DON'T MISS: FLY AWAY TEAMS...WHO ARE THEY?
SERVICE TO THE FLEET Norfolk Naval Shipyard
We Are America's Shipyard
April 2017
ALSO INSIDE: EYE ON INNOVATION & SHIPYARD LEGACIES
Table of Contents
IN THIS ISSUE Features: 10 CERO
16
CERO overcomes uncertain future, wins NAVSEA excellence award
12 EYE ON INNOVATION 3-D printed tool brings ergonomic solution to Code 970 employees
13 OUTREACH NNSY partners with agencies to host private screening of a popular film
14 FLY AWAY Emergent fly-away teams…who are they and what do they do?
16 BREATHE EASY New respirator brings relief to welders
18 MARK YOUR CALENDARS NNSY to celebrate Earth Day with various events
20 SHIPYARD LEGACIES
10
The Divers family has been part of NNSY history for more than 100 years
24 SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT Sammy Chory: 46 years inside the fence
26 CMWR SPOTLIGHT The new face of CMWR: Cris Sigler
27 HIGH VELOCITY First line supervisors graduate from shipyard's new high velocity class
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VOLUME 80 • NUMBER 3
Service to the Fleet
SHIPYARD COMMANDER Capt. Scott Brown DEPUTY COMMANDER Capt. Daniel Rossler COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM (AW/SW) Michael Reese PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Terri Davis EDITOR Anna Taylor PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF Michael Brayshaw, Kristi Britt, April Brown, Floyd Logan, Troy Miller, Curtis Steward, Jennifer Zingalie 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 Department of Defense, 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. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/NorfolkNavalShipyard1 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER www.twitter.com/NNSYNews WATCH VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE www.youtube.com/NNSYBroadcast VISIT THE NNSY HISTORY BLOG www.nnsyhistorymatters.blogspot.com READ STTF ONLINE www.issuu.com/nnsy APRIL 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 3
From the Commander:
Innovation in America's Shipyard
Knowledge sharing across our enterprise directly supports the Chief of Naval Operations’ challenge for us to achieve high-velocity learning and harness initiative found at all working levels. As I reflect on the recent wins in America’s Shipyard, a common theme comes to mind: innovation. Whether it’s done on an individual level or with entire teams banding together to attack a complex problem, process improvements and product innovations are all around us. Additive manufacturing, better known as 3-D printing, is being used in helpful ways at the shipyard. It can be used to test a prototype on a naval vessel. It can be used to produce models in training that personnel can hold, examine and discuss. As Maria Williams, lead for Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Additive Manufacturing Subcommittee, recently explained, 3D parts might not be on the ships yet, but they are directly contributing to our ability to get those vessels back out to sea. The Rapid Prototype Lab continues to be at the forefront of turning employee ideas
into products that could benefit our entire enterprise. One recent invention is a molded case breaker assembly test stand that improves safety for electrical mechanics. Another is a prototype attenuator designed by Code 960’s Paul Foster that greatly reduces noise from dryer towers used in freeze seal work. Since dryer towers are used throughout the Navy, many stand to benefit from Foster’s device. Our Rapid Prototype Lab shares innovations like these with our fellow maintenance and modernization professionals of the U.S Navy, including the other public shipyards. Knowledge sharing across our enterprise directly supports the Chief of Naval Operations’ challenge for us to achieve highvelocity learning and harness initiative found at all working levels. Per the CNO, “We foster a questioning attitude and look at new ideas with an open mind; our most junior teammate may have the best idea; we must be open to capturing that idea.” Last fall, we identified the need for a more complete architecture to infuse the continuous performance improvement culture across our workforce. America’s Shipyard has now assembled a senior leadership team to facilitate performance improvement and innovation. As leaders, we must continue encouraging our teams to go beyond the established process and long-ingrained modes of thinking. As the CNO shared in his Navy Leader Development Framework: “Top leaders inspire their teams to perform at or near their theoretical limits. By making their teams stronger, they relentlessly chase ‘best ever’ performance. They study every text, try every method, seize every moment, and expend every effort to outfox their competition.” When it comes to innovation in our next carrier availability on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the project team is already identifying potential problem areas and spearheading ways to mitigate those challenges. These relate to everything from
conducting major jobs during the availability to improving communication with our partner Newport News/Huntington Ingalls Industries (NNS/HII) to ensuring the necessary complement of zone managers. Identifying improvements as part of a longrange vision promises to save us valuable time and money when working this vital overhaul of IKE. It was great to graduate the inaugural high velocity First Line Supervisor (1LS) class last month. This revamped training is now held through a period of several weeks, and features enhancements like senior leader discussion panels and shadowing opportunities for 1LS participants. Now, our first line supervisors will be more effectively trained and equipped, ready to execute our all-important work supporting the shipyard and the Navy upon graduation from the program. In closing, I want to extend a thank you to Code 266's Kevin Kretzer and Matt Metelsky. During a recent and highly important voyage repair on one of our carriers, they designed and manufactured a tool during valve installation shipboard, to assist in extracting a stuck pin which was critical in completing the work. Upon successful use of the tool and completion of the repair, the tool was provided to the equipment manufacturer so an immediate solution is available if such a problem occurs again. Well done! That's how we establish a legacy of excellence and bring the innovative spirit of America's Shipyard to any ship, anytime and anywhere. We are Norfolk Naval Shipyard. We are America’s Shipyard.
Capt. Scott Brown Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s 107th Commander
From the Deckplate:
Another month of celebration at America's Shipyard
#SPIRITDAY
"Each Service member -- regardless of paygrade -- can encourage behaviors that foster a climate of dignity and respect, and in doing so, help ensure our readiness to complete the Department's mission."
Greetings America’s Shipyard and welcome to spring! The weather is good and getting better. With this time of the year comes the opportunity to get outside and accomplish some much needed yard work, both at home and at the shipyard! Get outside and enjoy the weather! There is plenty to be done, cleaning up from the winter months, planting flowers, dusting off the yard equipment and do a little general cleaning. Together we can all make a difference and continue to make America’s Shipyard look great! Speaking of making a difference, Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) is recognized in April by both civilian and military communities. The Department of Defense observes SAAPM by focusing on creating the appropriate culture to eliminate sexual assault and requiring a personal commitment from all Service members at every level. The 2017 SAAPM Theme is, "Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission." This theme offers numerous opportunities to deliver messages that relate to both the individual and unit level. Each Service member -- regardless of paygrade -- can encourage behaviors that foster a climate of dignity and respect, and in doing so, help ensure our readiness to complete the Department's mission. Your efforts along this front will allow us to continue to meet our mission also!
Mission accomplishment can be completed through various avenues and one of these was done recently by a team of Sailors. This month’s CMC Shout Out to the team who went onboard USS Harry S. Truman and assisted them with cleaning! CMC shout out goes to: MM2 D. Grant, MMN2 V. Klemm, MMN2 W. Whitley, MMN3 D. Perri, MMN2 E. Lamphar, MMN1 S. Lucini, MMN1 M. Johnson, MMN2 j. Johnson, ETN1 D. Adams, MMN1 C. Phillips, EMN2 B. Pfuntner, MMN1 J. Murek, ETN1 M Potoczek, EN2 A. Saldivar, STS1 B. Taylor, MMA2 L. Karwacinski, MMA2 J. Edgarstorbeck, MMN1 D. Olson Jr. MM2 A. Heinritz, EMN2 R. Williams, MMA2 S. Wilkerson, MM2 C. Bass, MMA2 T. McCracken, MMN1 R. Benner, MMN2 B. Wilkinson, MMN2 C. Ermo, ENFN J. Baltzell, STS3 N. Duncan, MMNC A. Patterson, and MMNC C. Blair. BRAVO ZULU to each and every one of you! Hooyah Shipmates! In closing, thank you to you all for what you do on a daily basis. As always, keep up the great work America’s Shipyard! As always, it is an honor to be in the Navy and a great time to be a part of America’s Shipyard!
Michael Reese Command Master Chief
March 24 • Superhero Day
#SPIRITDAY March 24 was Superhero Day! Thank you to everyone who participated.
Shipyard Insider: BUZZ & BYTES
» NEWS YOU CAN USE
BIG ROCKS » POSITIVE YARDAGE Georgia BZ Commander, Submarine Group Eight Rear Adm. Daryl Caudle recognized the outstanding support provided to USS Georgia (SSGN 729) by Trident Refit Facility and NRMD Kings Bay during the ship's most recent availability conducted in Diego Garcia in February 2017. More than 15,000 man-hours of work were accomplished during the availability, doubling the average work completed in previous availabilities in theater. In particular, quick action in support of a failed drain pump and oil pump without lengthening the availability timeline was impressive. "[Your] ability to get the job done despite the challenges that this remote location provided, demonstrated the professionalism and dedication of those on the ground and back in homeport, enabling a national asset an on-time return to operations in support of critical objectives," said Caudle. "I look forward to [your] continued excellence." 8 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2017
Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown held an awards ceremony March 17 to recognize the behindthe-scenes support of shipyard employees who prepared Bldg. 163 for the most recent Big Rocks celebration and Adm. Caldwell visit. "Your efforts were instrumental in raising morale and bringing attention to the vital work being performed at the shipyard," said Brown. "It takes motivated employees like you to ensure successful events of this caliber. Our heartfelt appreciation is extended to you for being a member of the service team, disciplined and well-prepared, committed to mission accomplishment." The employees received certificates of appreciation and EARN awards from Brown. OPSEC Award Congratulations to NNSY's Information Technology Department (Code 109), the winners of the fourth Quarter OPSEC Award. Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown presented the award to Code 109 IT Specialist Timothy Miller and his team Jan. 31. (Photo by Luke Beasley, Shipyard Photographer).
» FIRE SAFETY MESSAGE Did you know? Message from the Regional Fire Prevention Chief: Nationwide, more than 75,000 wildfires are reported each year. About nine out of ten fires are caused by people. Wildfires destroy homes and damage wildlife habitat and watersheds that provide drinking water for millions of people. The majority of these fires occur from: unattended campfires, fireworks, sparks from equipment or vehicles without working spark arrestors, burning leaves and debris, discarded cigarettes, and children playing with matches.
Tricare Receives Facelift Active duty service members and their families, retirees, survivor beneficiaries, reservists, and veterans with medical benefits will see changes to their Tricare Standard policy as soon as Jan. 1, 2018. One of the revisions is changing the name from Tricare Standard to Tricare Select. Standard policy holders will be notified by mail mid-year 2017 that they will be required to enroll in Tricare Select if they want health care coverage in 2018, just like those who have Tricare Prime. According to Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Government Relations, “Those who do not enroll on time and find themselves or a family member in the hospital, urgent or emergency care, or a doctor’s appointment, will be billed an out-of-network fee for that visit. They must be enrolled in Tricare Select immediately following for any future care to be covered.” The enrollment fee will be waived for 2018 and 2019. On January 1, 2020, Tricare Select members will be charged an enrollment fee of $150 for individuals or $300 for families. In following years, the fee will be increased each year to match the percentage of the annual retirement pay cost of living allowance (COLA). The annual out-of-pocket expense catastrophic cap for retired and eligible family members will increase from $3,000 to $3,500. There will not be an increase to the annual $1,000 cap for active duty families. For more information on Tricare health plans and changes, visit https://www. tricare.mil/Plans/HealthPlans and www.tricare.mil/~/media/ Files/TRICARE/Publications/ Misc/Costs_Sheet.pdf
250 celebrating years
#SPIRITDAYS APRIL 27 (THURSDAY): Wear Green MAY 26: Aloha Friday JUNE 23: Rainbow Day JULY 27: Wear Red, White and Blue AUGUST 25: College Pride SEPTEMBER 22: Rep your Military Branch OCTOBER 27: Pink Out Day NOVEMBER 1: NNSY Pride Day
SPECIAL EVENTS JUNE 29: Third annual America's Shipyard Celebration AUG. 20: Bring your family and join the fun for Norfolk Naval Shipyard Day at the Norfolk Tides Sunday, Aug. 20. Game time is 4:05 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. Ticket specifics will be provided at a later date. OCT. 28: Family Day at Norfolk Naval Shipyard NOV. 1: Norfolk Naval Shipyard Anniversary Celebration
FALL IN FOR COLORS MAY 26: Memorial Day Fall in for Colors at Bldg. 1500 flag pole SEPT. 11: 9/11 Fall in For Colors NOV. 9: Veterans Day Fall in for Colors
#250FACTS
» POLICY PLUG
To see all the #250Facts, check out the shipyard's Facebook page and follow along as we count down #250Years of history and innovation. Fact 215 NNSY’s Dry Dock #4 turned 98 years old April 1. Nearly twice as long as Dry Dock #3, the shipyard's 1,000-foot-plus Dry Dock #4 was a product of World War I. Fact 210 100 years ago on April 6, 1917, the United States declared war on Germany and formally entered World War I. Recruiting of sailors and civilian workers ramped up, with parades, mass meetings, and street corner rallies all staged in Hampton Roads with great success. Repairing and servicing a wide variety of ships kept the shipyard very busy in the earliest days of the war, with some work comprised of conversions of cargo ships, yachts, and other craft into Navy vessels. The alterations often required moving bulkheads, adding ventilation, installing guns, and changing plumbing and berthing spaces. Fact 196 On April 20, 1861, on the eve of the Civil War and while awaiting Northern reinforcements, the Shipyard Commander, Commodore Charles McCauley, received reports Confederate attack was imminent. He was informed forces were arriving locally in one large trainload after another. Proving the benefits of deception in wartime, the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad was actually just continuously running a single convoy of soldiers to Norfolk—a convoy masquerading as an army. Fact 188 Three years of training and acquisition of new facilities and equipment went into preparing NNSY for its first major overhaul and refueling of a nuclearpowered submarine, USS Skate (SSN-578), which arrived April 28, 1965 for a year-long stay.
Child Abuse Prevention Month The Navy's 2017 theme for Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAPM) is, "Keep Our Children Safe: Child Safety is a Community Responsibility.” In line with the theme, as a military community, our children’s safety depends on the community being informed, attentive and supportive. Knowing indicators for child neglect, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, where to report known or suspected abuse, and how to identify resources for prevention may save a child’s life. Child safety is a shared community responsibility. In order for our communities to thrive, we must all do our part to support the wellbeing of children and families. Communities must begin to recognize the different behaviors and life circumstances that may signal a need for assistance. All families with young children need support to help maintain a safe, stable and nurturing home. For military families with young children, the deployment cycle can be a very trying time. This is why it’s important for parents to stay connected to their family, friends and command leadership. Parents experience stress while raising young children, especially during the infancy and toddler stages; however, too many parents refuse to ask for help. Therefore, we encourage the military community to become familiar with the emergency resources that are available to families in times of need. For additional information, visit www.ffsp.navy.mil.
APRIL 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 9
CERO OVERCOMES UNCERTAIN FUTURE, By Anna Taylor • Public Affairs Specialist WINS NAVSEA EXCELLENCE AWARD Four years ago, Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Command Evaluation and Review Office was in quite a pickle. The program was unaccredited, there were no certified investigators to speak of, and the new director felt the pressing need to overhaul the organization’s reputation. Fast forward to late 2016, NNSY’s CERO won the inaugural NAVSEA Inspector General Professional Excellence Award for a multi-person office, and was recognized for exemplary leadership, innovation, and professional development. “[NNSY CERO] demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism through dedicated support of Norfolk Naval Shipyard leadership and its large workforce by continuous improvement of their core products and overall office capabilities, and by giving selflessly to the overall betterment of the NAVSEA IG/Command Evaluation and Review Community of Practice through sharing better business practices, delivering communitywide training and participating in a sensitive NAVSEA investigation of a senior leader,” read the award citation. Jay Jones, the new director who was instrumental in revamping the Command Evaluation and Review program at NNSY, says he is
proud of what the office has accomplished in a short period of time, and is quick to attribute success to his dedicated team of subject matter experts. “We are professionally trained and certified to use certain industry techniques and tactics,” he said. “We take it seriously; we never lie and we don’t sweep anything under the rug.” Prevention and detection of fraud, waste, abuse of authority or position and mismanagement are crucial to protecting taxpayer dollars, maintaining good order and discipline, and ensuring public trust and confidence in Norfolk Naval Shipyard. “Our mission is to protect taxpayer dollars. We assess the efficiency and integrity of command operations and identify conditions that adversely impact the mission of the command,” said Jones. “We are also responsible for NAVSEA and command directed investigations, special reviews and interest items, and the Managers’ Internal Control Program.” The CERO also acts as liaison to the Naval Audit Service, Government Accountability Office and other similar agencies during the course of external audits. “For many employees, the indicators of fraud waste and
abuse are there,” said Kristin Hamilton, a CERO investigator. “There will be employees who want to do the right thing and want to notify someone that some type of wrongdoing is going on, so you need an unbiased office that’s there to hear those types of complaints, otherwise you lose morale. If that alleged wrongdoing is occurring, it needs to change, because it’s not fair to those employees who want to do the right thing, come to work, do their jobs, and support our service men and women and our government.” Jones started his career at NNSY 38 years ago as an apprentice and says part of what makes his team so valuable is its diversity of background. Chase Goodwin, the CERO deputy director, agrees. “We have an engineer. We have a [Lean] black belt. We have a retired XO, an Army interrogator, we have former shipyard mechanics. We have everything,” he said. “We have a good representative mixture of what NNSY is. When a new case comes in, we can depend on each other for help.” The CERO team consists of eight people, and all but one are certified NAVSEA investigators – a title that is not easy to obtain. “There are a few different steps to get certified. First you take a basic course through Navy Knowledge Online. Then you have to go to the Naval Inspector General one-week training course. After that you have to complete at least two full investigations as the lead investigator and your work has to be reviewed by NAVSEA,” explained Goodwin. “On top of that, you have to have a year in the field before you can take your scenario-based oral board with NAVSEA IG. And once all of that is finished, you are certified as a basic investigator.” NAVSEA also offers advanced and master investigator certifications, but Goodwin is among only five advanced investigators in all of NAVSEA. “Our group works really hard. We’re fact finders. We’re not here to fire anyone, or make someone look bad,” explained Hamilton. “We are fighting for the employees who want to do the right thing.” Jones and Goodwin think of CERO as a metaphorical glass house, which means they can’t throw any figurative stones. “How can we investigate you for wrongdoing if we give the perception we’re doing the same thing? That’s the pressure - to walk in a straight line – and we have to challenge ourselves internally,” said Jones. “We always have to remind ourselves to look at where we were [four years ago] and look at where we are now.” For Goodwin, winning the NAVSEA Professional Excellence Award validates the years of hard work he and his teammates have contributed to rebuilding the CERO from the ground up. “[Shipyard Commander] Capt. [Scott] Brown has been behind us 100 percent of the way,” he said. “That has been immensely helpful.” “We worked really hard to change people’s perspective about us, so it meant a lot that we were being recognized,” added Hamilton. The work done by the CERO is time consuming and incredibly complex. Each investigation can take months to complete, simply because of the level of detail the work requires. “We’re all unique. We have our challenges,” said Jones. “But we’re trying to change the culture of the shipyard. I know we are making a difference.”
LIST OF MATTERS APPROPRIATE FOR THE INSPECTOR GENERAL: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Abuse of authority/position Bribes/kickbacks/acceptance of gratuities Conflicts of interests Ethics violations Fraud/travel fraud (TDY and TAD) Improper gifts Improper referral for mental health evaluations Significant cases of mismanagement Misuse of official time, government property, position and public office Political activities Procurement issues Purchase card/travel card abuse Reprisal (military whistleblower protection) Safety/public health Systemic problems Significant time and attendance violations Gross waste
The NNSY Legal Office serves as the advisor for ethical matters within the shipyard and can be contacted at 3968625 if needed for clarification or advice concerning ethical issues. Reports to the hotline can be made by email to nnsy_ig_hotline@navy.mil, by calling 396-7971 or by visiting the Command Evaluation and Review office (Code 100CE) in Bldg. 706.
CERO LEADERSHIP: CERO Director: Jay Jones • 396-1194 CERO Deputy Director: Chase Goodwin • 396-3855
CERO INVESTIGATORS: Mike Regna • 396-3868 Aaron Hatten • 396-3851 Kristin Hamilton • 396-8420 Rodney Wilkins • 967-5053 Robert Malouin Jr. • 396-3869 Jeffrey O'Brien • 396-3890
Meet the Mark: IMPROVEMENT THROUGH EMPOWERMENT Photo by Shayne Hensley • NNSY Photographer
EYE ON INNOVATION: 3-D PRINTED TOOL BRINGS ERGONOMIC SOLUTION TO CODE 970 EMPLOYEES BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST Editor's Note: At Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), innovation and teamwork are key characteristics of the Rapid Prototype Lab (RPL). The RPL opens its doors to anyone who has an idea to make a process more efficient. However, sometimes someone comes to the team seeking something the RPL does not have the tools to provide. Rather than turn away these creative thinkers, the RPL reaches out to other shops within the shipyard to collaborate and get the job done. A three-dimensional (3-D) printed tool called a sanitary clamp wrench was designed and developed at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) to provide an ergonomic alternative to Temporary Services workers (Code 970). Code 970 mechanics work daily with sanitary systems for general cleaning and special emphasis work. In the past they used wrench tools to reattach and tighten clamps onto the systems; however, they found the tools were not fitting correctly on the clamps. “The tool would not tighten the clamps without strenuous effort from the mechanics,” said Richard Larock, an engineer from Code 2310. “It would take time to do the job and ergonomically wasn’t the best for the employees. So we sought a solution.” 12 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2017
With an idea in mind, James Musgrove, a representative from the Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment Department (Code 106), took the tool to the Rapid Prototype Lab (RPL). “We needed a tool that was designed to properly secure onto the sanitary clamp with ergonomically improved gripping that reduced overexertion and eliminated awkward postures,” said Musgrove. “The lab heard our ideas and was ready to go.” With input from Musgrove and the mechanics, RPL’s John Tate, Kenneth Kinstler, and Alim Jordan began to brainstorm of what would work best. “We worked together and were able to make the adjustments needed to work out a solution,” said Tate. “We designed, and machined an initial prototype using nylatron plastic. After receiving suggestions for improvements from the team, we decided to go the route of 3-D printing to create the final product.” The RPL team reached out to Tim Edmondson, the Additive Manufacturing Sub-Committee lead, part of the NNSY Technology and Innovation Community of Practice. With Edmondson’s help and training, the team was able to create a
3-D model of the tool using the Autodesk Inventor software. “The design for the model itself was done within an hour thanks to Tim’s assistance,” said Tate. “From there, he and Shop 31 Toolmaker Michael Angelo helped us with the 3-D printing which took about two hours to complete the prototype.” The printed tool cost approximately $16 with a honeycomb pattern on the inside to ensure a quick but sturdy print. Through testing, the tool has worked well in getting the job done. And if adjustments are needed, the team has the model available to modify for re-print. “The mechanics have thoroughly enjoyed using the new tool on the job,” said Larock. “It’s really helped improve the job as a whole. Ergonomically it takes the strenuous effort off their hands, and it saves cost and time for the shipyard in order to get the job done. And it’s easy to use which another big plus for our team is. The mechanics are able to utilize the tool with minimal training needed.” More than 50 new sanitary clamp wrenches will be developed in the near future, which will expand beyond the shipyard to Nuclear Regional Maintenance Department (NRMD) Kings Bay and to those interested in bringing this technology to their workforce. “It’s amazing to see how such a simple tool can create such a huge impact for those using it,” said Tate. “We at the Rapid Prototype Lab love working with our customers to find the best solution for what they need. And it’s especially wonderful to work with the Shop 31 Toolmakers and the Additive Manufacturing Group to create innovative designs that will not only impact the shipyard but the entire Navy as well.” The RPL is always looking for ways to help shipyard employees do their jobs safer and more efficient. If you have an idea that might improve your job, contact the RPL at 396-4950/4956/4758.
Lydia Simmons (center in blue), Diversity and Inclusion Office (Code 1103) branch head, speaks following a private screening of Hidden Figures Feb. 25.
NNSY partners with multiple agencies to host private screening of “Hidden Figures” STORY AND PHOTOS BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST Students in Hampton Roads were treated to a private screening of the hit film “Hidden Figures” thanks to Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) organizations in Hampton Roads Feb. 25. NNSY partnered with Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) Systems Center Atlantic STEM Outreach, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and other private donors to host the private screening for Hampton Roads students nominated through their efforts in STEM at AMC Lynnhaven 18 Theaters in Virginia Beach. Based on true events, “Hidden Figures” tells the story of the African American women in the 1960s space program at Langley Research Center. The screening was a partnership in celebrating African American History Month and National Engineering Month in Hampton Roads to bring “future figures” together and show them how their
passion for STEM can translate into a future career. Before the screening, opening remarks were provided by guest speaker NASA Senior Technologist Dr. Tahani Amer. “We are here to inspire young ladies to be the next scientists and engineers,” said Amer. “You have to work hard at what you love and find mentors who believe in you and help you along your path. Whatever your passion is, be sure to follow it. If you put your mind to it, you can be whatever it is you want to be. You just have to take that first step.” Immediately following the movie presentation, there was a panel discussion with representatives from each partnering organization during which students asked questions about STEM. The panel included Dr. Lydia Simmons, the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at NNSY; Information Systems Technician 1st Class Vorie Miller stationed at SPAWAR; Samantha Wright, Electrical Engineer from SPAWAR and the cofounder of Children Ready to Empower and Achieve Through Education (C.R.E.A.T.E.); Louise Slate, Vice President of Bluestone
Environmental Group; and Karen Berger, an aerospace engineer working in the Supersonic/ Hypersonic Testing Branch at NASA. “We at Norfolk Naval Shipyard love spending time with the students and seeing them explore their passions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said Simmons. “Our shipyard has a robust outreach program as well as partnerships with various local schools where we engage the students in tutoring and provide them mentorship. We want to make the community aware of what’s at NNSY and what we can do to help these students build a career in what they love.”
APRIL 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 13
#250FACTS To see all the #250Facts, check out the shipyard's Facebook page and follow along as we count down #250Years of history and innovation. Fact 209: Now that’s an enterprising availability! USS Enterprise’s 2002 overhaul was unique for how NNSY and Northrop Grumman Newport News (NGNN) Shipbuilding effectively shared resources. NGNN employees performed the work on the NNSY waterfront, which at the time was the only available docking area. Fact 203: Two years after the shipyard formally established an apprentice school, graduating classes were already topping 100 people. Fact 198: The NNSY-built destroyer USS Shubrick, launched April 18, 1942, was nothing if not durable. During World War II, the ship engaged enemy shore batteries and broke up a tank concentration during landings on Sicily. Hit by a 500-pound bomb at Palermo, Shubrick suffered nine killed and 20 wounded. After temporary repairs at Malta, the destroyer returned to the U.S. using one screw. Sent to the Pacific, Shubrick was seriously damaged on May 29, 1945 when an attacking aircraft crashed aboard carrying a bomb that blew open a 30-foot hole and set off one of the ship's depth charges. Thirty-five men died and 25 were wounded. After emergency repairs, DD-639 then returned to the U.S. on one engine. Fact 187: The 74-gun, NNSY-built ship New York was authorized April 29, 1816 and laid down in March 1820. Never launched, it was burned on the stocks on the night of April 20, 1861 by Union forces evacuating NNSY.
Emergent fly-away teams…who are they? BY APRIL BROWN • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER One of the Navy’s hidden treasures is its emergent fly-away teams. Some may consider them superheroes due to how they do business…they go in, fix the problem, test it, and head home without many knowing of what they did or where they went. The first fly-away team was established in the 1990s when Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT) called for a detachment of experienced personnel from NNSY who could fly to a carrier with little notice to make repairs and get that ship back to sea. “Fly-away teams are just that. They are casualty teams that are put together to respond to a Casualty Report (CASREP), which is an emergent casualty for a naval vessel that needs to be repaired right away,
whether they are underway or pierside,” said Lonnie Kenley, Off-Yard Carrier project superintendent. “It is an emergency because that ship and their strike group’s mission are affected.” The Operaations Department (Code 300) keeps a daily running list of available personnel it could send on an emergent flyaway team. It is made up of NNSY welders, mechanics, engineers, machinists, managers, and contractors. Knowing what the situation is and who has the talent and experience is vital in building an emergent fly-away team. “Making sure the right mix of people is sent is important. They are chosen based on their qualifications, passports, and experience with both traveling and their repair knowledge,” said Kenley. “We choose
the best of the best; our star hitters go out and represent NNSY. We also look at who is ready to hop on a plane that very same day when an emergent CASREP comes in.” “What emergent means to the shipyard is all senior leadership become aware very quickly that we have an emergent situation with a carrier that is preventing her from doing her mission,” said Kenley. “Everyone knows when these types of situations happen; this supersedes and takes high priority over anything else they have going on within the shipyard. These situations have the attention of the Navy’s top leadership.” A team of eight to 30 people is formed very quickly and on a plane to get to its destination as soon as possible. “How the group is built depends on the job, what needs to be fixed, where they need to go, and how emergent the repair is to their mission,” said Donald Wessells, assistant project superintendent for Code 300. “We include contractors because they may have the knowledge and experience we need to help do the repair. And, just recently, we started adding apprentices to the fly-away teams to build field experience that will benefit them throughout their careers at the shipyard.” Before the team departs, it gets briefed on the situation and the demands of the repair. Some repairs take days and some take a week or two. “You need look no further to know why Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is the force behind the fleet than the work Norfolk Naval Shipyard did recently,” said NAVSEA Commander Vice Adm. Thomas Moore. “NNSY devised a plan and then sent a fly-away team to meet the ship on her first port call. Fantastic work by everyone on the NNSY team.” “We really execute the shipyard’s motto. It’s any ship, anytime, anywhere. We are your AAA. If your car breaks down somewhere, who do you call? You call AAA. If your ship breaks down, you call us. We are the Navy’s version of AAA…any ship, anytime, anywhere,” said Wessells. When the repair is complete, the next step is to test all the components. “We always test our repair before we leave. We make sure everything is up and running the way it is supposed to before we head home,” explained Wessells. “If the ship is pierside, we do what is similar to a fast cruise. An underway evolution while in port. This process lets us know the repair was successful and the ship can return to its mission at sea,” said Wessells.
Being part of a repair team for the first time and experiencing the journey of going on a fly-away to repair a ship was quite memorable for a recently graduated apprentice returning home. “When we landed at Oceana, we thought it was over until we walked off the plane and saw senior leadership waiting for us. That was pretty exciting,” said Lifting and Handling Department Rigger Jonathan Woodruff. “Being a part of the fly-away team and being recognized by senior leadership was a huge milestone for me. It’s a great honor and feeling of accomplishment when you know you had a part in keeping our country safe. It was truly an incredible experience.” Several people are involved to ensure a fly-away runs as smoothly as possible from beginning to end. “When we have an emergent situation, everyone does everything they need to do to accomplish the mission successfully,” said Capt. Scott Brown, Norfolk Naval Shipyard Commander. “It comes down to what we do, who we are, and where we are going. It’s pretty exciting and amazing because we are ‘America’s Shipyard’…any ship, anytime, anywhere.”
Opposite page: Capt. Scott Brown addresses a fly-away team that recently completed emergent work.
Fly-away team members listen as Capt. Brown addresses the audience.
Lonnie Kenley, Off-Yard Carrier project superintendent, speaks to members of a fly-away team.
Opposite page: A fly-away team gathers on a carrier after completing emergent work. APRIL 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 15
Johnnie Mason shows off equipment in the new clean room
New respirator brings relief to shipyard welders BY APRIL BROWN • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHAYNE HENSLEY AND COLE FRASER • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHERS After decades of wearing a heavy multipart welding respirator, shipyard welders are experiencing relief and healthier breathing with a new half mask welding respirator. “It has been a long time coming. We teamed up with Shop 26 and started collaborating on how our shared vision could provide the best product for our welders. We first talked about getting a new respirator, researched different vendors, tested different styles and samples, looked at costs, and which one would provide long term benefits for our welders,” said Laura Herrin, Shop 06 Tool Control Manager. “When we first asked for funding, we thought we were only going to receive enough to start a pilot program. We were fortunate to get enough money to pay for all of the respirators we needed for the program and welders.” The new respirators are less than half the cost of the old ones, are easier to use, cleaner, smaller, fit better, have disposable filters, and are lightweight. “Comfort for the welders is the biggest benefit of this type of respirator. It gives them a comfortable fit, and better protection from gasses and fumes under their welding shield and hood,” said Johnnie Mason, Shop 06 Safety and Repair Supervisor. Prior to any welder being issued the new respirator, they are trained and certified for its use. The training is a combination of how 16 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2017
to use and take care of the respirator, the check-out and damaged equipment process, and a fit test. The new respirators come in small, medium, and large sizes. “They are more versatile and provide a better fit,” said Herrin. “It has two disposable filters, an arc extinguisher, and a few parts compared to the old-style heavy multi-part respirator the shipyard has been using for decades.” The new size and weight also allows welders to work longer without the neck and back strain of a heavy respirator. “From an ergonomic standpoint, the new respirator is a time saver. Welders are bent over for long periods of time and the weight of the respirator, ventilator, and welding hood puts a lot of strain and pressure on their neck and back muscles. The new lightweight design makes a difference in how long they can weld at a time,” said Mason. “When they need to take a break, they remove their welding hood and un-pop the respirator lever. It’s light enough to hang around their neck until they are ready to start welding again. Unlike the older version, this is quick and simple.” Along with receiving the new respirators, Shop 06 now has a clean room and two new equipment dryers. “We are pretty excited about our new equipment. The clean room is a huge milestone for us. It makes the whole process of preparing the
respirators much easier. It is environmentally safe and big enough to wash and maintain a lot of parts at one time,” said Herrin. “Our drying process is also different. We went from a tumbling dryer to a stand-up dryer with metal baskets that can hold up to 100 respirator parts at one time. It dries everything much quicker and evenly, and lengthens the life span of our equipment. We are basically the distribution center at the shipyard. We clean and maintain respirators, fall protection, arc flash, hard hats, and various types of safety equipment.” There are currently more than 200 welders using the new respirators in the shipyard. Shop 06’s goal is to have every welder to include apprentices certified and wearing the new respirators in the near future. “It may take some time to transition, but this respirator is making jobs much easier and safer for our welders. Safety is crucial in any job within the shipyard,” said Herrin. For more information on their new respirators and care, visit Shop 06 on WebCentral.
Trey Atkins of Shop 26 wears one of the new half-mask welding repirators.
Laura Herrin demonstrates one of the new respirators.
APRIL 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 17
Mark Your Calendars!
CELEBRATION • APRIL 27 • Join us in front of Bldg. 1500 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for Earth Day! Get a FREE Flowering White Dogwood tree & White Clover seeds! Learn what you can do for the environment from various organizations including: • U.S. Fleet Forces Command Stewards of the Sea, with an exhibit on “Defending Freedom, Protecting the Environment” • NAVFAC Environmental Outreach • MWR • Recycling Perks of Suffolk, Chesapeake, and Norfolk • Elizabeth River Project, River Star Homes Program • Master Gardeners of Portsmouth • Tidewater Beekeepers • And more! NNSY Earth Day activities directly support NNSY’s Environmental Policy. “Supporting Environmental ethics for all stakeholders to foster accountability in reducing the adverse impacts our actions have on the environment.”
Please note: # Spirit a Thursday this Day is on month!
, APRIL 27 IS WEAR GREEN DAY! Wear green in honor of NNSY’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection. Take a photo before you leave your house and share it on the shipyard Facebook page and you could be featured in an upcoming issue of Service to the Fleet! If you don’t have Facebook, email your photos to nfsh_nnsy_pao@navy.mil. Employees are invited to participate in a group photo in front of Bldg. 1500 at 11:20 a.m.
#SPIRITDAY In celebration of Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s 250th birthday, the fourth Friday each month has been designated as #SpiritDay. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate #250Years of shipyard history and innovation! Please call the Public Affairs Office at 396-9550 if you have questions about Fourth Friday #SpiritDay.
SHIPYARDlegacies: Story and photos by Anna Taylor • Public Affairs Specialist
the Divers family They say you can’t outrun your past, but in the case of Claud R. Divers III and his son, Will, apparently you can’t outrun your family traditions, either. The two Divers men ended up at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), even though they say they never planned to make their careers here. It all started in the early 1920s when Ross “Bobby” Askins, the elder Divers’ great uncle, worked as a welder on the USS Langley (CV 1) conversion. The family still has a piece of welding slag and the hand-written note Bobby brought home to commemorate his work on the project. “I don’t know how long he stayed at the yard, but I suspect he stayed until the late 1940s when he retired,” said Divers. “His sister was my grandmother, so he wasn’t technically a Divers.” Another great uncle, Henry Divers, completed his apprenticeship at Southern Railroad and then served in the Navy as an aviation machinist mate during World War I. When the war was over, he bought some instruments, including a marimba and drum set the family still has to this day, and performed in New York City’s vaudeville circuit for several years. As the popularity of vaudeville waned, he 20 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2017
began producing sound effects for silent films in Norfolk. When “talkies” gained popularity in the late 1920s and forced Henry out of the silent film industry, he took a job at the shipyard, where he worked as an inside machinist for the Mechanical Group (Code 930) Machine Shop (Shop 31). Before retiring as a shop planner in the 1960s, Henry was the director of the Shop 31 orchestra and vaudeville troop that performed in the shipyard and across Hampton Roads during World War II. “All these machinists happened to have a lot of entertainment experience, so they put together the orchestra and did a lot of bond rallies and things like that,” said Divers. Claud R. Divers Jr., the elder Divers’ father, was also a Shop 31 inside machinist. He came onboard in 1940 as a class of 1944 apprentice and graduated a year early in 1943 thanks to the extra hours he worked during the war effort. He served with the Merchant Marines for three years during World War II before returning to NNSY in 1946. Divers Jr. retired in 1971 as a lead engineering technician in the Engineering and Planning Department. Nearly catching us up to present day, Claud Divers III began
Will inherited his grandfathers apprentice class ring from 1944.
his career as an inside machinist apprentice too, but after a short stint teaching Industrial Arts and Mechanical Drawing in Franklin, Virginia. “I taught for a couple of years at Franklin High School, and then they began opening these vocational schools, but in the state of Virginia, in order to teach at a vocational school, you needed vocational endorsement and one year of journeyman level experience,” said Divers. “My teaching certificate was an academic certificate, so I applied for the apprenticeship.” The shipyard job was meant to be short term while he got the requisite training for the vocational school, but after graduating the apprentice program and finding a position in the shop’s training branch, he realized he could still teach without switching careers for a third time. Not to mention he was making more money as a second year apprentice than he had as a teacher. He eventually transferred to what was then the shipyard’s Industrial Relations Office, and after 19 years at NNSY, found a position at the Office of Civilian Human Resources, where he retired in 2014 as the training director. The most recent member of the Divers family to find his place at
NNSY is Will, a nuclear electronics mechanic foreman in the Electronics Shop (Shop 67) and another apprentice school graduate. Will said he has always been a tinkerer with a penchant for electronics. He took vocational courses in electronics before graduating high school and finished at the top of his vocational class. “I started really getting into electronics, and the theory, and designing circuit boards and building motors from scratch. We were designing robotics and practicing programming,” he said. “I wanted to be an electronics technician. I was trying to find jobs, and I started working at a hardware store, and then I got a job as an electrician for a small company at the oceanfront doing residential and commercial work.” He earned his Electronics Engineering Technology degree from Tidewater Community College, but resisted the idea of working at NNSY until he realized the training and benefits were hard to beat. “I decided to go ahead and put in for the shipyard after my Dad suggested it, and he gave me some pointers, but as much as I like my dad, I didn’t want to use him to get into the shipyard.” In that vein, Will decided to follow his own path and opted not to wear the machinist hat his father and grandfather wore before him. “I'm sure that my family doesn't have the longest line of family members working at NNSY but my family has worked at NNSY for almost 100 years,” said Claud Divers. “I take a certain amount of pride in having multiple generations. I like the shipyard, I like the work the shipyard does, and I hope the shipyard is here forever. The history is so neat and it’s great to be a part of that.” To Will, the family legacy drives him to do better. “I feel like I have to live up to my family and keep doing the best I can,” he said. “Being able to walk through these buildings and knowing that even if I’m just passing through, thinking my dad and my grandfather and great-great-uncle all worked here. Not a lot of people have that kind of connection to a place. It’s not like my father and I were trying to keep the family legacy going, it just kind of happened, and in a way it’s created a new legacy. We’re a family of tradition.” APRIL 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 21
NNSY participates in Read Across America BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHERS Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) partnered with Douglass Park Elementary School in Portsmouth, Virginia for their annual Read Across America Day March 2. Read Across America Day, an observance on the school day closest to the anniversary of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, is part of a year-long program focused on motivating children and teens to read. The program led by the National Education Association (NEA) is celebrating its 20th year of building a nation of readers one story at a time. Approximately thirty volunteers from NNSY traveled to Douglass Park Elementary, each of them reading Dr. Seuss books to the children. Also in attendance was Portsmouth Mayor John Rowe, the Portsmouth School Board student representative MyKayla Moore, as well as other city and school officials. In addition, shipyard sailors also participated at Westhaven Elementary School in Portsmouth, Virginia. “Reading is everything and Read Across 22 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2017
America is a fun day to encourage it with the students,” said Douglass Park Elementary School Principal Dusti Johnson. “The students decorated the doors and dressed up for the occasion. They even picked out their favorite Dr. Seuss books to read. They are really excited to have our volunteers, including Norfolk Naval Shipyard, here to read to them and show just how fun reading can be.” Many of the volunteers from NNSY are involved with the Tutoring and Mentorship Program, an annual effort for the shipyard to engage with local schools in the community. These volunteers attend Douglass Park Elementary School twice a week to aid the students in mathematics and reading. “These types of events are opportunities for our command to engage the community, particularly at a younger age so we can encourage direction and help the students to enjoy reading that would be pivotal in their development,” said NNSY Diversity
and Inclusion Director Dr. Lydia Simmons. “Working with students helps to provide them with opportunities to grow and excel in their learning.” “We appreciate the partnership today and throughout the year,” said Johnson. “Our friends at the shipyard are consistently working with us and volunteering for events. The students are always excited to have them here and we thank them for their efforts.”
FLEET HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE WORKERS' COMPENSATION DEPARTMENT WORKS TO ALLEVIATE ON-THE-JOB INJURY HEADACHES
By Alise Skinner • Workforce Development Specialist Getting hurt at work can be a frightening occurrence. Whether it’s a traumatic injury suffered on the job or a diagnosis of an occupational disease, the experience will likely lead to numerous questions. Instead of focusing on getting better, worries about loss of pay and leave and paying for medical care may take center focus. Fleet Human Resources Office (FLTHRO), located at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), is here to help. An entire department is devoted solely to Workers’ Compensation (WC). WC can provide guidance and assistance with everything from choosing medical care to filing claims for lost wages. WC administers the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) program. FECA provides compensation benefits to current and former civilian employees who sustain injuries or occupational diseases/illnesses while in the performance of duty. It also provides benefits to qualified survivors in cases of employment-related death. FECA covers two types of injuries: traumatic injury, which is caused by a specific event or series of events within a single day or shift; and occupational disease/illness, which is a medical condition that developed over the course of employment. One of the primary benefits of FECA is the Continuation of Pay (COP) for traumatic injuries. COP provides regular pay to qualified injured employees for up to 45 calendar days from the date of the injury. COP applies to a total disability and/or absence from work to seek medical treatment. To receive COP for a traumatic injury, a form CA-1 must be filed with WC within 30 calendar days from the date of injury. Other compensation may be provided after the 45 days of COP for approved claims. FECA also covers the costs of medical treatment, equipment and other related expenses. Schedule Awards may be granted for either traumatic injury or occupational disease/ illness cases based on disfigurement, dismemberment or permanent partial impairment due to loss of bodily functions.
Supervisors must be notified immediately when any injury occurs. Regardless of how insignificant the injury may seem at the time, it must be reported to the supervisor if any claim may be made. To seek medical help, request a dispensary permit for the NNSY Branch Clinic (BC). Should the employee want to file a claim, form CA-1 for traumatic injuries or form CA-2 for occupational diseases/illnesses must be filled out by the employee and their supervisor. Form CA-1 and CA-2 may be obtained from NNSY Webcentral or the WC Office. The NNSY BC provides an initial assessment of the injury. After that, an employee may choose care from the BC or a private physician. Injured employees should report to the WC office with all their forms and medical treatment notes. Injured employees need to update WC throughout the course of their treatment. There are strict reporting timeframes for eligibility for injury benefits. Although injured employees (and former employees) have three years to file a form CA-1 for traumatic injuries, it is recommended form CA-1 be submitted to the supervisor within two working days following the injury. This will ensure prompt claim processing and avoid possible interruption of compensation when the COP entitlement ends. The employee, or someone acting on the employee’s behalf, may make this written notification. For occupational disease/illness, form CA-2 must be filed with WC within three years from the date the employee became aware of the injury or realized it was work related. There is no entitlement to COP for occupational disease/illness claims. All employees and supervisors are responsible for following and enforcing safety procedures. The only way to avoid the ordeal of work injuries is not to have one! But should the misfortune occur, the FLTHRO NNSY Workers’ Compensation professionals are ready to help. APRIL 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 23
SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT
SAMMY CHORY: 46 years of dedication Story and photos By Anna Taylor Public Affairs Specialist 24 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2017
Samuel “Sammy” Chory has worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) since 1971, before more than 58 percent of the current workforce was even born. He came onboard as a laborer after serving three years in the Marine Corps, cleaned tanks on submarines and carriers as a helper, and spent most of his career as a shipfitter. Since late 2016, Chory has been a member of the Structural Group (Code 920) Quality Assurance section. He is now the curator of Sammy’s Safety Store, which he opens twice daily to provide all Code 920 employees with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for their jobs. “People come get their safety glasses, ear plugs and face masks and different things they need,” Chory said. “It’s important to keep the mechanics safe of the job. We’re trying to keep the accidents and injuries down, that’s our priority and it’s the shipyard commander’s priority.” When the safety store is closed, Chory spends his time conducting safety and security inspections around the building. “We check around the shop to make sure people are wearing their PPE and that the shop is safe. We also have to make sure nobody is leaving their Common Access Card (CAC) in the computer, and
everyone is properly badged,” he said. “It’s a lot of walking but I enjoy doing all these things I’ve never done before.” Chory enforces the shop’s safety and security protocols, but it’s a job he does with a smile, and his motivation is to educate the mechanics and keep them out of harm’s way. “Sammy loves the shipyard and all the people in it. He is the type of person who is great talking with others and you can see the joy in his eyes doing it,” said Justin Henson, Chory's supervisor. “Even now he continues to want to learn new things. You give him a task and he runs with it.” According to Chory, his most memorable moment at the shipyard came in 1972 when USS Forrestal arrived at NNSY following a catastrophic fire while moored at Naval Station Norfolk. It was the first carrier he ever worked on. The shipyard blessed Chory with more than just a remarkable career, though. He met his wife, Lucy, when she was an Electronics Shop (Shop 67) apprentice. They married in 1988. Chory has a scrapbook filled with his old personnel actions, length of service awards, and other certificates. He is most proud of his Safety Employee of the Month awards for the USS Augusta (SSN 710) project, which he received consecutively in June, July and August 2008. “Even though Sammy has been at NNSY since 1971 he still can out work the best of them,” said Henson. “Sammy is always the first one in the door and always the last one holding the door when it's time to leave. Rain, snow or shine you can always count on Sammy to be at work ready to roll.” He says he’s still learning something new every day, but Chory does have one piece advice for the new generation of shipyard employees. “Be mindful of safety. Be aware of what could hurt you,” he said. “And don’t waste your sick leave.”
5
THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT SAMMY CHORY
My favorite movie is "It’s a Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart. I always wanted to be a cowboy. I could never give up chocolate cake. Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich. I have been collecting pennies and old coins since 1951 when my mom got me started. I was about six years old. My first car was black and white 1967 Pontiac LeMans.
APRIL 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 25
Krispy Krunchy Chicken is now offered at the north end of the shipyard.
Sigler poses with the new spicy chicken sandwich she introduced.
The new face of CMWR: Cris Sigler BY JENNIFER ZINGALIE • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTO BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER Employees may have noticed some updates to shipyard food establishments. This is thanks to the new Civilians Moral Welfare and Recreation (CMWR) Operations Manager Cris Sigler. Sigler, who arrived at the shipyard in February, said she wants everyone who enters her facilities to have a wonderful dining experience. She is tackling this by what she calls her top three: customer service, quality of food, and presentation/packaging. “Your experience starts with a friendly greeting, followed by appealing food choices and a professional looking café,” said Sigler. One of the first changes she introduced at each café is “destination stations.” The stations 26 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • APRIL 2017
make beverages, fresh fruit and quick grab comfort items easily accessible in an appealing display. Sigler said she is not only aiming to take care of her customers but her staff, ensuring they have the right knowledge, tools and ongoing training they need. “My employees are my customers first,” she said. “If I do not provide them what they need, they cannot work efficiently and we will not be successful.” So far employees seem very receptive and excited, said Sigler. “The supervisors seemed really excited to receive some new training and learn some new tips and tricks of the trade. There have already been some immediate changes that seem to
have been helpful to both the employees and supervisors where they feel more empowered to do their job.” From food to cleanliness, Sigler will work to ensure each facility meets food safety standards and is a clean, clutter free, welcoming environment. This includes how her employees present themselves to customers. “The cashier is a front line,” said Sigler. “If you are wearing a name tag, have on a clean apron and a smiling face—you are making a difference. Those things, paired with quality food and great packaging, make the customer excited to come back often.” So far, within her first month at the shipyard, Sigler reintroduced the spicy chicken and fish sandwiches and pizza to the menu at the Brig, which is located across from Bldg. 1500. She added soups and specialty sandwiches to the menu at Four Flags Café (near Gate 10), as well as freshly baked muffins. She also updated the recipe for the cookies sold there to ensure they are soft and chewy. The North End Café located in Bldg. 288 opened mid-March introducing a brand new item into the shipyard, Krispy Krunchy Chicken. Sigler’s overall goal for the cafés, which also includes Dockers, Pierside, The Arc, and The Rusty Anchor, is to continue to adjust the ambience, and increase the variety of food options with the addition of combo meals options. The mobile canteens are also a part of CMWR and similar updates are planned for those as well. Sigler, who started in the food service industry at the age of 18 as a cashier, recently left a marketing manager/retail director position at a major Virginia college and said she is very passionate about what she does and looks forward to enhancing the shipyard experience. “I always tell my employees enjoy what you are doing,” she said and she follows her own advice. “Every day I come to work, I wonder what I can do different to empower my employees and excite my customers."
FIRST LINE SUPERVISORS GRADUATE FROM SHIPYARD'S NEW HIGH VELOCITY CLASS BY JENNIFER ZINGALIE • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTO BY LUKE BEASLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) graduated 22 first line supervisors from its initial High Velocity class in a ceremony held at the Drydock Club on Scotts Center Annex March 13. “This has been the best learning environment I have been a part of since joining the NNSY family 13 years ago,” said Maurice Wright a graduate and new supervisor for Mechanical Department (Code 930) who spoke on behalf of all the graduates. “The combination of the instructors, key note speakers, information and new relationships formed has been a breath of fresh air.” The High Velocity First Line Supervisor (1LS) class was held over a five-week period during which students received both theory and practical training. The training model for the class is based on the curriculum design concepts “learn, use, and teach back.” The program incorporates supervisor core competency requirements from various aspects of the shipyard. These include production-specific training (Code 900CU), production safety (Code 900P.1), shipyard safety (Code 106), Human Resources, the Equal Employment Office, and the Legal Department (Code 107). Two other aspects of the program include senior leader discussion panels and a shadowing component during which participants have the opportunity to observe other departments. “Someone once said to me, ‘luck is when opportunity meets preparation,’” said class mentor, David “Doogie” Hauer. “I believe that is the purpose of this class and the purpose for us as a family, to help prepare you, and let you know you are not alone whether on the waterfront [or somewhere around the globe].” According to NNSY Command University’s program manager for the class, Chad Coffin, the overall goal of the program is for new supervisors to be able to effectively and confidently execute work on the waterfront right from the start. The hope is that the class, along with the graduation, will instill pride and inspiration in the new supervisors to lead well, said Coffin.
During his address to the graduates, NNSY Commanding Officer, Capt. Scott Brown reiterated the words of the Chief of Naval Operations written in his “Navy Leadership Development Framework” released this January. “If you can’t find the relentless drive to inspire others to be the best in the world, then leadership in the U.S. Navy is not for you. The security of the nation is too important,” said Brown. Then adding his own words, he said, “This is just the beginning of your path toward leadership and your drive toward success. I want to commend you. We need you.” The ceremony was topped off with supervisors, in the fashion of another Navy tradition (Chief pinning), having their hard hats put on by their friends and family. This is symbolic of the individual shifting from mechanic to supervisor in deed and action, explained Coffin. “Not everything you learn will be from a classroom,” said Hauer. “But the material in this class gives a foundational knowledge-not to know everything, but to know where to find it. To help you set standards, achieve success, and help us remain America’s shipyard.”
APRIL 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 27