IN THIS ISSUE A 10-Letter Word Brings Attention to Safety Make-Up Foremen Find Their Jobs Rewarding
Yardlines
Photo by John Whalen
Preparing to Launch John Warner (SSN 785)
A Publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
August 2014
PREPARING John Barrett and Phillip Bourne both started work at Newport News Shipbuilding on the same day, March 21, 1978. For 36 years the two have worked as pump men, flooding and pumping out dry docks as ships have been launched or docked for repairs. Next month, both will be among the approximately 60 shipbuilders who will launch the submarine John Warner (SSN 785) into the James River after she is christened September 6. Barrett and Bourne will be part of the team manning the controls of the yard’s Floating Dry Dock (FDD) around the
clock, from the time the submarine is moved aboard the FDD until the submarine floats free and is moved by tugs to an outfitting pier. “It’s a lot of responsibility,” Barrett said. “But the submarine is all yours for a few hours.” Bourne added, “Once the launching begins, it takes about eight to nine hours to flood the dock and launch the sub.” In the days of inclined shipways, a sponsor would break a bottle of sparkling wine on the ship’s hull in a christening ceremony, and then the ship would launch by sliding
TO LAUNCH down greased ways. The bottle break had to be timed to the James River’s tides and currents so that when the ship entered the water, conditions were right to maneuver the ship in the river. NNS Dock Master Garry Bunting said that although the methods are different from the “old days,” Bourne and Barrett must begin the long FDD flooding sequence to float the submarine just as the current is right to move the sub to the pier. “You keep everything level by differentially flooding the tanks. There are 40 tanks in all, 20 on each side,” said Barrett.
“It’s really slow. We’re always adjusting valves and watching the tank gauges. We can make 150 to 250 adjustments during the flooding,” explained Bourne. “The submarine has to stay level and safe. We work together and it’s good to have four eyes (two people) watching those 40 gauges.” After launching, outfitting and testing, the John Warner is scheduled for delivery in 2015. | By Mike Dillard Phillip Bourne (left) and John Barrett in the floating dry dock control room where they will launch the submarine John Warner (SSN 785) after the ship is christened September 6. Photo by Chris Oxley
C A LV IN
WARNER Ten years ago, a teenager from the U.S. Virgin Islands left home with $2,000 in his pocket and one mission in mind: to get an education. Calvin Warner accomplished his mission – and then some. He was among the 137 graduates to cross the stage during The Apprentice School graduation ceremony March 3 to accept his apprenticeship certificate in shipfitting, one of many educational accomplishments Warner has made. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from Old Dominion University, an associate’s degree in computer-aided drafting technology from Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC), and is working toward completion of his second associate’s degree in marine engineering technology from TNCC this spring. Soon after he arrived in the States, the St. Croix native realized that $2,000 wasn’t going to last him long on his journey toward a higher education. That’s when he discovered a flier hanging in a TNCC hallway advertising for designers at the shipyard. Before he knew it, Warner put his interest in architecture on hold to work on ship design in the yard’s design co-op program, and earn a paycheck to fund his quest for a bachelor’s degree. “I worked on my degree after hours,” he said. “I was tired. They were long days. I would leave the shipyard after working all day and go straight to ODU. Some days I didn’t get home until almost midnight and I was back
at the yard the next morning – but I loved it.” After three years in the yard and several semesters into his bachelor’s degree, Warner set his sights on The Apprentice School. He noticed that many of the supervisors around him were Apprentice School graduates, and Warner liked the idea that he could continue his education and learn a trade that provided him the opportunity to have a role in bringing his designs to life. “It was nice to learn more about the physical side of the virtual world I was creating,” he said. “I wanted to put my hands on the steel.” Warner is now working on a CVN 72 nuclear shipfitting crew, and finds that the shipyard environment suits him. He’s regularly challenged, he is surrounded by shipyard veterans who are more than willing to entertain his curiosity and his questions, and he’s learning skills that will serve him well inside and outside of the shipyard gates. Now 28, Warner is newly married and making a new house his home. He plans to get a master’s degree eventually, but for now he wants to enjoy life a little as well as his new career. And look out, foremen. Warner wants your job. “I have the capability and the motivation to be in a supervisory position,” he said. “I enjoy the trades and production, so I think a foreman position would be the ideal job for me.” I By Christie Miller
His continuing pursuit of an education has so far landed Calvin Warner two degrees, a shipfitting certificate and the Niels Christiansen Craftsmanship Award, presented at The Apprentice School Graduation ceremony in March, for excelling in his craft among waterfront trades. Photo by Ricky Thompson
SENK and the Two Tripolis
Steve Senk will forever be a part of the history of two Ingalls-built ships named USS Tripoli. Senk already made a mark while serving on USS Tripoli (LPH 10) during the Gulf War, and it’s because of his heroic service on that ship, he is now leaving a different kind of mark on the future Tripoli (LHA 7) being built in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Senk, director of operations at Continental Maritime San Diego, which operates under Newport News Shipbuilding, served as co-authenticator of the keel of Tripoli (LHA 7) during a ceremony in June. Sharing the spotlight with Lynne Mabus, Ship’s Sponsor and wife of Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, the two had their initials welded onto steel plates that will permanently become part of the new amphibious assault ship. During combat operations in the northern Persian Gulf the morning of February 18, 1991, USS Tripoli (LPH 10) was shaken by a mine explosion on the starboard side of the bow. The detonation tore a 16- by 20-foot hole in the ship’s hull and threatened to sink her. Senk, a then U.S. Navy lieutenant commander, was the chief engineer of the ship that morning. “The explosion threw me across my berthing space,” he said. “I knew what it was right away – all the years of training really kicked in. My motivation, other than my sense of duty, was my responsibility to all of those young men on that ship with me.” Because of his training and immediate reaction to the situation, Senk was able to direct damage control efforts on the flooding. Not only did USS Tripoli not sink, but she was able to continue critical combat operations for several days. For his courage and actions that day, Senk received the Silver Star Medal, the third-highest military award for valor displayed during conflict with an enemy. But Senk doesn’t take credit for saving Tripoli – he was only following his instincts.
“The crew performed just as they had been trained in controlling the damage,” he said. “I’ve always felt that what I did that morning was what I was trained to do – to lead a bunch of great young men in a very tough situation. They saved the ship, not me.”
When he was asked to co-authenticate the keel of LHA 7, Senk said he was honored to stand for and with the talented shipbuilders at Ingalls Shipbuilding. He also saw it as an opportunity to recognize the brave and resilient crew of LPH 10.
“She was a tough ship, and I’m sure the next generation of crew members on the new Tripoli will serve just as proudly and bravely as the sailors I served with.” I By Michael Duhe and Jeremy Bustin Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus (left) congratulates Steve Senk, director of Operations, Continental Maritime San Diego, for co-authenticating the Tripoli (LHA 7) keel in June. Photo by Lance Davis, Ingalls Shipbuilding
Pineapples
SAFETY
Who would have guessed that a 10-letter word could have such a positive effect on a team? Well, shipbuilders working on the second shift in the Sheet Metal Shop will tell you that it’s possible.
Powell added, “We selected ‘pineapples’ because it’s not a word you would expect to hear in the shipyard, so we knew it would get the attention of our co-workers and serve our purpose well.”
Last summer, the crew was challenged by their foreman, Billy Henderson, to come up with ideas on how to make their work area a more ergonomically-friendly and safer place.
The crew recalls one of the first times they used the word. “One day, we saw another crew member step on an old pallet,” said Seth Clark. “Everyone in the vicinity immediately said, ‘pineapples.’ The craftsman figured out what he had done pretty quickly and got off the pallet.”
“One of the ideas we had was to come up with a positive word to alert others on our crew that they’re doing something unsafe,” said Isaac Powell, sheet metal shipbuilder. “Everyone thought it was a good idea – the signal word we decided on was ‘pineapples.’”
Since the crew has been using the word for nearly a year, they concur that it has been a more effective way of alerting others to a situation rather than making a negative comment.
“No one likes to be told they’re doing something wrong, especially by someone other than their supervisor,” said Richard Scott. “In the past, some people might have turned their head or thought twice about calling someone out because of the backlash it could potentially cause. Using ‘pineapples’ has made it easier for us to keep each other safe. Now we have a more polite way of communicating potentially unsafe situations.” Powell agreed. “In addition to being polite, it also makes the situation stand out in our minds, which ultimately serves as a continuous reminder from then on.” Although the crew rarely has to use the word to correct unsafe work habits, they use it to create awareness
to potential safety issues. They believe it has had a significant impact on their ability to remain safe. They also believe it has played a large role in team engagement. “Everyone on our crew participates in looking out for each other,” said Clark. “We all share the common goal of wanting everyone to return home the same way they came in to work. ‘Pineapples’ has enabled us to look out for each other, build stronger friendships with each other and share some laughs all at the same time.” I By Lauren Ward Shipbuilders working on the second shift in the Sheet Metal Shop look out for their fellow craftsman Marcos Roman by yelling “pineapples” to keep him from stepping on an unsafe pallet. Photo by Ricky Thompson
The REWARDS of Being a
Make-Up Foreman Being a member of a work crew who also functions as a foreman when needed can be challenging, but it’s mostly rewarding. Make-up Foremen Roderick “Motown” Morris, Ronald Harper and Sandra Burks, members of the thirdshift paint and insulation teams working on Virginiaclass submarine (VCS) modules said they enjoy the opportunity to lead, to see projects through to completion, and to motivate crew members. “Basically everything a foreman does, we do,” said Morris. “When the foreman’s not there, he has to trust that you’ll keep everything running smoothly.” Shipbuilders serving as make-up foremen regularly fill in for their bosses for short and extended periods of time, which means they do the paperwork, ensure the teams are productive and help less experienced team members learn the job. “Our make-up foremen play a significant role in training and teaching our new shipbuilders and are a valuable asset for our team,” said H.D. Trulley, general foreman for the VCS Surface & Preparation teams building section 9 modules in multiple facilities across the shipyard. “They deserve high recognition for the work they do.” Alexandria Barrow, a 2013 Apprentice School graduate who once filled in for her foreman for four months, said being a make-up foreman is a great way to gain supervisory experience. “I want to be a foreman,” Barrow said. “This is giving me a chance to test the role to know if this is something I want to do permanently.”
Second shift Make-up Foremen Nathan Duke and Joseph Traynham agree that switching between roles is probably the most challenging part of the job. “One day you’re a worker, and the next day you’re leading the team. You have to separate the friendships in order to get the work done,” said Duke. Curiosity about how submarines were built brought Traynham to the shipyard seven years ago. He came with the goal of being a foreman. As the only paint make-up foreman on second shift, he believes the handson experience from performing both roles is invaluable. “I’m learning so much about the boat outside of my craft area. I would encourage anyone who wants to be a foreman to consider this opportunity.” It’s not every day a make-up foreman gets to lead the completion of a submarine unit. Foreman Laddie Anderson said, “I was really proud of Morris when he filled in for me last summer. He completed the module and watched it leave to go to Electric Boat. He did a terrific job.” Morris said, “The sense of accomplishment I got from watching that module leave the shipyard was amazing. It’s not something you get to see or do every day.” | By Gina Chew Holman
Make-up Foreman Sandra Burks (right) discusses painting a section of a Virginia-class submarine with Painter Tonaya Gary. Photo by Ricky Thompson
Just as so many shipbuilders have called Newport News Shipbuilding their home, so have hundreds of furry feline friends. In the past 20 years, continuous efforts have been made to reduce and control the estimated 1,500 feral cats that once roamed the shipyard. Since NNS’ animal management program implemented changes in 2008, the cat population has dropped to around 300. “We used to get cat complaints all the time and now we hardly ever get any,” said Dawn Morris, a member of the Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) team who oversees the animal management program. “We’ve gotten the numbers down low enough; the cats are rarely ever seen.” The method used to control the cat population today is to harmlessly find unneutered cats, neuter/spay and ear-tip them for identification through the care of local vets, and release them back into the yard. “Our goal is not to permanently remove feral cats, because that only brings more in, which means more are able to reproduce,” said Morris. “By neutering and releasing the cats back into the shipyard, the number of litters is reduced and other cats don’t move in to their already ‘claimed’ territory.” NNS also has caretakers who volunteer their own time to look after the different colonies around the yard. “I go to the four feeding stations in my area every morning during the week and on weekends to feed the cats. I also change their water, monitor them, clean up after them,
and look for ones that are unneutered,” said Lynn Giglio, a passionate, longtime caretaker. These feeding stations that are provided by the shipyard, including the food, are critical to the program and the cats’ well-being. They give shelter, protect the food and water, and allow caretakers to notice any changes in the colonies. Foster homes for new litters are also through volunteer efforts, and once the kittens are old enough and tamed, they are then put up for adoption. Each year there are around 10 litters, ranging from two to eight kittens, and each year Morris said they all find safe, loving homes. “It was a simple process and a smooth transition for the kittens and me. They’re wonderful cats,” said Taylor Peck, designer for the feeding stations who’s adopted two shipyard kittens. Giglio, Morris and 11 other shipyard cats volunteers encourage others to help out in any way possible, because “the more people contribute to the solution, the fewer problems there will be,” explained Giglio. “I feel so positive about the program,” said Morris. “Because of the big hearts and dedication of shipyard employees, cats and shipbuilders can stay healthy and safe in the yard.” I By Ashley Key To learn how you can help and adopt, contact Dawn Morris or visit the EH&S website in Yardnet. Dawn Morris, who oversees the shipyard’s animal management program, cares for a kitten who will soon be available for adoption. Photo by John Whalen
You’re Invited
Christening Ceremony Newport News Shipbuilding
Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 6:30 P.M. Pre-Ceremony, 3:00 - 5:30 P.M.
(Self-Guided Tours of Floating Dry Dock, Children’s Activities, Food Served)
CONTACTS FOR EMPLOYEE TICKET DISTRIBUTION AMSEC Kathy Taylor 631-2287
DC Office Marty Erdossy 202-264-7183
Law Carl Gray 380-4533
Dimensional Control Margaret Rayfield 688-7334
Business Management Mary Ann Williams 380-2663
Energy Programs Nancy White 688-7771
Manufacturing Wanda Mills 688-8598
Quality & Process Excellence Lynn Alligood 688-1388
Contracts & Pricing Stephanie Cherry 688-0861
Engineering & Design Daniel Abramson 688-7489
Nuclear Propulsion Denise Martin 688-5575
Submarines & Fleet Support Holly Campbell 688-8227
CVN 78 Construction Bev Ware 380-3064 CVN 79 Construction Rhonda Pearman 688-1417 HII - Corporate Sara Amman 688-9353
Heather Westmoreland 688-9088
Operations Patty Johnson 534-4490
Human Resources & Administration Krysti Filer 380-4687
Apprentice School Judy Hester 688-2512
In-Service Aircraft Carrier Program Bernadette Reid 380-4464
• Request tickets through your division contact. • Tickets required for all guests. • Limit of two tickets per employee.
Facilities & Waterfront Support Leann Jones 534-3310
Supply Chain Management Dianne Murray 380-7196 Navy Programs Rob Spitzer 688-3376 Information Technology Rachel Gilpin 688-7036
• All guests must enter the shipyard by 6:00 P.M. • General admission seating is on a first-come, firstserved basis.
#SSN785
www.warnerchristening.com
Making a Difference
Guiding College-Bound Students
Frustrated by the lack of college information available to Hampton High School students, Erica Wagner and her daughter Deneisha decided to do something about it. “It started in 2009 as my daughter’s project for DoSomething.org. At first, a few students gathered at our house after school to use the computer, and then we held a car wash to take the kids on a college bus tour,” said Wagner, an administrative assistant on the Structural Fabrication & Assembly team. Together, the Wagners formed Club College Boulevard (CCB), a not-for-profit organization to help students become college-bound. “Many of our students are the first in their family to go to college, but they don’t have the resources or know the steps to get there.” CCB provides high school students with assistance applying to colleges, writing colleges essays, obtaining financial aid information and researching scholarships. Students tour colleges and attend workshops at the Citizens Boys & Girls Club in Hampton.
Wagner, who joined the shipyard in 2002 after a 10year career in the Army, said, “I didn’t go to college but, growing up, I walked away knowing I could do anything. I wanted to propel my daughter 10 times further.” CCB mentored 19 students this year, and Deneisha, now a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, is expanding the program to Richmond students. Students participating in CCB programs have enrolled at Old Dominion University, Christopher Newport University, Chowan College, Thomas Nelson Community College and many others. Wagner said, “I enjoy empowering youth and seeing them become successful.”| By Gina Chew-Holman Visit www.clubcollegeblvd.com to learn more about CCB. Club College Boulevard Founders Erica Wagner (center) and her daughter Deneisha (right) visit Old Dominion University with Evanne Pridgen, a student they mentored. Pridgen will enter ODU in the fall. Photo by Troy Cooper
Yardlines is published 10 times a year for the employees of Newport News Shipbuilding. This issue of Yardlines was produced by: Jeremy Bustin, Gina Chew-Holman, Troy Cooper, Mike Dillard, Christie Miller, Eugene Phillips, LaMar Smith, Peter Stern, Susan Sumner, Lauren Ward and Kimberly Zayakosky. Contributing writers: Michael Duhe and Ashley Key. 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 MASTER SHIPBUILDERS
JULY
John Bush 40 years
John W. Childs 40 years
Bob D. Conway Jr. 40 years
Doug Conyers 50 years
John Dawson 40 years
Clifford “Moon” Fuller Jr. 40 years
Barry Hartberger 40 years
Maurice E. Jordan 40 years
Clifton Kemp 50 years
Tim Milby 40 years
Calvin B. Parker 40 years
Alan B. Reaves 40 years
Brent Rollins 40 years
William “Chink” Shepherd 40 years
Melvin “Buck” Sherrod 40 years
Leroy S. Smith Jr. 40 years
Linwood O. “Punchie” Smith 50 years
John Terry 40 years
55 YEARS Ernest L. Billups O53
Wendell Parker X82 Alan B. Reaves X32 Jeffery B. Rollins O22 William M. Shepherd X87 Melvin Sherrod X18 Leroy S. Smith Jr. O27 John W. Terry X11
Alene G. Kaufman O11 William E. Keatley AMSEC Leonard A. Kukla X67 Garry A. Majette X33 Reginald J. Moody X36 Richard R. Moody Jr. X10 David W. Muth E13 Robert K. Owen X36 James K. Parker X88 Augustus F. Pittman III E88 Rodney L. Powell X42 Robert W. Price O39 James R. Rawles X31 Leroy J. Roberts X32 Robert W. Rogers II X84 Andre L. Ruffin O53 William J. Santabar X89 Melinda J. Smith M53 Robert M. Smock X36 Nancy L. Sparks O53 Marlon A. Thomas M53 Ronnie L. White X33 Melvin C. Whitley X36 Eugene Wilkerson Jr. X33
30 YEARS Patricia L. Arnold O88 James L. Ball X88 Perry E. Bavera E22 Adam J. Bierbauer E42 Alan S. Bomar X70 Ronald W. Bowman X42 Kenny A. Branch O31 Raymond B. Breen O46 Marylyne D. Brown X89 William D. Carlton E82 Andrew Cirrincione E83 Joanna C. Dillard T54 Kim E. Distel X43 Richard Egyud E70 Eric R. Elson E25 Charles G. Estes O37 Jeffrey G. Fitzpatrick E01 John C. Foster X32 John P. Franks E63 Tamara A. Garrett E42 Kerry L. Gilland O45 Terri M. Gross E15 Michael Harsmanka Jr. X83 Paul N. Hecker E84 Jesse H. Hogg III O48
Timothy W. Holland X32 Peter B. Holt X83 David E. Holzworth E85 Paul M. Hughes E25 Betty V. Johnson O46 Michael W. Johnson E49 Steven J. Jones O48 Christopher J. Joseph E05 Linda L. Kester E15 Jeffrey A. Lawson X32 Alan L. Lee E83 Michael C. Martin X10 William E. McKenna E83 Jean J. Montane E17 David L. Palagyi X70 Kent M. Paumier E65 Ellis C. Pierce X82 Andrew J. Poole E30 Robert W. Rantanen O79 Michael J. Reilley E01 James R. Revere X59 Antonia D. Robinson X76 Douglas R. Roundy X32 James S. Shepherd X89 Raymond S. Simmons E68 Christopher B. Smith E26
David W. Snyder E83 Eric D. Stevens X88 James C. Taylor Jr. E83 Larry Thomas E15 Kenneth L. Turner AMSEC Bobby K. Williams M20 Tony H. Winborne O39 Earnest B. Wright M20 James S. Yates AMSEC
Jose A. Lewis X42 Joseph E. Morgan X10 Glenn M. Powell E13 Richard N. Raines X42
David C. Ritter X89 Eugene H. Roarty O31 Eugene A. Rountree X11 Linda E. Smith X32
Katherine E. Winall O53 Wallace E. Winborne X33
50 YEARS Raymond D. Conyers O14 Clifton L. Kemp O43 Daniel L. Smith M53 Linwood O. Smith E07
40 YEARS John P. Bush X74 David H. Campbell T53 John W. Childs II E25 Robert D. Conway Jr. O63 John P. Dawson X32 Larry J. Faulk X42 Clifford R. Fuller Jr. X42 Barry G. Hartberger E15 Maurice E. Jordan O26 Cleo D. Lymon O54 Timothy B. Milby X43 Calvin B. Parker X31
35 YEARS Stanley L. Akers O68 Ralph B. Ashburn E07 Russell K. Barlow O53 Bobby Barnes O53 Dale E. Bell O04 Scott H. Brubaker O41 Terry N. Bynum X11 James A. Clifton E12 Mark F. Conlon E81 William M. Cupp O39 Robert E. Daughtrey X70 Cheryl T. Ellis E88 Linwood T. Gatling Jr. X42 Thomas C. Hardy X32 Lorenza Harrison AMSEC Darren K. Holley X33 Reginald E. Jackson X18
William C. Bartlett O46 Clara A. Bartran X31 Leroy Bell X33 Benjamin R. Bowers Jr. A572
Pedro B. Burgos X43 Gary A. Chadwick X32 James D. Egnot X76 Warren C. Gary X31
45 YEARS Clinton B. Anderson X33 Kenneth O. Powell O15
Retirements
25 YEARS Shane E. Beaber E88 Donna L. Head AMSEC John R. Leaman IV N930 Deborah H. Morris AMSEC Sheila K. Orgeron E51 Michael R. Walton E12 George D. Watson E26 20 YEARS Richard A. Anderson E51 Lawrence E. Bowman X83 Richard D. Clabbers T54 Vickie M. Gumbleton AMSEC Robert M. Holley E21 Robert M. Letourneau E44
JUNE Melvin E. Hammond Jr. O54 Fred D. Harris X36 Robert A. Kulenguski E75 Larry J. Lackey X32
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EAU CLAIRE WI PERMIT NO. 366
August 2014
NNS Safety Report *Compared to figures from June 2013
Year-to-Date Injuries 627
-16%
+7% Year-to-Date Injuries with Lost Time 231
Year-to-Date Lost Work Days 7,659
-2% The Independence Day fireworks finale create a canopy of color around the island of the USS Enterprise (CVN 65), the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier built by Newport News Shipbuilding. After 50 years of service, the “Big E” returned to NNS for inactivation. Enterprise will go into Dry Dock 11 this fall for the defueling and inactivation after the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) undocks. Photo by John Whalen