DON'T MISS: HUGE STRIDES IN 3-D SCANNING TECHNOLOGY
SERVICE TO THE FLEET Norfolk Naval Shipyard
We Are America's Shipyard
August 2019
FORGING THE FUTURE
Shop 11F and Code 980 Refurbish 100+ Year Old Equipment for Lasting Use
NNSY BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW TRAINING FACILITY
Table of Contents
IN THIS ISSUE Features: 4 FROM THE COMMANDER
Optimization at America's Shipyard
5 THE CASE OF THE ELECTRONIC SPILLAGE
7 WELCOME ABOARD CAPT. MARK GARRIGUS
10 EYE ON INNOVATION
3-D Scanning Technology Makes Splash at NNSY
12 HYDROLANCING
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NNSY Assists PSNS&IMF on Safe Hydrolancing Operations
14 ON THE COVER
Shop 11F and Code 980 Work to Forge the Future
16 TUTORIAL PROGRAM
NNSY Mentors Students in the Hampton Roads Area
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18 SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT Mark Ragsdale
20 NNSY PARTNERS WITH ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
21 NNSY BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW TRAINING FACILITY
22 NAS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS 23 C-FRAM FRAUD SCHEME AWARENESS
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VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 8 SHIPYARD COMMANDER Capt. Kai Torkelson
Service to the Fleet
EXECUTIVE OFFICER Capt. Daniel Rossler COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM Gene Garland EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (CODE 1100) Jeff Cunningham PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Terri Davis SERVICE TO THE FLEET EDITOR Kristi Britt PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF Hannah Bondoc, Michael Brayshaw, Jennie Cooper, Floyd Logan, Troy Miller, 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.
NNSY CELEBRATES THE WORKFORCE AT THE AMERICA'S SHIPYARD CELEBRATION PHOTOS BY DANNY DEANGELIS • SHIPYARD PHOTOGRAPHER
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From the Commander, Capt. Kai O. Torkelson:
Optimization at America's Shipyard
As the summer months roll on, so do the exciting events in America’s Shipyard! On July 1st we held the official groundbreaking for Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) new Production Training Facility, which will consolidate training currently held in 26 different shipyard locations and eight departments into a single 157,000 squarefoot, $64.7 million dollar facility. With an expected completion in summer 2021, I hope to cut the ribbon on this facility that sets the standard for our Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan (SIOP) and rebuilding America’s Shipyard. To recap, we cut the ribbon on our waterfront submarine maintenance facility in June, broke ground on our production training facility in July, and we’re still not done with our summer of facility enhancements. On Aug. 22, we will reopen Bldg. M-32, a facility that dates back to 1905. This building has now been thoroughly modernized and renovated, both inside and out. Members of our Production Facility and Equipment Management Division (Code 980) and Nuclear Engineering and Planning Department (2300) will be among the occupants, as well as the CMWR dining establishment, The Brig, moving back to its original location. Also of note, a few weeks back NAVFAC awarded the Borum Overpass repair project to restore the bridge to its original capacity and enable emergency vehicle access during a flood event. Construction is expected to start late this year or early 2020. There are many advantages to continuing our push in modernizing the shipyard, 4 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2019
including improved workplace amenities, better facility and shipyard layout, and an enhanced ability to provide superior quality and reliable delivery back to the Fleet. We have a very important mission to deliver excellence in ship repair, and we need a modern and thriving workplace environment in order to engage, unleash and quickly leverage your talents to our mission. Now that we’re upon the last in the line of successive Engineered Refueling Overhauls with USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) and as we finish up USS La Jolla’s (SSN 701) Moored Training Ship conversion, I’ve started getting questions about what the next few years of workload at NNSY look like. Through our focus on C.O.R.E. and training and choosing an attitude of growing and developing one another, we’ve laid the vision of a firm foundation on which to build our highperforming teams. We are already talking with our Fleet leadership on ways we can leverage our high-performing teams in future years. This has the dual benefit of building the skill sets of our workforce, while maximizing our naval power in protecting our nation and ensuring global peace and prosperity. Continuing our efforts of demonstrating our importance to the highest levels of Navy leadership, early this month we welcome the new Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Bob Burke, who will visit NNSY to be briefed on our availabilities and tour our Technology and Innovation Lab to gain a better understanding of how we’re bringing innovations to the Fleet. We continue to find opportunities to meet the Navy’s challenge of effectively leveraging high-velocity learning. In this edition of Service to the Fleet, you can learn about Shop 41’s high-velocity efforts in hydrolancing work, assisting Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) in aligning their hydrolancing process with ours to improve employee safety. In recognition of Shop 41’s focus on safety, the team was just presented the monthly safety flag. Great job to NNSY’s Code 930 and Shop 41! I would like to thank everyone who is assisting the efforts of our NNSY Cultural Change Team. The team held its first meeting in July to discuss ways to put our
C.O.R.E. values into action by improving working conditions and morale, and helping to ensure first time quality at the shipyard. The importance of high-performing teams is established in our Command Philosophy, and this is one high-performing team that has the potential to influence countless other teams, groups and divisions within the shipyard. I look forward to seeing the results of this important initiative. Norfolk Naval Shipyard must continue this important journey of developing individuals and teams of increasing competence and character, with high levels of trust and confidence, who treat one another exceptionally well. I hope everyone enjoyed our America’s Shipyard Celebration July 18. We will continue the fun this fall as we hold our 2019 NNSY Family Day, giving each of us a rare opportunity to invite our loved ones through the gates to show off our shipyard and enjoy a fun Saturday celebrating both our important past and our vital future. This has been a great summer in America’s Shipyard. A special highlight was having Mr. Horace Savage talk to the workforce at our June All Hands in Bldg. 163. As the grandson of one of the first members of the Truxtun community established for NNSY employees at the end of World War I, who worked both at the shipyard and served during World War II, Savage provided an account of his experience in 1942 at Norfolk Navy Yard, and a valuable reminder of the importance of our work, both protecting our nation and honoring those who served before us. As the hottest months of the summer wind down, please stay hydrated and take the appropriate rest breaks during the workday. People are at the heart of what we do to accomplish the mission of Norfolk Naval Shipyard, so continue to look out for yourselves and one another!
Capt. Kai Torkelson Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s 108th Commander
The Case of the Electronic Spillage BY TROY MILLER • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST Detective Jonas Quinn entered the office where a violation occurred. A cinnamon stick stuck out from his chapped lips that was surrounded by a couple of days growth. Quinn loosened his tie that looked like it was a refugee from the 1970s. He unbuttoned the top button of his shirt that was covered with dunes of wrinkles. “Quinn, I thought you retired,” said Mariellen Champion, a security specialist for Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) security department (Code 1120). "The only difference between working and retirement is that when you work, you get a day off,” grumbled Quinn. He held his cinnamon stick in his fingers as if it was a cigarette. “Besides, the wife insisted I come back. She said I kept being underfoot.” “I’m glad your back,” said Champion. “We had another electronic spill.” “How bad this time?” “The perp emailed a NOFORN document on the low side of the computer,” replied Champion. “If people would just slow down and pay attention to detail, the chance of a spill happening lessons greatly. Spills are preventable.” “Why are spills bad?” asked Quinn. “I can answer that,” said Don Ritchson, NNSY’s Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Control Officer (Code 1120) as he entered the office. “Spills can help the bad guys gather information that could seriously harm the shipyard, the Navy, and even our country as a whole.” “I found out about the spill from Sam Yardbird,” said Quinn. “It’s a good thing he has a clearance.” “Having clearance is one factor when handling classified information,” said Ritchson. “Another factor is the ‘need to know’ factor. Sam Yardbird did not have the need to know of the information that went out. Without either factor, a person can’t just look at classified information.” “Besides the operational security aspect, how else does this hurt the shipyard?” asked Quinn. “For one thing, it costs the shipyard $11,800 to clean up one spill. We have anywhere from 25 to 30 spills a month on average. If you do the math, that’s approximately $300,000 spent. It adds up quickly,” said Ritchson. “Not to mention lost manhours,” said Champion. “If you take the manhours spent by each person involved with cleaning up the spill, including the perp’s time, you are looking at approximately 20 manhours lost per spill. And if the violation is severe enough where the perp loses access to the computer, is suspended or even fired, that is one less worker the shops have to do their part of the projects. And that’s not counting if NCIS and other outside agencies have to get involved, which they do from time to time.” Quinn’s eyes rolled up, looking up at the ceiling. He brought the cinnamon stick up to his lips as if he was taking a drag of a cigarette. His nose twitched as he conducted math in his head. “That’s roughly 500 manhours lost each month,” said Quinn. “Manhours that could be used to meet the shipyard’s mission of getting ships and submarines out on time and under costs.”
“I would like to add something,” said Ray Fisher, NNSY’s Information and Industrial Security Branch Head (Code 1122). He entered the room and joined the trio. “Champion and Ritchson spend 50 percent of their time on something that should be only ten percent of their job.” “On top of that, a workstation is down until the computer’s been wiped. Not to mention if a shared folder is affected,” said Ritchson. “No one would be able to access an affected shared folder until it’s been wiped and there is no guarantee that the files in the folder will be available any longer after the wipe.” Quinn looked at each face in front of him. His nose twitched. He took another imaginary drag from his cinnamon stick. “There’s more to this issue besides workers sending sensitive documents over the low side, isn’t there?” asked Quinn. “Yes,” replied Champion. “People mark a document NOFORN or classified when it’s not. We then have to go through the process to mark it down. Having a potluck doesn’t constitute the invitation to be marked NOFORN. Or sending it on the high side.” “What happens if someone overmarks something, because they didn’t know any better?” asked Quinn. “First off, if they are unsure of something they need to contact their department’s security coordinator or one of us,” said Champion. “Normally for most overmarkings, they will receive refresher training. Rarely do we have repeat offenders for overmarking once they take the refresher training.” “For those who are repeat offenders, one thing they have to realize is that if they have three infractions, that turns into a violation and we have to handle the perp according to the instruction that is black and white,” said Fisher. “Regardless if the perp is an all-star worker or not, the instruction is very clear. There is no gray area.” “Is electronic spillage just a shipyard problem?” asked Quinn. “Unfortunately it’s not,” said Fisher. “The Navy has seen a steady increase over the last two years to a point where the Chief of Naval Operations sent out a letter stating that the Navy is having way too many spills. For the shipyard itself, we’ve been identified as having too many spills within the NAVSEA enterprise.” “What do we do about this problem then?” asked Quinn. “People need to care for what they’re doing,” said Champion. “They need to take ownership whether it’s asking questions or attend training,” said Ritchson. “The shipyard workers need to respect the process. It’s there for a reason,” said Fisher. “I think I have what I need. If I have any more questions or need help with handing sensitive electronic documents, I will go see my department’s coordinator first. It is nice to know though that you three are here to help as well.” Quinn gave the others a nod and exited the office. It felt good being back to work. Finding out information like this and applying it to his everyday duties sets his mind at ease, knowing it will make a difference for the better. Now if everyone did their part, it would help bring America’s Shipyard to excellence.
AUGUST 2019 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 5
From the Deckplate: Command Master Chief Gene Garland
Women's Equality Day, Hurricane Season, and more in August
Good morning, afternoon or evening to all Norfolk Naval Shipyard! As we enter the month of August, there are several important events happening here. Women’s Equality Day is Aug. 26. Women's Equality Day is a day commemorating the certification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote Aug. 26, 1920. Each year since 1971, the President of the United States proclaims a resolution, which is passed in Congress, designating Aug. 26 as Women’s Equality Day. It is hard to believe not so long ago (about 100 years) women were treated as second-class citizens without the full rights and privileges which were available to men. Even despite unequal rights and discrimination, the history remembers many great women, politicians, scientists, activists and artists. Under the umbrella of C.O.R.E, and the “respect” value, we respect the daily contribution that every woman here contributes to the success of this shipyard! Your talents make all the difference. The FY20 Chief Petty Officer (CPO) results should be released soon. This year 18,350 First Class Petty Officers became selection board eligible for 4,744 quotas. The selection board scores records based on the “best and most fully qualified” board standard. What does this mean? IF you do
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not know, I challenge you to review the most recent Senior Enlisted Selection Board Precept and Convening Order. For those who do make it, Bravo Zulu! Life will not be the same for you ever again. You were literally handpicked based on your sustained superior performance. For those who do not make it, keep pushing and don’t give up. I repeat, DON’T GIVE UP! If you have not been selected for CPO three times or more, please request a Career Development Board. This is to help better your chances in the future. For our Sailors preparing for the September exams, just remember that this happens next month. The E6 exam is Sept. 5; the E5 exam is Sept. 12 and the E4 exam is Sept. 19! Also the due date to have PMK-EE done for the Navy is Sept. 1. This is now available on an app that can be downloaded to your smartphone. Please get hot! Virginia’s tax-free weekend is (Aug. 2-4, 2019)! This tax-free weekend lets you save on school supplies that cost less than $20 per item and clothing and footwear that cost less than $100 per item. You can also buy tax-exempt hurricane and emergency preparedness products, as well as Energy Star and Water Sense products. (It’s also important to know your hurricane zone for hurricane season.) The month of August also brings increased concern for hurricane. The Commonwealth of Virginia launched tiered evacuation zones for coastal communities. Developed in partnership with local emergency managers, these zones are based on the most up-to-date flooding and engineering data for the region. The zones, designated A through D, are designed to provide greater clarity about whether a resident should evacuate to a safe part of the city, to a local designated shelter, or if necessary, evacuate out of town, or shelter at home or place of business based on their address and the nature of the emergency. Avoiding unnecessary evacuation will
help reduce traffic congestion and lessen overcrowding at storm shelters. When a serious storm is expected to impact Virginia’s coastal region, state and local emergency managers and officials will work with local news media outlets that will broadcast and publish evacuation instructions to the public. You just need to know your zone. To find out which zone you live (or work) in, visit KnowYourZoneVA.org. Shout Out: BZ to Port Ops for their involvement with docking and undocking the USCGC Midget (WMSL 757) from Norfolk’s Waterside (Nauticus). The event took place July 8-10. LT Deena Abt, BMCS Heather Havunen and their Sailors made it happen! This is great way to work across organizational lines in support of one another. Don’t forget that Aug. 6 is our Blood Drive! Please be prepared to come out and support! -CMC OUT!
Gene Garland Command Master Chief
Congratulations and Welcome Aboard
Welcome Aboard Capt. Mark Garrigus STORY BY TROY MILLER • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Approximately 35 years ago and fresh out of high school, Capt. Mark Garrigus, Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Supply Department Head (Code 500), was hesitant about his path for the future and deciding if pursuing college was the right choice at that time. Wanting to consider other options, he took a call from a Navy recruiter. During negotiations, he requested the job that seemed to be the longest shot of them all, Electronics Technician Nuclear Power. “I didn’t think they were going to call my bluff,” said Garrigus. “Not only did I join the Navy, but I ended up getting a rate that required two years of schooling before going to the fleet. Interestingly, school was one thing I was trying to take a break from.” Towards the end of his schooling, life threw him a sinkerball causing him to leave school early and enter the fleet as a conventional electronics technician. “The problem with being an electronics technician was that the rate was overmanned,” he said. “That meant advancement would be slow and tough, especially since I was assigned to duties outside my rate, in Security.” Garrigus had to make some tough calls. Should he focus his off-duty hours working hard to earn his bachelor’s degree or should he devote his time to study for advancement exams? He chose the former. During his studies, he completed a rate conversion to be an intelligence specialist, which had better advancement results. “I enjoyed my time as an intelligence specialist. Once I finished my bachelor’s degree, I applied for officer candidate school (OCS),” said Garrigus. “I was selected to be a Supply Corps Officer.” As a supply corps commissioned officer his sea duty assignments included Stock Control, Disbursing, Wardroom, Stores, Postal, and Hazmat Officer aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1); Supply Officer aboard USS The Sullivans (DDG 68); Principal Assistant for Services and the Assistant Supply Officer aboard USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75); and as the Supply Officer aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) leading a department of 300 Sailors and Marines in daily shipboard supply operations. While assigned to The Sullivans and Truman he deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
“Being out to sea was a great experience,” said Garrigus. “After all, that’s what being in the Navy is all about. However, I have to say, a non-sea highlight of my career was when I was a leader for a Defense Logistics Agency rapid response team. My team and I were able to directly help those who were affected by Hurricane Florence.” Garrigus is now NNSY’s first supply department head in many years. Garrigus stated that several years ago, Code 500 was disestablished as DLA took over the duties and responsibilities. “Naval Sea Systems Command is constantly striving to improve our processes and alignment to better complete our shipyard mission,” said Garrigus. “For NNSY, it’s getting the ships and submarines out on time and under cost. Reestablishing Code 500 to further instill logistics excellence, and community best practices is a significant step in that direction.” During his off time, Garrigus enjoys spending quality family time with his wife, children and grandchildren, exploring parks, going to the beach and family events. “I look forward to being a part of Code 500 and leading our team’s collaborative material process efforts towards mission accomplishment,” he said.
AUGUST 2019 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 7
Shipyard Insider: BUZZ & BYTES
CONGRATS TO SHOP 57 - WINNNER OF THE APRIL 2019 SAFETY FLAG Congratulations to NNSY’s Insulation Shop (x. 57), winner of the April 2019 Safety Flag! Acting Shipyard Commander Captain Jip Mosman, Production Resources Officer Commander James Kuhlmann and Safety, Health and Environmental Director Jill Wild presented the flag to the shop July 1. Adding to its two safety flags earned in 2018, Shop 57 has been committed to its C.O.R.E. in caring for employees and ensuring ownership of safe work practices. As a result, the shop had zero injuries or lost workdays for the month. A certificate of appreciation was presented to Shop 57 Work Leader Lamont Taylor for his personal efforts in contributing to a safer workplace.
» POSITIVE YARDAGE NAVSEA CEFP Participant Congratulations to Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Letisha Hayslett, a Chief Test Engineer in the Code 290 Combat Systems Division, selected for NAVSEA’s Command Executive Fellow Program’s (CEFP) Cadre IV. CEFP is a competitive NAVSEA leadership program intended to raise both organizational and individual performance. The program provides top performers a unique window into the knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors and competencies it takes to lead in NAVSEA and across the Navy. The CEFP is a full-time, 2 to 2 ½ year program that consists of classroom training; four 6-month rotations throughout NAVSEA and the Department of the Navy; access to advanced education; leadership assessments; and coaching and mentoring opportunities. 8 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2019
Workforce Warrior Congratulations to Ian Moore of NNSY’s Surface Ship Piping/ Propulsion Group (Code 261), honored as the Naval Civilian Managers Association’s (NCMA) Second Quarter Workforce Warrior! “Ian is one of the most technically sound Code 261 employees who is unmatched in his attention to detail, efficiency and willing to work on whatever is necessary to get the job done,” said Code 261’s Anthony Constabile. “His strong ability in troubleshooting, staging technical work instructions or advising production, trades or Ship’s Force allows him to work almost completely
independently.” Candidates for the NCMA Workforce Warrior Award are nominated by their leadership or peers, and chosen based on outstanding service to NNSY and demonstration of effort above and beyond normal duties. Comprised of more than 200 shipyard managers, NNSY’s NCMA works to resolve challenges and support valuable charitable causes supporting both the shipyard family and local community. (Photo by Tony Anderson, Shipyard Photographer)
ERG Member of the Month People lover by nature and continuously helping those around her to find success is what
drives Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Federal Women’s Program (FWP) chair Carlynn Lucas. The last four years, she’s been involved with FWP in one way or another, from helping with the annual back-to-school supply drive, to working with the speed mentoring events to Donuts for Dudes to promote men’s health month and a number of other events. Her main goal as chair this year is to get down to the waterfront to seek out the issues that female employees are having and how FWP can address those concerns. Lucas understands what might be a small issue for one is a big issue for another. Lucas is a Newport News native and been working at NNSY for 11 years. She currently works in Code 105.6 as the support branch head for radiological emergency planning. (Story by Troy Miller, Public Affairs Specialist; Photo by Kristi Britt, Public Affairs Specialist)
» GOOD-TO-KNOW 2019 Training Opportunities In an effort to provide NNSY employees information and education on beneficial Human Resources topics, FLTHRO will host informal Lunch and Learn training sessions throughout the year. Bring your lunch, FLTHRO will provide the education! All NNSY employees are welcome and encouraged to attend these informal sessions. FLTHRO has seating for 33 employees, and attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis. Aug. 15 • Writing a Position Description, 9-11 a.m. (Training for Managers) Sept. 12 • Navigating USAJobs, 11:20 a.m. to Noon Service Only Weekends In accordance with the NNSY Overtime Management Policy, several weekends in 2019 will be designated as services only
weekends in order to give our combined workforce (including our Ship's Force teammates) a chance to rest and revitalize. These weekends are "chargeyour-battery" weekends: take time to be with your family and friends, and reflect on what we can do to take care of each other, improve communications within our teams and think about the work we are doing with a focus on safety. Thank you for everything you are doing every day. Upcoming services only weekends: Aug. 10-11, Aug. 31-Sep. 2, Sep. 21-22 Family Day - Coming Soon! Family Day will return to America's Shipyard in Fall 2019! For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please email John Satcher at howard.satcher@ navy.mil and Kristi Britt at kristi. britt@navy.mil.
Appropriate Use of Government Computers Employees may use government computers and the internet for personal use on their personal time (before and after work; during lunch breaks) provided there is no additional cost to the government. The following activities are absolutely prohibited on any government owned or leased computer: • • • • • • •
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Gambling Visiting and downloading material from pornographic websites Lobbying Congress or any government agency Campaigning - political activity Online stock trading activities Online real estate activities Online activities that are connected with any type of outside work or commercial activity, including any trading Endorsements of any products, services, or organizations Fundraising for external organizations or purposes (except as required as part
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of your official duties under applicable statutory authority and bureau policy) Any type of continuous audio or video streaming from commercial, private, news, financial organizations
Employees can report fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement by calling (757) 396-7971 or e-mail NNSY_IG_ HOTLINE@navy.mil Identities of those making reports are fully protected.
NOBODY GETS HURT TODAY! Safety starts with YOU. YOU are NNSY's most vital asset. NOBODY GETS HURT TODAY! Safety starts with YOU. YOU are NNSY's most vital asset.
AUGUST 2019 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 9
NNOVATIO EYE ON INNOVATION
3-D SCANNING TECHNOLOGY MAKES SPLASH AT NNSY THANKS TO PARTNERSHIP WITH PUGET SOUND
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STORY BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTO BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Although they have only worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) for less than 10 months, two employees are already involved in the future of innovative technologies in America's Shipyard. Code 268 Engineering Technician Jason Ewick and Code 2340 Assist Shift Test Engineer (ASTE) Joey Hoellerich were brought into the NNSY Technology and Innovation (T&I) Lab, a group dedicated to bringing the real ideas and technologies of the shipyard to the forefront. With their arrival to the team, both were given the unique opportunity to share knowledge with Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS&IMF), using laser scanning to provide accurate measurements for shipboard work. “The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) was at NNSY in years past, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) brought Puget Sound representatives to our shipyard to use their laser scanning technology to cut off all added material from four sponsons onboard the vessel,” said NNSY T&I Lab Lead Dan Adams. Sponsons are the projections extending from both sides of the watercraft to provide protection, stability, mounting locations, etc. “During the time, we observed the process and wanted to learn what we could from
our sister shipyard team.” The team from PSNS&IMF returned to NNSY to give guidance on the process, with Code 290 representative Dan Hager, and Shop 11 Mold Loft representatives Jason Anderson and Jeremiah Swain taking charge in sharing what they knew to Ewick and Hoellerich. “The team from Puget was absolutely amazing and shared the ins and outs of the 3-D scanning technology with us,” said Ewick. “I had done laser scanning work in the private industry but it was my first time tackling something like this. Hager, Anderson, and Swain guided us through each step, sharing as much knowledge as they could with us about two different processes we could use to get the results we needed.” The first process is photogrammetry, where you place targets an inch apart on a desired object or space for scanning. Once complete, you take multiple photographs which are then compiled into a software to build the 3-D model. The second process is the 3-D laser scanning, which requires more space for a larger read. The targets would be placed and then someone would operate the laser tracker and scanner from the pier to get the scan needed. Once completed, the 3-D model would be compiled in the software for use. With the knowledge provided by PSNS&IMF and USS
George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in drydock, Ewick and Hoellerich were ready to tackle the process for NNSY. “We began at Colonna’s Shipyard in Norfolk where the sponsons are being produced,” said Ewick. “We use the scanning technology to analyze where the sponson would meet the shell of the ship. It helps provide an accurate measurement for our workers when it comes to installation and repair.” Next up was scanning after the pieces were installed. At this time three of the four sponsons have been installed onboard the Bush. “The two forward sponsons were scanned using photogrammetry,” said Ewick. “It was a first for us and required coordination across various shops and codes throughout the shipyard.” The Pipefitter Shop (Shop 56), The Optical Diesel Mechanics (Shop 38), the Shipfitter Shop (Shop 11), the Shipyard Operations Department (Code 300), and partners at Puget all played a part in this evolution. “It was a collaborative effort and we were able to be successful thanks to our shipyard family coming together to make it happen.” This process was a first for NNSY and a first for using the software directly in the drydock instead from piers and barges. “It’s amazing to see something come together like this, especially when you think that we were two blank slates coming into the project,” said Hoellerich who had no prior experience working with 3-D scanning and metrology before joining the lab. “We were able to partner with our sister shipyard and work with shops and codes that I never thought I’d be able to do when I first joined the ranks of NNSY. Being able to gain that knowledge from our shipyard family and utilize what we’ve learned in the field is something those of us working in innovation live for.” The team will be completing the rear scans for the Bush in the future and hope to continue to perfect the process. In addition, they hope to continue to work with other shipyard entities to further expand on the technologies of the future. “This partnership has been a major success for us and we hope to continue to build those relationships with the other shipyards and beyond,” said Hoellerich. “We can all learn from each other and build from each other’s experiences. We all share a mission and together we can succeed.” Ewick added, “we’ve also begun expanding more ways we can use the scanning technology at our shipyard. For example, we are looking into a future project where we scan inside the ship and build a path for extracting heavy equipment from within as to avoid interferences. We’ve seen more interest from others within the shipyard since we began to do work with this technology, seeing what ways it could help improve what we do here. That’s what innovation is all about, taking those first steps in seeing what works. Even if what you try doesn’t pan out, at least you gave it a shot. But you’ll never know if it works or not unless you take that step. Don’t be scared to try out something new.” For more information regarding innovation, contact the NNSY T&I Lab at 757-396-7180 or email the REAL Ideas program at NNSY_REALIdeas@navy.mil.
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NNSY ASSISTS PUGET SOUND NAVAL SHIPYARD AND INTERMEDIATE MAINTENANCE FACILITY ON SAFE HYDROLANCING OPERATIONS STORY BY MICHAEL BRAYSHAW • LEAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
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NNSY Hydrolancing Subject Matter Expert Anthony Britton, center, with Hartwell Fitchett at left, who ensures machine specifications, and Lee McElhiney at right, who maintains the equipment.
Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) is assisting Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) in changing its hydrolancing process to make it safer for operators. As conducted by the NNSY’s Boilermaker Shop (x. 41), hydrolancing provides a thorough and environmentally sound method for cleaning aircraft carrier condensers, heat exchangers, boiler tubes, tow arrays and other components using a high-pressure water system. How high pressure? Depending the component, it can be anywhere from 4,000 to 10,000 pounds-per-square-inch (psi). If that still doesn’t mean much to you, let’s just say an operator could sever a limb if this process is not executed correctly. Shop 41 subject matter expert Anthony Britton describes hydrolancing as removing “soft scale” from shipboard components. “In heat exchangers, soft scale would be algae, biofilm, mussels, organic matter and insoluble salts on the internal surfaces of heat exchangers before the tube dries,” he said. “In boilers it’s deposits from silica and other contaminants found in boiler water that forms on the internal surfaces of heat-absorbing components like boiler tubes and drums, and can cause an increased temperature on the metal, resulting in failure of the pressure parts, mostly boiler tubes, because of overheating.” So while hydrolancing can be hazardous, it’s also clearly critical to the Navy’s ships and their ability to conduct their missions. In effort to prevent injury, NNSY’s Boilermaker Shop (x. 41) implemented a process several years ago where water jetting is performed away from the operator. To provide better visibility on this process so PSNS & IMF can work to implement, hydrolancing subject matter expert Anthony Britton will be traveling to Bremerton, Washington in the near future to demonstrate ways to safely hydrolance. “I traveled to Puget in January to show them how we roll reboiler tubes and bell them without damaging the tubes, and in February to a Value Stream Analysis (VSA) hosted by PSNS & IMF to discuss current process and to create a future state process,” Britton said. “It’s in
the works for me to travel to Puget again to demonstrate how our equipment works, our process and what safety precautions we take.” In the NAVSEA Campaign Plan to Expand the Advantage 2.0, NAVSEA Commander Vice Admiral Tom Moore challenged the enterprise to create a high velocity learning environment engaged in collaboration and knowledge sharing. According to the Campaign Plan, such an environment “allows people to collaborate across organizational and geographic boundaries to identify root causes of issues, solve them, and proactively share solutions and lessons learned across the enterprise.” Britton added that additional safeguards for shipyard employees involved in hydrolancing includes “a water jet course, a Standard Operating Procedure and last month we had JetStream out of Houston come to talk about safety and operation of the two newest machines purchased. These two new machines were designed and built for Shop 41 by JetStream [a company specializing in industrial high-pressure water blasting equipment]. Also, personnel from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia came down to qualify some of the shop members on operation of the new machines.” The shipyard Boilermaker Shop has been at the forefront in NNSY work safety in 2019, having already won back-to-back safety flags in the first three months of the year. The shop attributed this recognition to a family-minded atmosphere with employees looking out for one another on the job, a quality shop leaders are happy to share with members of the NAVSEA family 3,000 miles away.
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BELOW: These two furnaces were installed in the Forge Shop in 1918 during the building's construction. They have serviced the fleet for years and were refurbished in 2019 thanks to Shop 11F and Code 980.
Forging the Future of the Fleet at NNSY BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHELBY WEST • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER It has been said unanimously by the small team of the Forging Shop (Shop 11F) that they are the best shop in Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY). To some, that may just seem like they are a confident group of forgers. However, this team spends each day in the sweltering heat of the forges crafting metal to ensure the quality needed for the fleet. They have to be precise in their work and trust in one another to have their backs as they work. In addition, they must also have reliable equipment and tools to get the job done. “When you’re forging, you need a minimum of three people at a time working the job,” said Shop 11F Heavy Forger, Eric Slate. “This is hot, heavy, dangerous work we’re doing with these forges and we have to trust our lives in the hands of our comrades. We put everything into our trade and into our team. We learn from one another and help each other out no matter what. Even though the job is hard, I’ve never felt like I’ve worked a day in my life because this is such a great job and team.” Shop 11F is equipped to do all types of forging. It has hydraulic presses up to 1,250 tons capacity, stress-relieving furnaces, and heat-treating facilities. In addition to forging, the shop cleans, inspects and repairs anchor chains and propeller blades. The team is always hard at work, whether it be on an 14 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2019
emergent job or building on their craft to improve the quality of their work. “What we do is very unique and we invest a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into the craft,” said Shop 11F Work Leader, John Sales. “We build an assembly line and work with each other to take on the different tasks. Whether it be in the booth, the manipulator, or when we’re on the floor – we all play a piece in getting the job done. What’s more is that we can change a piece of metal from start to finish. It’s such fun work and I’m lucky to have such a hard-working team of folks alongside me.” Stationed in Bldg. 163, the forging shop has been around since 1918, more than 100 years at NNSY. When the building was finalizing its construction, the shop was fitted with two forging furnaces. To this day, these furnaces have stood the test of time to provide their services to the fleet. Over time, more equipment has been installed in the shop; however, these furnaces have truly shown to be built to last. “As forgers, you rely heavily on your tools of the trade. It’s important to give this team the best equipment and tools they need to succeed,” said Production Facility and Equipment Management Division (Code 980) General Engineer Le’Tron Hall. “We’ve had equipment last no more than a year before having trouble functioning.
The Shop 11F Forge Team and Code 980 Le'Tron Hall with the refurbished furnaces. From Left to Right: Eric Lynch, Aunnalynn Beason, Chris Kanash, Le'Tron Hall, David Williams, John Sales, Eric Slate, and Jesse Dalton. Meanwhile, these furnaces have stood ready with only some issues here and there. They needed some refurbishment to get them back at their highest working standard. So we in Code 980 looked on how to do that.” Hall added, “It was a challenge at first because we didn’t have the bricks or the expertise to refit these furnaces. We worked with contractors to change out the combustion in November of last year and from there we were on a roll. We finished the refurbishment in June and it’s running better than I ever thought possible. Seeing how much this equipment benefits the team utilizing it every day is so amazing to me. We hope that it will last another 100 years for our shipyard.” “We have pride in the work we do and having the tools we need to get things done is very important,” said Shop 11F Forger Apprentice Jesse Dalton. “We’ll continue to work efficiently and improve ourselves. Because this is the best job at NNSY and we’re going to continue to show everyone that we’re the best of the best.”
LEFT: The Shop 11F team with their shop T-Shirts: Built Forge Tough! RIGHT: Shop 11F Forger Apprentice Eric Lynch works a piece of metal at the forge.
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NNSY WORKFORCE MENTORS STUDENTS IN THE HAMPTON ROADS COMMUNITY BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY KRISTI BRITT, TONY ANDERSON, AND VALERIE FULWOOD
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LEFT: The champions celebrate a successful year at Douglass Park Elementary School and James Hurst Elementary School; ABOVE: Valerie Fulwood shares how proud she is of the students at James Hurst Elementary School for a job well-done for the 20182019 school year; ABOVE: Management Analyst Alaysha Walton joined the Tutorial Partnership Program for the 2018-2019 school year. She worked with the students at Douglass Park Elementary School.
It was the dawn of the final day of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Tutorial Partnership Program for the 2018-2019 School Year and the closing of Management Analyst Alaysha Walton’s first year as a tutor for Douglass Park Elementary School. She’d invested one day a week coming to the school and helping them with reading, something she had wished to do since becoming part of America’s Shipyard. “I have a background in social work and I’ve always wanted to find a way to give back to my community in some way,” said Walton. “The Tutorial Program opened up a way to give back and help make an impact in the lives of the students.” After a successful year with the program, the tutors and staff at Douglass Park Elementary held a party to celebrate the achievements of the students. In addition, it was there that the students took the time to say their own personal appreciation to their tutors. Walton listened to the testimonies of those she helped throughout the year, feeling pride as they shared their experiences and how thankful they were for the help the shipyard workforce provided them. She knew right away that she would return for the next school year to give back to the community once again. “For us volunteers, this is more than just something to do once a
week,” said Walton. “This is about investing time into others, helping the students learn and also learning from them as well. You build a rapport with the students and build trust and accountability. It’s something special that can go a long way.” The Tutorial Partnership Program at NNSY is a weekly program that reaches out to various schools in the community, with volunteers taking on the roles of tutors and mentors committed to strengthening and developing the youth of the community. The 2018-2019 school year completed with dozens of volunteers servicing eight different schools in the Hampton Roads community. “Each of our volunteers take time out of their week because they believe in the students they assist and want to help them succeed,” said Outreach Coordinator Valerie Fulwood. “Seeing our shipyard family step out of their normal day-to-day to share with the community is wonderful and we truly appreciate their time and dedication to the cause. They inspire the students and inspire others to go out into the community as well.” “Learning is a big part of what we do every day,” said Operations Officer Capt. James “Jip” Mosman. “There’s always something new out there for us to learn and having folks like our tutors taking the time to encourage the students to learn and challenge themselves is wonderful and inspiring. Your time and attention to the students shows them how much you care about them and their education.” Volunteers assist in the personal growth of students varying from elementary to high school level in subjects like math, reading, Standards of Learning (SOL) preps, and more. With supervisor approval, an hour is allowed each week for the volunteers to travel to the school and provide that mentorship to the students. “We were able to find the right school for us depending on what we were interested in helping to teach the students,” said Walton. “This program helps our community and delivers positive role models to these kids that they can count on each week to come sit with them and expand their learning. It’s a wonderful experience and I encourage anyone who has ever had an interest in serving the community in some way to look into becoming a tutor.” For those interested in joining the Tutorial Mentorship Program, please reach out to Fulwood at Valerie.fulwood@navy.mil for an application.
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SHIPYARD SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT: MARK RAGSDALE STORY BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
“If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.” This quote delivered by Tom Hanks’ character Jimmy Dugan in the film A League of Their Own is a powerful statement that notes that work done on the baseball field is taxing and difficult. Only those who have worked hard and have strived for excellence can stand on the green and play ball like a pro. For USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) Piermaster Mark Ragsdale, this quote is more than a passing line about sports. It’s about the life at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and those who take on the challenges each day to serve the fleet. “Each day at America’s Shipyard we face new challenges that we must overcome,” said Ragsdale. “Each of us has a part to play and we have to work together. For some, our jobs may seem too hard to ever complete. It is hard work but that’s exactly why I love it here. It takes those committed to the mission and the drive to excel to work here. There is so much opportunity for folks to explore the trades and careers available. You just have to invest the time into your work and seek out 18 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2019
the paths that are right for you.” Growing up in a military family, Ragsdale had been well-versed in the travel that comes with the job. His father had been stationed throughout the United States, including Portsmouth, Virginia where Ragsdale and his friends would come to Callaghan Center. “It’s amazing how close I had always been to the shipyard but I never thought to look to the left as a child and see this expansive workplace,” said Ragsdale. “I was never really sure of what I was going to do out of school. When I had graduated from high school, my father got orders to California and we moved as a family. I wasn’t going to go to college so instead I looked at joining the military like my father. However, I had a heart murmur since I was two weeks old and was disqualified. It was unfortunate and I wondered what my future would be.” His father got orders to return to the Hampton Roads area in the summer of 1996, Ragsdale moving back to his familiar stomping grounds where he pursued various part-time jobs to gain experience. However, he soon found opportunity for a possible career serving the country his father had
served for many years. “Friends of the family had talked about the apprenticeship returning to NNSY,” he said. “I went to an information meeting that fall at Tidewater Community College and found that I could learn a trade. With encouragement from friends and family, I applied and started my first day at the shipyard Feb. 24, 1997. It was the beginning of my now 22-year career.” Ragsdale began as an electronic maintenance apprentice, learning on the job and in his classes what it takes to work for America’s Shipyard. He finished his apprenticeship in 2001 and continued in the shops until an opportunity involving process improvement (Code 100PI) at the shop level presented itself. “I had a mentor, my supervisor Harry Smith, who shared the opportunity to do a time study to better improve the shipyard waterfront,” said Ragsdale. “I began my path in Code 100PI, getting certified as a green belt and then a black belt. I even got to do a rotation at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) where I learned more about the waterfront project metrics. These opportunities helped me see that NNSY was
9 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT Mark Ragsdale 1. He and his wife Elizabeth have been married since Oct. 2002. 2. He has loved baseball since he was eight years old. 3. He graduated from Western Branch High School in 1994. He also worked as a sports announcer for the school. 4. He and his wife love to travel. TOP: (From Left to Right) USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) Piermaster Mark Ragsdale, Nuclear Pipefitter Supervisor Donald Brezina, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Point of Use (POU) Program Jason Dore, and Boilermaker D. Spradling. LEFT: Mark Ragsdale and his wife Elizabeth like to travel. more than just our shipyard in Portsmouth. We have a footprint all around the United States and around the world. Kings Bay, Charleston, Philadelphia. We were working hard in so many places. And I wanted to do what I could to help.” When Ragsdale returned to NNSY following his rotation, he wanted to invest more time with the waterfront. He joined with the carrier projects, taking part in the Bush and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) projects, as well as the Moored Training Ships (MTS) program. He was especially proud to work with the Bush because the it was also the ship his father had been an Executive Officer (XO). “It’s been a very fulfilling career for me and I want to continue to improve myself and the shipyard each and every day,” said Ragsdale. “NNSY is filled with opportunities for its folks. You have to be up for bettering yourself and willing to work hard to get the job done. You have to volunteer yourself for training, be a team player, and go beyond the call of duty. The sky’s the limit and when people see that you’re up for anything, they’ll help you along the way.”
As Ragsdale continues at NNSY, he looks to possibly finding a career in professional training once he has completed his current availability. “Outside of work, my wife and I have provided mentorship to students and friends who are looking for advice on where to go next. Some of them have just finished school, some are looking to find a more fulfilling career. We provide advice and options for them. We’ve even seen some of them make it into the apprenticeship program here. It’s rewarding to be able to share your experiences with others and help them find the foothold they need to take the next step in their lives. I’ve had mentors throughout my career here and have learned so much from them. I want to be able to give back to my fellow teammates as well.”
5. He enjoys contemporary Christian and country music. 6. He and his wife are members of Pinecrest Baptist Church. 7. His favorite foods are baked ziti and chicken pot pie. 8. His favorite movies are Field of Dreams, The Natural, and A League of their Own. 9. His favorite TV show is Law and Order.
Mark Ragsdale and his wife Elizabeth with Former First Lady Laura Bush.
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TOP RIGHT: Sgt. Tina Jaurequi receives her certificate of appreciation from Operations Officer Capt. James Mosman and Chief of Contracting Brad Crosby. BOTTOM RIGHT: Sgt. Kayla Modic receives her certificate of appreciation from Operations Officer Capt. James Mosman and Chief of Contracting Brad Crosby.
NNSY PARTNERS WITH ARMY NATIONAL GUARD IN UNIQUE TRAINING EXPERIENCE FOR RESERVISTS BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST | PHOTOS BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER Military and civilians recently celebrated a unique partnership between Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and the Virginia Army National Guard. NNSY welcomed two soldiers with the National Guard into their ranks, providing them with the training and experience needed for their service. “Our new soldiers needed somewhere to gain that training and experience; however, the only partnership we had at the time was at Fort Belvoir and the commute would have been two hours one way,” said Master Sgt. Jack Hahne, 1940th Contracting Team Leader. “We wanted to find something that would be a good fit and we called around to see what we could find. There were a lot of no’s. The husband of Sgt. Kayla Modic, one of our new soldiers, spoke with NNSY Chief of Contracting Brad Crosby about possible avenues available at the shipyard. Mr. Crosby found availabilities and his team welcomed our soldiers with open arms.” “To have NNSY accept our two soldiers and help them develop that experience was absolutely critical,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Way, Contracting Team Leader, 1940th Contingency Contracting Team. 329th Regional Support Group (RSG). “Without the support the team at NNSY gave our soldiers and the mentorship they provided, they would not be at the point they are today. We are extremely appreciative and grateful for everything NNSY has done for us.” A small ceremony was held at NNSY to celebrate the achievements of Sgt. Kayla Modic and Sgt. Tina Jaurequi as well as the Code 400 Contracting Team. “Everything you have done as made a difference. A big 20 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2019
difference,” said Col. Doyle Gillis, Jr., Commander of the 329th RSG. “What you’ve done for our soldiers, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the country is prepare a small group of folks for their next steps in service. We had members from the Virginia National Guard working directly with the civilians. They learned from each other and worked seamlessly together in this unique partnership.” Crosby stated, “Sgt. Modic and Sgt. Jaurequi came to us with little experience in our field, hitting the ground running and showing how dedicated and professional they were. In the months they were with us, they completed numerous resident courses, completed all their contracting classes, and took on project after project in assisting with America’s Shipyard. It has been an absolute pleasure having them onboard and they have truly become part of our Code 400 family. I’m proud of what these two have accomplished and proud of where their career will take them.” Sgt. Modic and Sgt. Jaurequi, along with key members of Code 400, were awarded for their professionalism and hard work during the partnership. “Seeing our teams come together and supporting the mission really hits me in my core,” said NNSY Operations Officer Capt. James "Jip" Mosman. “Being able to say yes and extend this welcome to our partners in service to our country is a huge achievement. We’re all working together to support our nation and I appreciate everything you’ve done each and every day.”
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD BREAKS GROUND FOR ITS NEW PRODUCTION TRAINING FACILITY
BY MICHAEL BRAYSHAW • LEAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
PHOTO BY DANNY DEANGELIS • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) held a groundbreaking for its new production training facility July 1. This multi-story, multifaceted facility marks NNSY’s biggest step yet in the realization of Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan (SIOP). This will consolidate training currently spread across 26 different NNSY locations and eight departments into a single 157,000 square-foot, $64.7 million dollar facility. Featuring 82 academic classrooms and 26 mock-up areas, this will become the training hub for NNSY personnel including those in Radiological Controls, Quality Assurance, Nuclear and NonNuclear Engineering and Planning, Production and Operations, and Lifting and Handling. This facility will also support future training requirements associated with Gerald R. Ford Class Carriers and Virginia Class Submarines, strategically positioning the shipyard to support The Navy Our Nation Needs. “In establishing this large, modern and consolidated training facility, we will provide a hub for the shipyard’s academic classrooms and on-the-job training areas, allowing theory and application to meet,” said Shipyard Commander Captain Kai Torkelson at the groundbreaking. “Supporting those efforts, this facility will also house administrative offices, conference rooms, training aid storage areas, and other support spaces. Innovation, collaboration and knowledge sharing will now transpire all under one roof, and streamlined to benefit our people.” Facility training areas offering opportunities in applied instruction include drydock, carrier shipboard, and fall protection mock-ups, and training areas in pipefitting, welding, crane and rigging, and motor and generator repair. As a centralized training hub for enhancing the knowledge and abilities of future generations of shipyard employees, this facility will offer comfort as well as convenience, with amenities such as outdoor seating areas, break rooms, study rooms, and a mini-mart. RQ Construction, LLC, based in Carlsbad, Calif., designed the facility and will begin the two-year construction project this month. In the plans to be co-located with the facility once it’s completed is the sail salvaged from USS La Jolla (SSN 701), currently finishing up its conversion at NNSY from an operational fast-attack
submarine into a Moored Training Ship (MTS). NNSY aims to become the NAVSEA corporation’s sole Sail Learning Center using this 76,000-lb. centerpiece. While submarine sails are sometimes repurposed as monuments, La Jolla’s will become a mockup to train shipyarders in areas such as hull cuts, piping, staging, painting, and more. “We’re trying to be unique and forward thinking here,” said Sail Learning Center Manager Steve Smith, adding that while it’s a Los Angeles class sail, it can be adapted to train on Virginia Class Submarines in the future. With sail work being among the greatest challenges in overhauling fast-attack nuclear submarines, having an actual one for shipyarders to train is a priority. Sheetmetal, Outside Machine, Electrical, Pipefitter, Painting/Blasting, Lifting and Handling and Temporary Services shops all stand to benefit in expanding the skills and abilities of their employees. Smith said that even before the sail is moved to the production training facility, shipyarders will get hands-on experience painting and blasting it. Congressman Bobby Scott, representing the 3rd Congressional District of Virginia, and Dave Wickersham, attending on behalf of Congresswoman Elaine Luria, representing the 2nd Congressional District of Virginia, attended the groundbreaking.
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NAS ANNOUNCES ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS PHOTO BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
The Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) National Superintendents Association (NAS) recently held its annual scholarship competition, inviting the children of both members and non-members to apply for scholarships for college. The program is funded solely from personal contributions from its members. For the 2019 program, 23 applications were submitted for eight possible $500 scholarships. For the members scholarships, the following students were selected: • Ashley Bennett, daughter of Code 312's Brian Bennett, is a 2019 graduate of Grassfield High School. She will be attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute. • Corinna Ensley, daughter of Code 392's Pat Ensley, is a 2019 graduate of Kellam High School. She will be attending James Madison University. • Megan Comar, daughter of Code 926's Chris Comar, is a 2019 graduate of Norview High School. She will be attending William and Mary University. • Graham Fitzgerald, son of Code 130's George Fitzgerald, is currently a student at the University of Virginia.
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For the non-member scholarships, the following students were selected: • Joelle Harvey, daughter of Code 260's Frank Harvey, is a 2019 graduate of Deep Creek High School. She will be attending West Virginia University. • Colin Coffie, son of Code 250's Greg Coffie, is a 2019 graduate of J.P. Knapp Early College High School. He will be attending Old Dominion University. • Jean Park, daughter of Code 130's Yvonne Park, is a 2019 graduate of Deep Creek High School. She will be attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute. • Anthony Micheli, son of Code 1130's John Micheli, is a 2019 graduate of Deep Creek High School. He will be attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Congratulations to this year's recepients for the NAS Scholarship Program!
C-FRAM FRAUD SCHEME AWARENESS AUGUST: CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
An Employee Acts in a Way that Favors Himself Rather Than His Employer
DOD EXAMPLE
DON EXAMPLE
In October 2018, Army civilian employee, Mary Jean Hastings pled guilty to receiving compensation for representational services in matters affecting the government, a conflict of interest. Hastings was employed by the Army and oversaw the compliance of an environmental waste contract at Fort Irwin, California. Chenega Global Services (Chenega) simultaneously employed Hastings as a manager. Both positions required Hastings to supervise the work of Chenesa employees because Chenega, a government contractor, employed personnel to work on Fort Irwin's environmental waste contracts. In December 2018, Hastings was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $354,499 in restitution as well as a $1oo assessment fee.
In November 2018, Jeffrey Breslau pled guilty to one count of criminal conflict of interest as part of the expansive corruption and fraud investigation involving foreign defense contractor Leonard Glenn Francis and his Singapore-based ship husbanding company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia. From October 2009 to July 2012, Breslau was a captain in the U.S. Navy assigned as director of public affairs for the U.S. Pacific Fleet. As part of his duties, Breslau was involved in devising the Navy's public affairs communications strategy, and provided public affairs guidance to Pacific Fleet components and other U.S. Navy commands. From August 2012 until July 2014, Breslau was assigned to the commanding officer for the Joint Public Affairs Support Element, where he was responsible for leading joint crisis communications teams. Breslau admitted to that from March 2012 to September 2013, while serving in the above roles for the Navy, he provided Francis with public relations consulting services, including providing advice on how to respond to issues and controversies related to Francis's ship husbanding business with the Navy. During the course of this consulting agreement, Francis paid Breslau approximately $65,000 without Breslau disclosing the agreement to the Navy.
INDICATORS (RED FLAGS) Discussing future employment with a potential vendor; Providing proprietary information (company bid and proposal information) or source selection information to one or a few competitors; Numerous sole source contracts are awarded to the same contractor.
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.
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