lying on their stomachs in a tight space. Edwards and his team worked with Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) to create a roller that supports the heavy shaft bearings while being positioned, making the job both easier and safer. Sometimes, the right tool is the lighter tool, according to Edwards. EH&S also supplied his team with
magnetic-base drills that are 42 pounds lighter than the previous ones. The lighter drill gives the team increased range of motion and portability to save time and reduce fatigue. Edwards is not alone in recognizing the value of simple tools in the right hands. Newport News Shipbuilding has invested more than $1 million to stock tool rooms with new ergonomic tools. Across the shipyard, tool rooms have been hosting “Tool Demos,” showcasing more than 30 new, lighter tools available to shipbuilders. Tool Engineer Cameron Harihan, who helped organize a recent demo for the VirginiaClass Submarine Program said, “Our department has done a lot of research to find tools that not only increase productivity, but are also safer and more ergonomic.” Edwards and his team are now working on the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) RCOH, and new tools are making a huge difference. “These items are now a part of our shipbuilding tool set,” said Edwards. “It takes action now to create a better quality of life for the next generation of shipbuilders.” | By Peter Stern
Shipbuilder Joshua Jablonski tests a new battery-operated drill, one of more than 30 new ergonomic tools now available in the shipyard’s tool rooms. Photo by Chris Oxley
For second-generation shipbuilder Jennifer Ryan, shipbuilding is a family affair. Her father, Geoffrey Rogers, began his career with Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) as a structural welder and retired as a computer programmer in 2008. He provided Ryan her first glimpse of what it meant to be a shipbuilder.
A family connection to shipbuilding and school projects fostered Ryan’s early interest in engineering. While she originally intended to study mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech, her father encouraged her to apply to the Webb Institute on Long Island, N.Y., where her passion for naval architecture and marine engineering was realized.
In 1978, Ryan, who teaches at The Apprentice School, attended her first ship christening for the nuclear-guided missile cruiser USS Arkansas (CGN 41). “Years later, a sticker from that christening was on my bicycle,” she said. Growing up, coming to the shipyard was always a special treat because the opportunity was so infrequent, she added. Her memories of attending an open house and visiting her father’s desk in Building 600 are very vivid.
Previously, Ryan worked in Naval Architecture and Weights, where the experience informed her approach to teaching. “It’s important for engineers and designers to work closely with the product they are designing. At NNS, I can go down to the waterfront and see the product myself. “My students’ interest in naval architecture and marine engineering drives me to make sure I deliver the best
courses I can. I’m always looking for ways to update and improve my courses,” said Ryan. A member of the Webb Alumni Association and the faculty advisor for The Apprentice School’s Student Section of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Ryan was recognized in November 2013 as the organization’s Faculty Advisor of the Year. She and her husband, Patrick Ryan, a project manager in the Engineering Technology Development department, want their two elementary school-aged children to understand the contributions of engineers. “I think one of the two will end up as an engineer,” said Ryan. “I would love to steer them towards engineering because it’s an important industry and necessary for our society, even
though it’s not the most glamorous field of work.” The Ryans enjoy attending shipyard-sponsored family events. During a 2011 open house, they toured The Apprentice School. Just as Ryan saw her father’s desk during an open house, her children were able to see her desk at the front of the classroom and understand what it means to be a shipbuilder. | By April Shockley Kiehl
In November, Apprentice School Academic Instructor Jennifer Ryan was recognized by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers as Faculty Advisor of the Year. Photo by Ricky Thompson
USS North Dakota The Virginia-class submarine North Dakota (SSN 784) sits General Dynamics Electric Boat for its(SSN christening The at Virginia-class submarine North Dakota 784) was ceremony in Groton, Conn., November 2, 2013. Matt christened in Groton, Conn., Nov. 2, 2013. Mulherin, NNS president spoke at the ceremony and said, Newport News to Shipbuilding (NNS) President “We are proud be part of the team, that for Matt more than Mulherin at the ceremony and said, “We are proud a decade, spoke has produced these magnificent and complex
machines. As a team, we are collectively focused on consistent performance and continuous improvement boat after boat.”
to be part of the team, that for more than a decade, has produced these magnificent and complex machines. As a team, we are collectively focused on consistent performance and continuous improvement boat after boat.” NNS built North Dakota’s bow, sail, stern, weapons module, and auxiliary machinery spaces. North Dakota is the 11th Virginia-class attack submarine and is scheduled NSS North Dakota’s bow, sail,| stern, weapons to bebuilt commissioned in early 2014. By Mike Dillard module, and auxiliary machinery spaces. Mulherin added, “I’d like all the North Dakotans here today to know that that is what our shipbuilders doDakota each(SSN and784) every build The Virginia-class submarine North sits at day. GeneralWe Dynamics legends.” Dakota is the 11th Virginia-class Electric Boat forNorth its christening ceremony in Groton, Conn., Nov. 2, 2013. attack Photo by U.S. Navy submarine and is scheduled to be commissioned in early 2014. U.S. Navy Photo by LTJG Phillip Chitty | By Lauren Ward
Making a Difference
The Power of Love
Five years into their marriage, Randy Long, engineering technician in the Engineering and Design Division, and wife, Patty, felt like they were united for a bigger purpose in life. “We realized that we were blessed with good jobs, a nice home, and a great support system of family and friends, and we understood that millions of children had not been given that same opportunity,” Long said. “So, we decided to look into adoption. We attended a few meetings, researched the process, and decided that adoption was the route we wanted to take.”
a precious gift. All of them just want to be loved and feel that they are a part of a family,” said Long. The couple agrees that the list of pros of being a foster parent far outweighs the challenges. “There’s no easy way of detaching yourself from a child you’ve grown to love as your own,” said Long. “But the goal of the foster system is to protect the child during a time of family crisis. Keeping that in mind, and knowing that we were able to provide something positive to the life of a troubled child and to their family, is the most fulfilling thing we’ve ever done.” | By Lauren Ward
After about a year of training, home studies and background checks, plus some additional time for home updates, the Longs became certified foster parents with the Norfolk Department of Human Services. Since July 2006, the Long family has fostered more than 20 children and has adopted two. “Every child has been
Shipbuilder Randy Long enjoys time with his wife Patty and their children, Quenae (left) and Sebastian, who the couple adopted from foster care. Photo by John Whalen
Long Service MASTER SHIPBUILDERS
OCTOBER
Joenell Beaty 40 years
Bill Bullock 40 years
Rick Fogle 40 years
Rodney Gramberry 40 years
Donna Jones 40 years
Ricky Reid 40 years
Larry Richardson 45 years
Jay Smith 45 years
John Sparrow 45 years
Johnny Waters 40 years
Nancy Wheless 40 years
Kenny Wright 40 years
NOVEMBER
Sandy Armstrong 45 years
Debbie Burton 40 years
Mike Rollins 45 years
John Verlander 40 years
Robert Garris 40 years
Tom Gentry 40 years
Yonnie Hedrick 45 years
Tommy Powell Jr. 40 years
Yardlines is published 10 times a year for the employees of Newport News Shipbuilding. This issue of Yardlines was produced by: Jeremy Bustin, Dar Deerfield-Mook, Gina Chew-Holman, Troy Cooper, Mike Dillard, Christie Miller, Eugene Phillips, LaMar Smith, Peter Stern, Susan Sumner, Lauren Ward and Kimberly Zayakosky. Photographs by: Chris Oxley, Ricky Thompson and John Whalen. Editor: Gina Chew-Holman Send comments, questions and story ideas to gina.chewholman@hii-nns.com or call 757-380-2627. To stop receiving Yardlines, go to nns.huntingtoningalls.com/Yardlines to unsubscribe. Look for more news at nns.huntingtoningalls.com.
Long Service OCTOBER 50 YEARS Roland C. Turner X33 45 YEARS Larry N. Richardson K93 Jay R. Smith O58 John W. Sparrow X31 40 YEARS Joenell Beaty O14 William C. Bullock X32 Richard C. Fogle E83 Rodney K. Gramberry X31 Donna L. Jones X89 Ernest T. Peterson III X11 Ricky L. Reid X42
Johnny H. Waters E68 Nancy M. Wheless E80 Kenneth E. Wright O43 35 YEARS Nelson A. Brantley A572 Marjie N. Brown O84 Thomas M. Carlough O19 Leslie M. Cherry O45 James R. Cochran X10 Michael K. Crews X75 Carl W. Curzio E83 Warren L. Doyle X36 Kenneth D. Evanson O98 Phillip E. Gross O40 Michael P. Henderson E83
Dennis L. Lampkin O35 Paul J. MacKinnon X31 Philip C. McCoy X33 James A. Pugh X73 Wayne L. Rudd O43 Timothy A. Sexton M53 Louise H. Wagner K75 30 YEARS John A. Ackerman Jr. X42 John N. Adams M53 Vernon E. Archer X42 Bonnie D. Babb E88 Kenton G. Barker Jr. O19 Jack R. Barrett Jr. X87 Richard J. Bazinet X11
Drucilla E. Branche O12 Jerry L. Carr X36 Thomas W. Chamberlain O30 James E. Conner Jr. X33 William G. Degroat X43 Joseph N. Dvorak O61 Brenda K. Ferrell O75 Ericke Fitchett X33 Timothy O. Fitzgerald X18 David V. Gill X31 Thomas C. Hall X70 Terry L. Hammann E13 Wilfred L. Hargrove T54 Alonza Harris X18 Rebecca S. Hoback E83 Elaine C. Holt K01
Mark C. Ivey X11 Kevin L. Johnson X82 Robert E. Lane M30 Bernie L. Martin M53 Susan F. Mingee X89 Thomas J. Nelson O25 Curtis E. Newsome Jr. X10 Roy J. Parker X18 Donald P. Peters E63 William D. Schaff E22 Jeffrey J. Spivey X18 Evelyn R. Spratley E85 Jerome Stringfield O46 Lori L. Swain E82 Rodney R. Thomas X88
25 YEARS Charlie M. Butler O54 Michael W. Cross O51 Shirley M. Crumpler X89 Raymond W. Downs X87 Timothy L. Hurley E51 Andrew P. Johnson E83 Kim D. Kerins X82 Rhonda C. King O43 James H. Rose Jr. O43 Gary O. Saunders X32 20 YEARS Jesse R. Cartwright II X70 Keith A. Lambert II X89
NOVEMBER 50 YEARS Kenneth F. Williams X74 45 YEARS Sandra B. Armstrong O51 Yonnie M. Hedrick O23 Daniel D. Pleva O46 Michael E. Rollins K74 40 YEARS Shirley L. Brown X33 Debra D. Burton E07 Robert G. Garris O57 Thomas M. Gentry E51 Marilyn B. Purdie Thomas G. Powell Jr. X18 John T. Verlander Jr. E83
35 YEARS William C. Black Jr. O64 Stewart R. Brenegar O61 Larry D. Darden X59 Kenneth L. Edwards X59 Estelle N. Fonville O04 McAuthor Gilliam X18 Joyce A. Hagins M53 Roy C. Lewis E82 Carlton L. Luster O26 William D. Powers M53 Mark A. Slayton X87 Thomas L. Timberlake O31 Marvin L. Tucker O46 Larry N. Washington O46 Jeffrey G. Wells X72 Herbert O. West E42
30 YEARS Maryette M. Barnes X33 Tim B. Bass X43 Martin W. Bradbury X43 Bobby J. Briggs X67 Floyd R. Byrd Jr. O98 Harold Carter X31 Michael S. Caudle X32 Thomas M. Cooke X59 Patrick N. Cullins X10 Douglas E. Davidson Jr. X88 Kenneth W. Eastwoo X18 Michael S. Edwards M30 Keith C. Foster X82 Richard A. Frank X42 Frederick W. Gann Jr. X67 Randall L. Gannon X42 Thomas I. Grimes Jr. E81 Steven R. Hancock E82
Steven R. Harris O37 James S. Hill O53 John E. Hinton X33 Donald R. Humphreys X31 Allen R. Hunt E85 Bobby G. Johnson X43 Terence J. Kennedy X42 Ted R. Lacey X18 Steven T. Letzinger T52 James M. Livengood X84 Neill T. Marsh Jr. X11 William C. Mayo O43 Douglas J. Meier X31 Timothy A. Miller X70 Earl L. Monds Jr. X42 Thomas C. Morgan Jr. O31 Jeffrey D. Morris X82 Ernest R. Nelson X31 Brian C. Norcutt X89
Terry D. Parker X31 Jeffrey W. Peele X31 William D. Robertson X84 James J. Seward E15 David L. Shaddock X43 William G. Stassinos X82 Darryl S. Stephens X88 Julie A. Swinton O46 Edward L. Sydnor X88 Larry T. Sykes X70 Richard Turner Jr. X33 Lawton A. White Jr. X18 Troy L. Williams X43 George M. Williams O15 25 YEARS Norman G. Alligood X36 Willie F. Boone Jr. M53 Johnny L. Freeman X11
Mark R. May O48 William C. Morehead X59 Thomas C. Roane X73 Brenda S. St Amand E17 Philip T. Stephens E25 Donald L. Sturkey O46 Curtis P. Webb E85 Darryl M. Williams X42 Symadore L. Young K07 Daniel L. Zimmerman O45 20 YEARS Douglas W. Abernathy AMSEC Darel K. Jackson AMSEC Bryan Q. Peters AMSEC Wayne F. Haas X82
Retirements SEPTEMBER Gerald W. Adkins X15 Charles E. Barkley X33 Edwin H. Binder O41 William C. Boyd X32 Winnie S. Carpenter O53
Joseph V. Dellapenta Jr. O31 Glenn A. Duck X31 Martha M. Gromlich E86 Richard D. Haller O43 Roger A. Herndon O36
Schreinaer V. Hodges X33 William E. Holtzclaw X42 Rolland C. Hunter X31 James T. Jones O43 John E. Jones X42
Walter J. Jones X33 James R. Kea Jr. X11 Kenneth M. Kitchin X11 Lloyd H. Knight X36 Marvin C. Lewis O46
Roy D. McCullen X36 Welford B. McElwee X32 James L. Mizell O38 Wallace L. Parker X11 Jeanette S. Pretlow O15
Willie J. Reynolds Jr. O43 Jonathan L. Scott X42 Stephen W. Wills X42
OCTOBER Saundra W. Davis O53 Domenic Dicicco O39 Reginald M. Eaton O15
Barbara C. Eby E89 Johnnie A. Goddard Jr. X31 Charlie C. Hall O38
Donald H. Harlan O53 Melvin C. Hooker X18 Shirley D. McGowan O53
Rodel E. Rivera E17 Burton W. Satterfield Jr. O53 Ira T. Tate O38
Arthur L. Vinson X18 Lenora M. Wardrick O46 Barry C. White X32
Eddie B. Wiggins X42
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November/December 2013
NNS Safety Report *Compared to figures from October 2012
Year-to-Date Injuries
1,297
-18% Year-to-Date Injuries With Lost Time
412
-27% Year-to-Date Lost Work Days
19,977
-25%
After arriving at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) on March 28, the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) has spent the first eight months of its Refueling and Complex Overhaul in Dry Dock 11. In addition to removing the ship’s anchor chain for refurbishment, preparing the ship’s reactors for refueling and painting the ship’s hull, the NNS and Navy team has successfully removed the ship’s propellers, shafting, rudders, and the major components required to modernize CVN 72 for 25 more years of service. Photo by U.S. Navy