Table of Contents
IN THIS ISSUE Features: 1 COVER BY ERIC MACLEOD, NNSY VISUAL INFORMATION SPECIALIST
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3
KEEP AMERICA'S SHIPYARD BEAUTIFUL
4 FROM THE COMMANDER: CAPT. KAI TORKELSON
5 FROM THE BRIDGE: VADM THOMAS MOORE
6 NNSY PARTICIPATES IN ANNUAL READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY
8 NNSY CONTINUES TO SERVICE THE FLEET DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
10 SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE
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COORDINATOR SPEAKS AT NAI-ERG EVENT
12 EDP HIGHLIGHT: MATT DELONG
14 TALKING SHOP: SHOP 11 20 16 HOW CMWR PLANS TO BETTER SERVE NNSY
18 SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT: DEVEL WILSON
20 BIG ROCKS: A CELEBRATION OF EFFICIENCY
22 EMPLOYEE RESOURCE
GROUPS: A COMPASS, AN INFORMATION LINE, A TEAM
26 AA-ERG HOSTS 2ND ANNUAL OPEN MIC: "HOW DO I MAKE IT?" 2 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2020
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VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 4 SHIPYARD COMMANDER Capt. Kai Torkelson EXECUTIVE OFFICER Capt. Daniel Rossler COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM Gene Garland EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (CODE 1100) Fred McKenna PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Terri Davis SERVICE TO THE FLEET EDITOR Kristi Britt PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF Hannah Bondoc, Michael Brayshaw, Allison Conti, Floyd Logan, Troy Miller, Jennie Rentas, Jason Scarborough, Curtis Steward EMAIL THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE nfsh_nnsy_pao@navy.mil EMPLOYEE INFORMATION HOTLINE (757) 396-9551 FRAUD, WASTE & ABUSE HOTLINE (757) 396-7971 SHIPYARD RADIO ADVISORY 1630 AM SERVICE TO THE FLEET is a Department of Defense publication and is authorized for members of the DoD. Contents of Service to the Fleet are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the DoD, or Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Service to the Fleet is published monthly. Submissions are due on the 10th of each month. The public affairs staff reserves the right to edit submissions for content and brevity.
Service to the Fleet
KEEP AMERICA'S SHIPYARD BEAUTIFUL STORY BY TROY MILLER • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST For those of us who were around in the 1970s, you might remember the iconic public service announcement in which Iron Eyes Cody shed a tear over the pollution that had begun to engulf the country. Although our country has come a long way since, the battle against litter and pollution continues at America’s Shipyard today. “It would be nice if no one littered,” said Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Code 900.11 Temporary Facilities Branch Head Jeffrey Saniano. “Although we’ve taken some strides with cleaning and beautifying the shipyard, we can do better.” Over the last few years, Code 900F, has taken on projects where cleaning and beautifing different areas of the shipyard. At NNSY the wind is a major culprit in spreading trash around. This is why it’s important to ensure your trash and recyclables are disposed of properly. “If we don’t take care of our garbage properly, the wind can blow it in areas where someone can trip over it and injure themselves,” said Saniano. “It can also
spread trash into the Elizabeth River.” There are ways to ensure that trash doesn’t end up where it doesn’t belong. “If each person picked up one piece of trash every day and disposed of it in the proper receptacle, it would improve the cleanliness of the shipyard massively,” said Patel. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to help keep the shipyard clean from the highest paygrade down to the lowest paygrade.” Having a litter-free shipyard, however, does more than just keep workers safe and keep trash from going into the Elizabeth River or the streets. “Coming to a clean workplace give you a sense of pride,” said Saniano. “It raises morale, which in return, helps the workers to give a little extra in their duties and responsibilities.” Back in the 1970s, another icon was formed to fight pollution: Woodsy Owl. Remember the one thing that Woodsy Owl said when he saw a piece of trash where it doesn’t belong, “Give a hoot; don’t pollute!”
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/NorfolkNavalShipyard1 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER www.twitter.com/NNSYNews WATCH VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE www.youtube.com/NNSYBroadcast FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @norfolknavalshipyard READ STTF ONLINE www.issuu.com/nnsy APRIL 2020 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 3
From the Commander, Capt. Kai O. Torkelson:
Workforce Efficiency/Productive Capacity in America's Shipyard I know it’s been a concerning few weeks for all of us with the increasing impacts of COVID-19 (coronavirus) throughout the world, across the United States and here in our Norfolk Naval Shipyard Family. Fortunately a lot of the things we are already doing— avoiding large gatherings, practicing social distancing, and staying home/teleworking when practical—are how we will slow this outbreak and eventually return to normalcy. I and our Senior Leadership and Emergency Management Teams are acting on this dynamic situation and will keep you updated with important information as it is received. We are continually providing all-hands updates, sending out updates on NNSY’s Facebook page, and a page has been created on NNSY WebCentral with all the most relevant information available on COVID-19 and potential impacts to the NNSY workforce. This can be accessed through NMCI via the “Information COVID-19” link on the WebCentral homepage: https://webcentral. nnsy.navy.mil/departments/C1100/C1160/ ImportantInformation/SitePages/Home.aspx We are doing our best to stay up to date and keep everyone informed. Communication is key during this time. As I’ve stated and we know, our shipyard ensures Fleet readiness through our people accomplishing the mission of Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and your safety, security, health and well-being are my top priority. During this challenging time, shipyard leadership is doing everything in its power to ensure a safe work environment, protecting the safety and health of our coworkers, Ship’s Force, and all those within Norfolk Naval Shipyard. During uncertain times such as this, it helps to reflect on and embrace those things which keep us even-keeled. We all likely have a “righting force” or principle or activity that we rely on to keep us calm and methodical. Through my life, mine has been my faith and family and friends to keep me on an even-keel. Regardless of the uncertainty or challenge that may come up, I know those three are stronger than anything that challenges me. With that foundation, I can go on with an even keel and face anything. I encourage you to rely on whatever righting force you have in your lives. 4 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2020
I will ensure you are informed and know the reasons behind my actions. I ask your trust and to know I am in this with you. So, let’s talk about why we do what we do and why we must come through this challenging situation. A strong frame of reference for the importance of our work is provided by observing the anniversary of the loss of USS Thresher (SSN 593) and its 129 crewmembers and civilian technicians April 10, 1963. This is a significant anniversary to all of us throughout the Navy who either serve on or perform work aboard submarines, with the the tragedy leading to the establishment of the submarine safety (SUBSAFE) program. While we have the strongest and safest submarine force in the world, personal integrity in doing all our work fully and correctly, and upholding SUBSAFE standards at every turn, is vital to keeping it that way. For our supervisors and work leaders, this is a great occasion to mark the anniversary and exemplify our C.O.R.E. Ownership value—leveraging an opportunity to learn, improve, innovate and teach—when discussing the loss of Thresher in relation to the importance of our work. Last month in my Commander’s Comments I began highlighting each of the three focus areas this year supporting the NNSY Campaign Plan. This month we will focus on Workforce Efficiency/Productive Capacity. What does this mean for our production workforce? It better positions you to have all resources within arm’s reach— valuing each of you like the ship surgeons you are—so you can engage in nonstop execution of work throughout the work day. For our production mechanics, that means less time hunting and gathering, and more time doing and delivering. We’re seeing success on this front with the Job Readiness Cells/Point of Use, with Code 500 breaking its Big Rock successfully implementing all steps of the NAVSEA Job Readiness Cell (JRC)/Material Kitting standard for non-nuclear work on our CNO waterfront availabilities. We were the first of all the shipyards to fully meet this JRC/ material kitting standard! But this is just the beginning, and it must be promulgated to all areas of our ship repair and modernization. During that Big Rocks ceremony the
“war on inefficiency” was discussed, and we’re waging that war on the front lines with important efforts like our Inefficiency Monitoring Team and cost review and overhead meetings. From the feedback we’ve received, we know how important the development of our people is, and improving employee development and training by better balancing on-the-job training with classroom instruction will also enhance our Workforce Efficiency/Productive Capacity. I’ve touched on what this focus area means for our production workforce, but what does Workforce Efficiency/Productive Capacity mean for the Fleet? All these efforts I’ve discussed, when combined, will better position us in the timely and cost-conscious delivery of our Navy’s ships and submarines by enhancing our efficiencies and increasing our innovations. This directly supports our mission and the NAVSEA mission to maintain ships and systems on-time and on-cost for the United States Navy. April is also Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. While we planned to conduct a joint SAAPM kickoff along with USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) at the beginning of the month, unfortunately those plans had to be shelved due to minimizing large gatherings at this time as we prevent any possible spread of COVID-19. However, we’re still communicating this important monthlong observance by all other means available, including a command video. While April is designated to recognizing the importance of eliminating sexual assault, we should use this as an opportunity to frame the importance of providing a professional and C.O.R.E. environment of well-being throughout the year, where we respect one another and treat one another exceptionally well in developing our high-performing teams. Per our C.O.R.E. Respect value, we value each other, uplift rather than tear down, express our issues and concerns in a civil manner, and approach all interactions with humanity and humility. In closing, I wanted to mention this month will mark 75 years since World War II ended in Europe. World War II left a lasting impact in America’s Shipyard that’s felt even 75 years later, as NNSY doubled in physical size, vastly increased its productive capacity (just as we continue to do today), and proved the possibilities of what can be accomplished when the workforce rallies around a common, vital goal. NNSY earned a claim to being America’s Shipyard even back
in World War II by repairing or converting approximately 6,850 naval vessels, as well as building more than 100 ships and landing craft—including three aircraft carriers. The shipyard also churned out millions of dollars in manufactured products for the fleet and other naval facilities. You’ll see and hear more about our wartime contributions from now throughout the summer, as we commemorate the anniversary of the official ending of World War II with Japan’s formal surrender on September 2, 1945. And just as our predecessors did 75 years ago, it’s on the shoulders of every one of us to maintain our nation’s ships, or support those who do, and deliver unmatched warfighting capability to our nation’s Fleet.
Capt. Kai Torkelson Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s 108th Commander
APRIL 2020 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 5
ABOVE: Code 2380 Nuclear Engineer Matthew Antonelli represents Norfolk Naval Shipyard in his first Read Across America Day at James Hurst Elementary School Mar. 2. RIGHT: Norfolk Naval Shipyard employee Sandra Demetrius shares a favorite story from her childhood during Read Across America Day at James Hurst Elementary School Mar. 2.
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD PARTICIPATES IN ANNUAL READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY DANNY DEANGELIS • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Douglass Park Elementary School Principal Sherie Davis and Norfolk Naval Shipyard Tutorial Program Champion for the school Beverly Gaston celebrate Read Across America Day; Shop 67 Angel Eure has been participating in the tutoring program at Norfolk Naval Shipyard for four years and is the Tutorial Program Champion for James Hurst Elementary School. She represented America’s Shipyard at James Hurst Mar. 2 as part of Read Across America Day.
Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) partnered with three elementary schools in Portsmouth, Virginia for the annual Read Across America Day March 2. Read Across America Day, an observance on the school day closest to Dr. Seuss' birthday, is part of a year-long program focused on motivating children and teens to read. The program is led by the National Education Association (NEA), focusing on building a nation of readers one story at a time. Numerous civilian and military volunteers from NNSY traveled to Douglass Park Elementary School, Victory Elementary School, and James Hurst Elementary School to meet with students of varying grades and read books to them, whether it be a favorite from the reader’s childhood or simply a book from the respective school’s expansive collection. This marked the fifth year NNSY supported this event at Douglass Park, the second year attending James Hurst, and the first time for Victory. “Read Across America is an excellent opportunity for us at America’s Shipyard to give back to our community,” said NNSY Outreach Coordinator Valerie Fulwood. “We are helping to mold the
minds of the future and it’s a wonderful time for the students and for our volunteers. It’s a fun experience for all and we are so happy we got to expand our reach even further this year with Victory Elementary.” Many of the shipyard volunteers are also involved with NNSY’s Tutoring and Mentorship Program, an annual effort for the shipyard to engage with local schools in the community. Several volunteers attend the schools twice a week to aid the students in mathematics and reading. Shop 67 Angel Eure has been participating in the tutoring program at NNSY for four years. She is the Tutorial Program Champion for James Hurst and is always ready to show her support for the community. “Every week I’m here working with the students and each moment has been special to me," she said. "The kids are so excited to see us and interact with us and seeing them progress throughout the year is amazing. Getting to do these things like Read Across America is wonderful and it helps instill that love of reading in the younger generation.” This year was a first for Code 2380 Nuclear Engineer Matthew Antonelli. “I felt this is a wonderful thing the shipyard is doing," he said. "We perform work in the community’s backyard and it’s a wonderful experience for us all to participate in. The children loved having us here and we were all sad when it was time for us to go. It’s such a nice feeling to be able to interact with them and get involved. I highly recommend it.” “Today and this week is all about celebrating literacy in our schools,” said James Hurst Elementary School Principal LaKesia JolleyFoster. “NNSY has always been so beneficial for us here at James Hurst. It’s so rewarding for our students to be able to see an employee firsthand who spends each day serving our Navy and also taking the time to come to the school and give them that one-on-one interaction. The students really treasure this special time with their tutors and we appreciate the shipyard so much for everything they do. The partnership goes beyond Read Across America and the tutorial program. Anytime we ask, NNSY has always been there to lend a helping hand and we’re so grateful for that.” To learn more about Read Across America, visit https://www. readacrossamerica.org/.
Minimizing the spread, maximizing the mission: Norfolk Naval Shipyard continues service to the fleet during COVID-19 pandemic STORY BY MICHAEL BRAYSHAW • LEAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST I PHOTO COURTESY OF USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH PUBLIC AFFAIRS If you consider things taken for granted in 2019, lack of familiarity with the terms “coronavirus,” “social distancing,” and “minimize the spread” would have to be at the top of the list. As COVID-19 has come to dominate our waking moments in 2020, traveling across the oceans and now creeping through our communities, Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) has been finding ways to continue achieving its critical mission while simultaneously working to ensure employee safety and health. NNSY has historically prided itself on its mission versatility, workforce availability and global scope of its work, as evidenced by the long-standing motto “Any ship, anytime, anywhere.” Anytime has also proven true during a national emergency, as NNSY is continuing to conduct all service to the Fleet at its main location in Portsmouth. Currently on the Portsmouth waterfront, NNSY has three vital projects that will greatly assist the Navy in three different but highly important ways. That includes USS George H.W. Bush’s (CVN 77) most extensive work since commissioning, in the form of a Drydocking Planned Incremental Availability; USS Wyoming (SSBN 742), which is a critical piece in the country’s nuclear deterrence strategy, getting an Engineering Refueling Overhaul; and USS San Francisco (SSN 711), which is undergoing conversion to become a next-generation Moored Training Ship ensuring highly skilled and fully capable 21st century fleet operators. The shipyard also continues to conduct mission-critical work at all its satellite locations and assisting other sites as part of the nation’s One Shipyard Concept. In the past couple weeks just in Hampton Roads, recent NNSY accomplishments at Naval Station Norfolk included completing work on USS Wasp (LHD 1), successfully conducting testing on USS New Mexico (SSN 779), and assisting work on USS Gerald Ford (CVN 78) and USS John Warner (SSN 785); and at Huntington Ingalls-Newport News Shipbuilding, restoring systems to remove cofferdams on USS Boise (SSN 764). In a message to the workforce on March 29, NAVSEA Commander, Vice Admiral Tom Moore said, “You've often heard me describe NAVSEA (that's you) as the Force Behind the Fleet. It's not just a catchy phrase. It describes the vital national and mission essential role we play in everything the Fleet does around the world protecting our freedoms . . . [that] we are mission essential means more is expected and required of us than that of the general public. Our jobs directly impact the fleet’s ability to execute their mission.” The inherent challenges working to minimize spread of COVID-19 while needing ship project team members to work in relative close proximity to one another is being addressed on several fronts at NNSY. These are in addition to all the Department of 8 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2020
Defense-mandated ways to prevent and minimize COVID-19 spread. One shipyard-specific action is NNSY’s Supply Department (Code 500) taking the lead in assembling and distributing cleaning kits to the projects. These contain paper towels, gloves, and sanitizers for cleaning high touch areas and objects such as common areas and conference rooms, and doorknobs and elevator buttons. The shipyard is also preparing to implement screening procedures at the gates to curb the possibility of a person with COVID-19 entering the installation. Additionally, NNSY’s Naval Facilities (NAVFAC) Public Works Department-Portsmouth has confirmed with its custodial contractor that cleaning products used at NNSY are effective at killing COVID-19. To maximize social distancing, NNSY has suspended large gatherings and meetings such as Force Multiplier trainings, monthly safety flag presentations and Employee Resource Group meetings. In their place, Shipyard Commander Captain Kai Torkelson has been filming ongoing messages for these groups as coordinated by the shipyard’s Public Affairs Office (Code 1160) and Shipyard Instruction Design Center (Code 1170). NNSY’s Public Affairs Office has also been releasing daily updates to the workforce, posting constant updates to the command Facebook page, and establishing a repository of important COVID-19 information on NNSY WebCentral. Capt. Torkelson has also been providing continual updates and messages of encouragement to the workforce. “When you think about some of the most challenging times in our nation’s history, you saw our NNSY citizens putting service above self, making personal sacrifices to benefit the nation, and turning individual contributions into high-performing teams that changed the course of our history,” said Torkelson. “I’m already seeing similar instances with our workforce, with employees finding innovative ways to continue the job, with teams doubling efforts to support critical work, and with workers remaining ready around the clock to support our mission.” During this crisis, similar messages continue to be communicating from the highest levels of Navy leadership. Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly said, “Our sacred calling is to defend our nation. Let our adversaries beware and our allies take heed: We are ready for anything. There is no doubt that America will, as we always have done, emerge stronger when this crisis finally passes. We in the naval profession have a special obligation to think around the corner of COVID-19 towards the broader challenges that we may face as this century evolves, while at the same time doing our utmost to operate safely, train effectively, and learn continuously.”
Respect is Excellence: Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Speaks at Native American Indian Heritage Employee Resource Group Event STORY AND PHOTOS BY HANNAH BONDOC • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST Although modern society has a better understanding of intimate consent, many still lack an understanding of what consent is, much less what counts as sexual harassment or sexual assault. Hence, prior to Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Native American Indian Heritage Employee Resource Group (NAIERG) asked NNSY’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) Shalise Bates-Pratt to speak at its meeting. Bates-Pratt spoke about sexual assault in the workplace, and how to get help. To understand the difference between sexual harassment and sexual assault, one has to understand consent. Bates-Pratt’s presentation defined consent as “a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person.” Like taking out a bank loan, if a person is unresponsive or under age, they are not in a position to give consent. No one is obliged to give consent regardless of any current or pre-existing relationship, nor can it be taken through force, manipulation, or assumed if there is no resistance. Sexual harassment can be less obvious than sexual assault in that it does not have to be physical. In Bates-Pratt’s presentation, it is defined as “A form of sex discrimination that involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.” For instance, sexual harassment can take place in the workplace in the form of someone of a higher position holding someone else’s career over them for a sexual favor, whether it be a threat or an exchange, or someone saying something inappropriate to another co10 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2020
worker. “What authorities are looking for in these cases,” Bates-Pratt added, “is whether the incident is something that is pervasive enough to make any reasonable person uncomfortable.” Sexual assault on the other hand is more direct approach in that it is “intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent” according to Bates-Pratt’s presentation. In the workplace, “forced kissing, groping breasts/backside, putting hands/objects down front or back of pants” all qualify as sexual assault. Both can interfere with someone’s performance or create a hostile or offensive environment. More often than not, sexual harassment and sexual assault do not happen right away, but rather step-by-step as the perpetrator gradually tests the boundaries of their victim. “All along this continuum of harm are opportunities for those who see others behaving this way to intervene,” Bates-Pratt explained. When seeking help however, it is important to remember that sexual harassment and assault are covered by different laws. Sexual harassment is covered under EEO law and is addressed by the Federal Law and the Department of Defense (DoD) policy, but it is not considered a crime. Sexual assault, on the other hand, is a crime under federal and state laws, so long as it involves physical touching. Protecting even one person against such cases is not just a matter of care or respect, but a legal obligation. Whether people choose not to report a case because of fear, self-blame or denial, letting
Photos left to right: NNSY’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) Shalise Bates-Pratt speaks at the Native American Indian Heritage Employee Resource Group (NAI-ERG) meeting about sexual assault in the workplace in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month; President of the NAI-ERG Camille Sorenson put together a display of Native American figures in military history; After the presentation, the NAI-ERG provides Shalise Bates-Pratt with a Certificate of Appreciation for educating people about sexual assault awareness.
sexual harassment or assault go untreated in the workplace tends to fester into actions that can bring down any team. Bates-Pratt said that mental health issues, stress, missed work time, or even resigning from one’s position are all common symptoms of an employee that does not feel safe in the workplace. Well-being is a priority at NNSY. Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly has said, “No Sailor, Marine, or civilian should ever fear for their physical safety or have to fight for basic dignity. It’s my expectation that leaders on every Echelon demonstrate the same determination as I have to make sure none of our people have to fight for basic dignity…You must be courageous and call out these behaviors, respect and protect victims, and set an example of zero tolerance with regard to sexual harassment and assault.”
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault or sexual harassment, talk to the NNSY Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate at 757-402-2567, the NNSY Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) at 757-402-2566 or the back-up duty SARCs at Naval Station Norfolk at 757-650-6018.
APRIL 2020 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 11
EDP HIGHLIGHT: MATT DeLONG
STORY BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
build relationships with them. Being in Code 2370 all of my career, I was sheltered from interactions with a good population of the shipyard. In this program, I’m finally breaking out of that shell and learning firsthand how the shipyard works from all angles. I get to speak to folks directly and learn from them what work they do, how they got to where they’re at today, what advice they can provide. I get to sit down with high profile leaders and pick their brains about their personal and professional journeys, really diving into the leadership aspect with some of the most influential leaders in our business.” DeLong is excited to learn from shipyard and NAVSEA leaders and to explore the world of naval operations.
Getting to Know Matt DeLong For as long as he could remember, Nuclear Engineering Planning Department (NEPD) Training Branch Head Matt DeLong has considered himself a leader – someone who works well with others and can bring out the best in people. For fourteen years, DeLong had dedicated his efforts to the Reactor Servicing Division (Code 2370) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), developing the future engineers as leaders within their field. However, as he aimed to pursue further leadership opportunities in his own career, he found he had hit a roadblock. “Though I loved my time in my division, I found I was having issues being selected for higher positions,” said DeLong. “I took a hard look at myself and I found that I didn’t have a good grasp at what the rest of the shipyard does beyond my division, how each position works to benefit the Navy, or even how the other shipyards and Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) plays a part in our day-to-day operations. I was missing the bigger picture and I wanted to find ways to expand my learning in order to help benefit my career path.” He had spent years developing the growing workforce of NNSY. Now, with the support of mentors like Nuclear Engineering and Planning Department Head Curt Hart or former NEPD Training Branch Head Stephanie Walz, DeLong decided to apply for the Executive Development Program (EDP). He was selected as one of the four candidates as part of Cadre 9. “I had heard about the EDP years ago when one of my colleagues, Andrew Kirby, was accepted into the program. I saw firsthand what he was able to accomplish with the program,” said DeLong. “In this program, we get the opportunity to meet some of the most influential people throughout the enterprise and 12 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2020
Q. What Brought you to NNSY? A. My father worked at NNSY for 42 years. Growing up in this area, I always knew about the shipyard and how I could play a part in it. After I graduated from Old Dominion University with an engineering degree, I had several job offers. Knowing how my dad was able to provide for my family growing up and the pride he felt working here, I decided to take a position in NEPD. Q. What are some things that you excel at? What are some things that you struggle with? A. I’m a very honest person and don’t like to sugarcoat anything. I’m not going to try and be something I’m not. Being genuine is very important to me. I’m also very good at building relationships with my people and truly being invested in them. I never use the term "supervisor" when describing myself because I don’t feel that I am one. I would much rather surround myself with people who want to work with me and we can build each other up, developing one another to our full potential. Sometimes I’m not the best listener and I definitely have to work on that. I’m the type of person who is a perfectionist. I like things a certain way to the point that I’ll do the majority of the work just to ensure it gets done the way I like it. I realize that I can’t do things on my own. I have to trust in my team. I need to give them the vision and let them get the job done. I have to provide them the tools they need to succeed and give up some of that control. It’s difficult but it’s important to see those flaws and adjust to better yourself. Q. What mark do you hope to leave at the shipyard? A. For me, it’s always been about developing leaders at the shipyard. I’ve been here for fourteen years, and for six years I’ve been directly involved in Code 2370's Training Branch. There’s a lot of engineers that come through the pipeline every year and I’ve had an involvement with their development and progression through their careers. Just as my mentors have helped provide for me, I want to give back as much as possible to the shipyard workforce. I hope that my legacy here is for us to continue to build each other up and develop each other. Continue to push each other to be the very best they can be. No matter where I end up in the future, knowing that I’ve helped play a part here is huge for me and I’m so thankful to have been given the chance to help others succeed.
Q. What’s some advice you’d give to employees looking to step out of their comfort zone? A. One of the biggest issues I believe we face right now in our workforce is not building relationships with one another. Take my journey for example, I remained in my division for many years in my career without stepping out of that comfort zone. In order to do the work we do at the shipyard everyday, there needs to be mutual trust across the board with our employees. However, many of them don’t know each other so it’s hard to have that trust instilled in them. We need to take those steps to speak with people, learn from them, get out of our comfort zones. Find ways to network with others you normally wouldn’t interact with, such as joining an organization or attending group events. Q. In your own words, what does America’s Shipyard mean to you? A. Security. I recruit a lot for the shipyard, going to schools across the country and speaking with students interested in a career at NNSY. The question that gets asked a lot is why do you work at the shipyard. The work I’ve done over my 14 year career here so far has been extraordinary. I’ve personally overseen work on three different submarines. The work our shipyard did breathed new life into those assets, delivering them back to the fleet to perform their mission to our country. Those ships are out there now doing just that and just knowing that we’re an extremely vital part in upholding the mission is so important to me. We’re vital in helping ensure our country and the world is a safer place to be. Q. What’s life like outside of the shipyard? A. I’m happily married to my wife, Carrie, who is a school teacher. We have a nine-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son. I’m very family-oriented and love to spend time with my wife and kids. I coach my son’s soccer team and I’m currently reading the Harry Potter series with my daughter. I enjoy the beach and boating. In addition, I’m a big fan of amusement parks so my family is often at Busch Gardens Williamsburg riding the roller coasters. Whenever we get the chance, we love being outdoors.
WHAT IS THE EDP? The Executive Development Program, or EDP, is an annual program that opens its doors to candidates with a common goal: to learn from senior leadership from across the enterprise. It's a competitive, corporate program across the four public shipyards. It's open to all NNSY civilians who are at a permanent GS-12 or GS-13 level who've been in their position for at least one year. Each candidate is given the opportunity to directly mentor under some of the most influential senior leaders within America's Shipyard. In addition, they get to travel to the other public shipyards as well as Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Headquarters. For more information about the program, please contact Danielle Larrew at danielle.larrew@navy. mil.
TALKING SHO STORY BY ALLISON CONTI • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST | PHOTOS BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
SHOP 11
SHIPFITTER SHOP
The leaders of Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Shipfitter Shop (Shop 11) beam with pride when they discuss their shop, their people, and their work. “We set the bar and we are the gold standard of what inside shop work should look like,” said NNSY’s Structural Group (Code 920) Inside Shop Director Dan Shirley. Shirley and his colleague, Inside Shop Manager Larry Williams Jr., are both veterans of Shop 11. Both arrived at shipyard by way of the NNSY apprenticeship program – Shirley 14 years ago and Williams 15 years ago. Since then, they have built careers within the shop. Williams, who entered as a forger in Shop 11F said, “To me, the inside shop is home. I’ve been here my entire career and I love it.” Shop 11 provides structural fabrication and repairs for ships in the overhaul process. Along with Shop 11F, the forge shop, it handles heat treating, forging services and anchor chain and propeller repair. Together, the shops have 47 people who, according to Shirley, “support both NNSY and the entire fleet.” In the past year alone, the shops have accomplished several impressive feats including special emphasis work for Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay; completing a propeller swap on USS Newport News (SSN-750) at Naval Station Norfolk; supporting the undocking of USS Wyoming (SSBN-742) by completing the circularity; fabricating the first and only emergency diesel platform for the Virginia Class and fabricating USS La Jolla’s (SSN-701) tow foundation – the last step before the boat was able to leave NNSY for Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. The shop’s flange turners fabricated the bus bars for USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), which allowed the ship to deploy. Recently, the shop did an end link replacement on USS Gerald R. Ford 14 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2020
(CVN 78) in which personnel removed the ship’s anchor, relinked a section of the chain, and replaced the end link. This effort was completed in coordination with the ship. Finally, Shop 11 took over the coordination and management of the Shop Store 11 that supports every shop and entity at NNSY. As evidenced by the important work completed in the last year, the shop is essential to NNSY and the fleet’s mission. “A boat will never leave without its wheel (propeller) or its anchor chain. Those are repairs we make here inside the shop,” said Williams. “It all starts with the Inside Shop. We are the backbone because most of the jobs that we fabricate are for final installation by Shop 11 waterfront personnel.” Williams said the shop is the best place for a young mechanic to master his or her trade, adding that many of the best and most seasoned mechanics have spent years in the shop. Shop 11 leaders said they focus deeply on developing their employees to ensure they are able to not just learn, but master, their trade. “We take very good care of our people and in turn, they take good care of us. We develop our people into mechanics who take pride and leadership in their jobs,” said Shirley. “When they get assigned a job, that is their job and it has their name on it. We have an excellent reputation with the quality of work that we put out and for us to continue to do that, we look for people with integrity.” The leaders of Shop 11 have high standards for their people, but they also have them for themselves. “We have set a high bar for our people and for ourselves. That is the standard and I think everyone knows that,” said Williams. One way Shop 11 leaders maintain this high bar is by having an open door policy for all supervisors and mechanics. They encourage their mechanics to bring issues up the
OP
chain of command and work hard to remove any roadblocks that might prevent performing first-time quality work. The shop has several exciting and challenging projects on the horizon. Mechanics in Shop 11 are currently working to finish a storage enclosure for the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and in the future will fabricate the racetrack for the Virginia Class which will support Sailor repair work. As always, the shop will own the projects and focus on achieving excellence from everyone, said Williams. “I believe that ownership is an attitude that we each must bring every day. If I give 100 percent doing my job and everyone else in my shop does – that helps us get ships out on time and that is our major motivation.” By accomplishing work critical to both NNSY and the U.S. Navy’s mission, Shirley said that Inside Shop 11 is “not just NNSY’s, but the entire fleet's, we are America’s Inside Shop.”
Photos left to right: Shop 11 Master Shipfitter Richard Porter conducts work; Shop 11 Flange Turner Alicia Rodgers works on a drill press; Shop 11 Work Leader John Mccelland performs work inside the shop; Forgers Christopher "Toad" Kanash and Alejandro Beasen forging a piece of metal; Display created by the Shop 11F, Forge Shop, for Family Day.
APRIL 2020 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 15
CMWR's Business Operation Manager Cris Sigler and her team are passionate about the culinary world and improving NNSY's current food service facilities and food options.
Movement Toward Improvement: How CMWR Plans to Better Serve NNSY STORY BY JASON SCARBOROUGH • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST | PHOTO BY SHELBY WEST • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Civilian Morale, Welfare and Recreation (CMWR) team is preparing to introduce new and innovative ways to better serve the workforce. The CMWR mission has always been to provide quality programs, activities and facilities for food service. More importantly, CMWR makes these options conveniently available to civilian employees. The establishment of such services enhances command morale and promotes the general welfare of the workforce. Cris Sigler, CMWR’s Business Operation Manager, whose passion is the culinary world, is very optimistic that the group is moving in the right direction when it comes to improving NNSY’s current food service facilities and creating new ones. She stated, “My ultimate goal is to provide clean and inviting places for the workforce. I want to provide quality food in a relaxing atmosphere. I want my locations to be a retreat for shipyard workers, a place they can take their well-deserved breaks.” Providing an abundance of food selections is another goal CMWR strives to achieve. Soon it will open its newest location in Bldg. M-32, Gosport Café. There, you will find state-of-the-art cooking equipment, 16 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2020
new cabinets, new point-of-sale systems and a fresh new food-court-style dining experience. CMWR is dedicated to updating its current locations with new equipment and increasing menu options. CMWR will be providing fresh food preparation and is looking to explore different directions for “grab-and-go” options, such as diverse home cooked style meal options and plant-based meal options to reach every taste and desire in the workforce. Sigler stated, “The future of CMWR is in our ability to refresh and renovate our food services and locations. I want to increase the quality of food and improve our culinary abilities by having additional training for my staff and empowering them to be successful.” CMWR will also be enhancing its facilities with inviting new artwork such as paintings and murals, new soup and salad bars where you can pay by the weight of your selection, and adding a “grab-and-go” self service option for employees that don’t have time to stop in for a “sit-down” breakfast or lunch. In addition to dining facilities, CMWR continues to improve its vending program. There are currently 435 vending assets throughout the shipyard that have been
upgraded and now accept credit cards. Additionally, CMWR has implemented the branding concept serving Starbucks coffee at the Four Flags Café and introduced a point-of-sale system in the shoe store that automatically ensures the shoe inventory is kept up to date and the variety of safety shoes the workforce needs are in stock. CMWR also has the capability to cater holiday parties, retirements and other events. Its goal is to go above and beyond to support NNSY’s workforce. In return, CMWR requests NNSY employees’ business and feedback so services can continuously be improved. Sigler stated, “We have evolved and there is so much we can do to support you. Come visit and fill out a comment card, we always listen and want the feedback to meet all your expectations. I read every one!” The CMWR team is making great strides in improving the quality of its services and becoming more efficient and convenient while doing it. These improvements are driven by a desire to enhance morale and promote the general well-being of the workforce. Ultimately NNSY’s employees will benefit from these innovative actions to improve.
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Photos left to right: Code 931 Machinist Apprentice DeVel Wilson celebrating Christmas with his family - wife, Mia, and children Ari'Elle and DeVel Jr.; Wilson and his wife Mia at his graduation; Physical fitness is important to Wilson and he enjoys training others in both track and field as well as Crossfit; Wilson and Shop 31 Apprentice Supervisor Donnie Mason; Wilson loves to run and be active; Wilson and his family at their local church; Wilson previously served as the Head Track and Field Coach at Chesapeake Public Schools.
SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT: DEVEL WILSON
STORY BY ALLISON CONTI • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST | PHOTOS BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER When he speaks, Code 931 Machinist Apprentice DeVel Wilson’s entire face lights up. His eyes gleam with pride and his smile stretches from ear-to-ear. He radiates enthusiasm for his work and positivity about life. According to Wilson’s supervisor, Shop 31 Apprentice Supervisor Donnie Mason, these are two of his defining characteristics. Mason said, “He is probably the most positive person you will meet in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY).” Wilson is a fourth year apprentice in Shop 31 and will be graduating later this year, three months earlier than initially planned. His early graduation marks his overall success in the apprenticeship program and in Shop 31. Mason said, “I was his apprentice supervisor since day one and he has excelled through that program.” Prior to arriving at America’s Shipyard, Wilson worked as a High School Head Track and Field Coach for Chesapeake Public Schools. It was in this role that he said he learned to lead by example, a lesson that he has kept with him throughout his time at NNSY. “I knew exactly what I was doing from day one. I said to myself I’m going to go in and be the best worker I can be because if I do well here, as an apprentice, then I will be that much more respected when I move up. It is not just enough to be a nice guy, I want to be good at my job and talented at my trade.” As a machinist, Wilson creates tools for use on the waterfront. For the tools to be useful, they need to be precise, sometimes down to an exact measurement. Wilson said, “I’ve never had to make things that need to be incredibly precise before. It has to be right on the dimensions to the fourth decimal. It is a great feeling when it comes
out nice, but it can be a stressful trade. It is hard and complicated being that accurate on a machine that you don’t have that much control over.” Despite the stressful nature of his job, Wilson remains positive and upbeat. His motto is to “control the controllables." He explained, “All I can do is control how I react to any situation in a way that benefits me. I’m very purposeful in all of my actions.” These words that Wilson lives by were echoed by Mason. Which isn’t surprising since Wilson credits Mason for much of his success as an apprentice and as a machinist. When asked what motivates him to succeed, Wilson said he wants to make his wife, daughter and son proud. A proud family man, Wilson gushed about his wife of seven years, Mia, “she is my best friend and way out of my league,” and his children DeVel Jr. and Ari’Elle. Wilson also credits his strong sense of faith as providing him with a positive attitude and motivation to be successful. In addition to spending time with his family, Wilson still loves to train athletes and works as a physical trainer on the weekends. Wilson is planning on a long career at NNSY and says that graduating from the apprenticeship program is just the beginning. He hopes to grow into a leadership position and to encourage others to succeed and strive to be positive every day. “I want to be a positive change and encourage others to do their best,” said Wilson. “I am going to start making a change where I am today. I am at the bottom of the totem pole now, but one day I won’t be.”
APRIL 2020 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 19
BIG ROCKS A CELEBRATION IN EFFICIENCY
STORY BY ALLISON CONTI • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST | PHOTOS BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Code 900 Production Resource Officer Commander Michael Oberdorf’s voice boomed on the morning of Feb. 26 as he kicked off the first Big Rocks AllHands Celebration of 2020. “Good morning, America’s Shipyard,” said Oberdorf from the podium. Next to him sat Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Commanding Officer Capt. Kai Torkelson, Code 500 Supply Division Head Jimmy Broom, and Code 361 Project Superintendent Joe Singer. In front of the men, the High Bay of Bldg. 163 was packed with NNSY employees. The workforce, Torkelson, Oberdorf, Broom, and Singer were all there to celebrate the accomplishments of NNSY for the second quarter of FY-20 and to, as Oberdorf would proclaim, “break that rock!” Shortly after his introduction, Oberdorf recognized NNSY employees who were selected as Force Multipliers of the quarter. He said, “These men and women are committed force multipliers and C.O.R.E. masters at America’s Shipyard. They continually put others first and see every problem they encounter as an opportunity to learn, improve, innovate, and teach. They are the best examples of what a force multiplier is and should aspire to be.” The selectees joined Capt. Torkelson on stage and received a force multiplier certificate of appreciation. It was then time to break some rocks. Broom stepped up to the microphone to discuss the quarter two big rock goal to complete implementation of all steps of NAVSEA Job Readiness Cell (JRC)/ Material Kitting standard for work on NNSY Chief of Naval Operations
20 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2020
(CNO) waterfront activities. Broom said this project, “is our latest weapon in the war against inefficiency and productivity.” The JRC and Material Readiness Team (MART) strives to eliminate the time mechanics spend on steps that don’t directly attribute to returning ships to the fleet. For example, instead of mechanics needing to go pick up tools or materials the JRC/MART will bring those tools and materials. Additionally, the JRC/MART has simplified the process of getting materials off of the boat once work is completed. Now mechanics just need to get materials off the boat (if needed, JRC/MART are available to assist with this) and get the materials to the pier master. Broom said, “Using a NASCAR analogy, this program is NNSY’s green flag. Our car has been prepped, it is making laps, and we’re now waving the green flag because it is time to rev up the engine, increase the velocity, and keep it moving.” Following his remarks, Broom called up three “heroes in the war against inefficiency,” Code 200’s Mandy Sakiewicz and Jeff Smith, and Code 530’s Candice Smith. Together the four smashed the JRC rock. Two rocks were left on the stage when Singer took the podium. He discussed the big rock goal to replace strategic components on the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). Singer said, “My team did an outstanding job. We went shipboard thinking this was going to take us a certain amount of time, but my team proved they were efficient and we wound up ending 17 days early.” By utilizing innovative techniques and practicing efficiency, the success saved NNSY 1,500 man days. Singer said he would have liked every member of his 150 person team
LEFT: Shipyard Commander Capt. Kai Torkelson speaks at the FY-20 Big Rocks Ceremony; ABOVE: Shipyard Commander Capt. Kai Torkelson with employees who were selected as second quarter force multipliers; RIGHT: Code 200’s Mandy Sakiewicz, Code 2300's Jeff Smith, and Code 530’s Candace Wright break the JRC rock for the second quarter of FY-20; Shop 38’s Jose Perez and Janetta Smith, and Shop 72’s Guy Ashby break the CVN-77 rock for the second quarter of FY-20; Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Commanding Officer Capt. Kai Torkelson, Code 530 Division Head Jimmy Broom, and Code 361 Project Superintendent Joe Singer celebrate the accomplishments of NNSY in the second quarter of FY-20.
to be on stage with him, but narrowed it down to Shop 38’s Jose Perez and Janetta Smith, and Shop 72’s Guy Ashby. Together with Singer, they broke the Bush rock. Capt. Torkelson stepped up to the microphone while one rock remained intact. He addressed the remaining rock that had the words "La Jolla" painted in white across it. Torkelson reiterated that the completion of the USS La Jolla (SSN 701) to Moored Training Ship (MTS) is a huge win for NNSY; however, the certification on the project was delayed. Torkelson said, “Just like we wouldn’t send a ship out if it wasn’t completed, we can’t break that rock today. But we are close. When we meet that, we will break that rock. This doesn’t take away from the recognition of the great job we’ve done.” He then took the time to discuss some big picture focuses for NNSY in 2020 including security and safety. Torkelson thanked the workforce for their involvement in the annual Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain exercises and NNSY’s security department for supporting the exercise. “We do these type of security exercises to ensure we are ready. We never know when a threat is going to raise itself and our security forces need to be ready.” The Commanding Officer spoke about NNSY’s application to regain its star status with the Volunteer Protection Program (VPP). “We’re committed to safety and security being the top priorities at America’s Shipyard and VPP is a significant part of that commitment,” Torkelson said. “The most important message for each of you to remember is that you all have a contribution in making sure you have a safe workplace and ensuring we regain our VPP star.” Finally, Capt Torkelson discussed the three focus areas for 2020 at America’s Shipyard: balanced command plan, work force efficiency and production capacity, and staffing and people development. He said, “These focus areas will help give us clarity as individuals, within our work groups, and as an entire organization to ensure we’re working on the right things – putting people and our mission first and improving our plans and processes to provide superior quality and reliable delivery back to the Fleet.”
APRIL 2020 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 21
Chairs and Vice Chairs of the various NNSY’s ERGs.
Employee Resource Groups: A Compass, An Information Line, A Team STORY BY TROY MILLER • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHELBY WEST, DANNY DEANGELIS, BIANCA WILSON, AND SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHERS
Employee Readiness Groups (ERGs) play many roles for Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and its workforce. One of their roles is to have events throughout the year to observe and recognize history and awareness months. “ERGs help bring ethnical awareness to the workforce to enhance diversity,” said Fleet Forces Command Deputy Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Manager Shirley McCollough. “ERG members share idiosyncrasies that employees can understand each other better, which will help make a positive working environment.” Events like the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance hosted by the African American ERG and Fall-In for Colors on Memorial Day and Veterans Day hosted by the Veterans ERG, are examples of honoring the past. ERGs also invest time and effort in developing for the future. One way ERGs help to develop the future is by being a compass for the career path of shipyard workers. “The Federal Women’s Program (FWP) is constantly coming up with ways to impact the recruitment, advancement and 22 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2020
retention of women,” said FWP’s Career Development Chair Tiffany Greene. “Events like Speed Mentoring, Leadership360 and the interviewing workshops are proving to be catalysts for progress.” ERGs are a resource where employees can bring their concerns and issues. “If an employee has a problem and they’re not sure how to handle it, they can come to the ERGs and they will point them in the right direction,” said NNSY’s Outreach and Special Emphasis Program Manager Valerie Fulwood. “ERG members are not subject matter experts, but more of a resource to help prepare the worker for the next step in finding a solution.” As with all things, ERGs have their own challenges. “Participation can be much better,” said Fleet Forces Special Emphasis Program Manager Raquel Victorian. “One way to help improve participation would be for leadership to help back the ERGs by allotting their employees time to participate or attend ERGs programs, as well as the meetings.” “As Operations Officer, I don’t typically engage with the ERGs, but I know they
do great things to support our employees,” said NNSY’s Operations Officer Capt. Jip Mosman. “ERGs provide valuable support to our people who are the heart of our mission.” ERGs not only help individual employees, but they also help each other. “We are one team with the same mindset,” said NNSY’s Native American Indian Heritage ERG Chairperson Camille Brownell-Sorenson. “We all want to continue to make America’s Shipyard a positive environment.” Members from other ERGs attend each other’s programs to show their support. The ERGs themselves may help co-sponsor an event if another ERG doesn’t have the manpower to do it alone. “Since the Hispanic Heritage ERG and the Disability Awareness Committee ERG have a small membership and both observances are held in the month of October, we are looking into joining forces to co-host an event,” said Disability Awareness Committee ERG Chairperson Daniel Freeh. For more information on ERGs, please contact Valerie Fulwood at 757-396-3814 or valerie.fulwood@navy.mil.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS CONTACT LIST AFRICAN AMERICAN ERG Michael Taylor michael.taylor7@navy.mil 757-967-3286 DISABILITY AWARENESS COMMITTEE ERG Daniel Freeh daniel.freeh@navy.mil 757-393-7126 HISPANIC ERG Ivonne Jacome ivonne.e.jacome@navy.mil 757-396-9706 LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER, AND ALLIES (LGBTQ-A) ERG Cassie Bower cassie.bower@navy.mil 757-636-5030 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) ERG Erica Jones erica.s.jones@navy.mil 757-396-5949 Photos left to right: Federal Women’s Program Chairperson Carlynn Lucas discusses the agenda for a FWP monthly meeting Mar. 14; LGBTQ-A ERG Chairperson Cassie Bower promotes the ERG at NNSY’s annual Shipyard Celebration; Hispanic Heritage ERG Chairperson Ivonne Jacome welcomes everyone to the Hispanic Heritage Month event Sept. 25, 2019; Native American Indian Heritage ERG Chairperson Camille BrownellSorenson explains displays during a Native American Indian Heritage Month event Nov. 21, 2019; Disabilitary Awareness Committee ERG Chairperson Daniel Freeh talks about people with disabilities who made a difference in the United States; Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command Vice Admiral Thomas Moore (far right), Executive Director, Naval Sea Systems Command Jim Smerchansky (far left), and Command Master Chief, Naval Sea Systems Command CMDCM(SW/SS) Robert R. Crossno (back row), meet with the Veterans ERG officers April 17. 2019; STEM-ERG participated in a STEM Outreach event at Oceana; NCMA has a lunch & learn on Care, Ownership, Respect, and Excellence (C.O.R.E); The African American ERG holds an open panel for African American History Month.
VETERAN ERG Nicholas Boyle nicholas.boyle@navy.mil 757-650-6030 NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE ERG Camille Brownell-Sorenson camille.sorenson@navy.mil 757-396-9725 FEDERAL WOMEN'S PROGRAM Carlynn Lucas carlynn.lucas@navy.mil 757-396-9891
STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19 CS314915-A
C-FRAM FRAUD SCHEME AWARENESS APRIL: PRODUCT SUBSTITUTION
Delivery of Goods/Services that do not Conform to Contract Requirements
DOD EXAMPLE
DON EXAMPLE
In Jan. 2020, U.S. Technologies, Inc. paid $525,000 to settle false claims allegations for providing nonconforming parts. The settlement resolves allegations that U.S. Technologies made false claims about technological equipment it sold to the government. U.S. Technologies alledgedly provided a total of 52 non-conforming circuit card assemblies for a weapons system on four separate government contracts between 2013 and 2017.
In Oct. 2019, Joseph Powell, a former Non-Destructive Test (NDT) Inspector at Huntington Ingall's submarine division, Newport News Shipbuilding (HII NNS) pleaded guilty to falsifying submarine weld inspection records, and faces a maximum of five years in prison. In Jun. 2016, HII NNS received information that Powell appeared to have certified the inspection of a weld joint in ERS without conducting the requisite inspection protocol. As a result of this information, HII NNS initiated an inquiry/inspection, which led to the identification of additional welds that were not in acceptable condition for inspection, did not contain the required physical markings indicating an inspection had been completed, nor had residue or powder on or around the job from the inspection equipment.
INDICATORS (RED FLAGS) Product ID differs from catalogue for inspection; Test results cannot be found or have been destroyed; Supplier provides gratituties to buyer; Contractor is behind schedule but quickly catches up.
LEARN MORE TODAY Check out the C-FRAM site on WebCentral under C100CE for more information. Need to report fraud? Contact the NNSY Hotline today at 757396-7971 or NNSY_IG_HOTLINE@navy.mil.
APRIL 2020 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 25
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD'S AFRICAN AMERICAN EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP'S 2ND ANNUAL OPEN MIC: "HOW DO I MAKE IT?" STORY BY HANNAH BONDOC • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST | PHOTOS BY SHELBY WEST • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
As the last of many events celebrating African American History Month in 2020, Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) African American Employee Resource Group (AA-ERG) held its second annual open microphone session. This year, the panel featured five executive level leaders from the Department of Defense (DoD), Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Office of Civilian Human Resources (OCHR), and Senior Executive Service (SES) members from Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). The topic was “How Did I Make It?” The panelists answered questions from the audience about what they have learned from their journeys to get to where they are now professionally. Many questions were asked, but the main takeaways for the attendees were these: bring something to the table, keep going, and do not be afraid to ask for help. Bring Something to the Table Division Head of Human Resources, Fleet Forces Command and Commander Navy Reserve Force from OCHR Norfolk Operations Center Danielle Dutton said, “One of the biggest challenges is making sure you are regularly evaluating your skillset. When you are looking for an opportunity, make sure that you look at your resume, that it really conveys everything you do and have done, and that you take credit for what you do on a daily basis.” One recurring subject was the value of providing solutions to a problem. SES Deputy Director of Operations Support NCIS Mark
26 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2020
N. Russ mentioned when talking about how he came up with a $500 million program for NCIS that took five years to develop. “Think about all those things that are really hard to do and come up with a bright idea to fix it.” Keep Going When asked about what she has learned from her biggest failure, DoD Associate Director of Diversity Management Operations Center Victoria L. Bowens said, “you cannot be successful if you do not make mistakes. When a job has become too easy, it is time to move, develop, and stretch yourself.” In response to the same question, NCIS Division Chief of Special Agent Career Services Angela R. Sanders said that her biggest mistake was letting people hold her back, even though they had good intentions. “There were people who were supportive of me early on in my career, but they would say things like ‘you’re probably not ready for that assignment. You should probably go somewhere else,’ when I was ready.” She then explained how in such situations, networking outside one’s comfort zone is important because you are more likely receive encouragement when needed. Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Help There are people above you in the chain of command who are
BELOW: Panelist SES Deputy Director of Operations Support NCIS Mark N. Russ speaks to the workforce during the AA-ERG's 2nd Annual Open Mic event; Employees had the opportunity to ask questions directly to the panel on their personal and professional journeys and ask what advice they could provide to aspiring leaders; NCIS Division Chief of Special Agent Career Services Angela R. Sanders speaks to the workforce on the wisdom she gained throughout her career.
ABOVE: Amongst the NNSY leaders in attendance was Capt. Kai Torkelson who had his own questions regarding how to best take care of his people in the face of trauma; The panelists were awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the African American Employee Resource Group (AA-ERG) and a shipyard plaque. Pictured are the panelists with Capt. Kai. Torkelson with Co-chairs Ciara Mason (far left) and Michael Taylor (far right). more than willing to help when asked. To this willingness, Russ pointed out the number of NNSY leaders present and said, “They could have been anywhere today. Yet they came to this event—that says that they care about your future.” Addressing the C.O.R.E. value of Care, the panel touched on how help is available in more than just the professional capacity. When Shipyard Commander Capt. Kai Torkelson asked about how to help federal civilian employees after experiencing trauma as a leader would in active service, Russ told him about the system of peer support that his organization developed and grew in response to similar situations. “It’s okay to ask for help,” Russ added. “You have options.” Closing remarks At the end of the panel, each of the panel members were rewarded with a certificate of appreciation from the AA-ERG and a shipyard plaque for imparting their wisdom to the NNSY workforce, but they wanted to emphasize the main points one last time before they left. “Get yourself a mentor” SES of the Year and Director of Small Business Programs Jimmy D. Smith said towards the end of the discussion. “Keep growing and keep up the strong desire to do more. If there are roadblocks and you can’t clear them, find someone who can help.” Dutton chimed in and said, “Give it your one hundred percent. Show up, and do the work.”
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD
FLEET FORWARD #NNSYFLEETFORWARD
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is at the forefront in meeting the NAVSEA mission of delivering ships on time and on cost for the United States Navy. Delivering fleet readiness demands that NNSY be efficient and effective with every effort by our workforce. If our mechanics are out looking for material, tracking down tooling, or waiting on a problem resolution, valuable time is lost. That’s why America’s Shipyard is making improvements and bringing innovations to the way we do business and support nonstop execution of work. Efforts like Job Readiness Cells/Point of Use co-locate the resources with the work so our people can be more productive throughout the day. Efforts to increase the number of shop standardized workbooks make technical work document production more efficient. The Inefficiency Monitoring Team, Code 300 cost review meetings, and overhead reviews all work to focus on those things that really add value and productive capacity for our workforce. In addition, NNSY is boosting its workforce efficiency and productive capacity with better employee development and training, both in the classroom and on the job. Urgency isn’t always about working harder or smarter. It’s also about thinking differently—differently to improve our processes, differently to boost our numbers on the deckplates, and differently to enhance our workflow. Innovations and improvements in all phases of our work, from planning to execution, is how we achieve excellence in the repair and modernization of our nation’s ships and submarines—delivering them on time and on cost. Our Navy and nation demand nothing less.
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