DON'T MISS: SURGEMAIN AND CAL LAB
SERVICE TO THE FLEET Norfolk Naval Shipyard
We Are America's Shipyard
August 2017
TRUMAN DEPARTS NNSY ONE DAY EARLY
ALSO INSIDE: EYE ON INNOVATION & CODE 730 MOCK UP
Table of Contents
IN THIS ISSUE Features: 4 FROM THE COMMANDER
A sense of community at America's Shipyard
5 101 MILES IN 4.5 DAYS
Seven officers graduate from new police patrol program, Officers on Bikes
7 JOB WELL DONE
NNSY celebrates early undocking of Rhode Island
10 SURGEMAIN
10
SurgeMain Sailors support critical need on San Francisco conversion
12 INNOVATION
Code 970 finding new ways to innovate with help from NAVSEA
14 CTD
Crane mock-up gives a lift to Code 730’s training
16 CAL LAB
16
24
More than torque wrenches: Why the Calibration Laboratory is vital to shipyard success
20 AMADA MACHINE
Sheet Metal Shop uses laser cutting machine for complex jobs
22 ARE YOU READY?
Be Informed, Have a Plan, Build a Kit
24 WATERFRONT WATCH
Truman completes PIA at NNSY
5
VOLUME 80 • NUMBER 3 SHIPYARD COMMANDER Capt. Scott Brown DEPUTY COMMANDER Capt. Daniel Rossler
Service to the Fleet
#SelfieWithTheCO
Welcome aboard to NNSY's newest employees!
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 AUGUST 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 3
From the Commander:
A sense of community at America's Shipyard
Greetings America’s Shipyard, and welcome to August! We are already more than halfway through this milestone year at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. In just three short months, we will celebrate the shipyard’s 250th anniversary. Between now and then, though, there are plenty of events to keep us engaged and focused on our vital mission. On Aug. 11, we will welcome Commander U.S. Fleet Forces Adm. Phil Davidson to our fourth quarter Big Rocks ceremony as we celebrate successes on issuing the resource constrained schedule for USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69); undocking USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) two days early; and completing the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) availability. Then on Aug. 20, employees and their family members are invited to Harbor Park for a night of family fun with the Norfolk Tides. I want to talk about where you all fit within our greater Navy community. Community is defined as “a unified body of individuals” sharing “common attitudes, interests, and goals.” Sailors and civilians at the shipyard are all part of the Navy family with the same core values of honor, courage and commitment. Our shared mission is the ontime maintenance and modernization of our nation’s ships and submarines. It is because of these shared interests that, when I attend command indoctrination for
4 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2017
new employees, I deliver to them the same Oath of Office echoed by our Sailors: “I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.” In his Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson said in order to remain competitive amidst change, we need a highly capable Navy team, comprised of a diverse mix of active duty and reserve Sailors, Navy civilians and families. Our team is our competitive advantage and is the key to our future success. The Navy Ethos says it best: “We are professional Sailors and Civilians - a diverse and agile force exemplifying the highest standards of service to our Nation, at home and abroad, at sea and ashore.” The Mid-Atlantic Regional Calibration Center, more commonly known as the Cal Lab, exemplifies just what we can accomplish when Sailors and civilians work together as one team. The Cal Lab, which is located at Naval Station Norfolk but falls under the Quality Assurance Office (Code 130), positions Sailors and civilians side-by-side on complex, technical jobs to ensure the equipment we use on the waterfront is safe and accurate, and that we accomplish our mission. The Cal Lab has developed a unique training strategy that takes advantage of decades of civilian expertise to build up our young Sailors and position them for successful careers. Read more about the Cal Lab’s unique responsibilities on page 16 of Service to the Fleet. This type of symbiotic relationship is also evident on the USS San Francisco (SSN 711) Moored Training Ship conversion, where NNSY’s Surge Maintenance (SurgeMain) reserve Sailors are going above and beyond to
fill a gap in the Shipfitting Shop (Shop 11). They’re trained to perform the job and work side-by-side with Shop 11 employees on the boat. These Sailors, who live busy civilian lives when they are not in uniform, are an integral part of this project. Read more about the efforts of our SurgeMain Sailors on page 10 of Service to the Fleet. The USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) undocked two days early at the end of July, which wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of our Sailors and their civilian counterparts. We must continue to rely on each other. Cooperation is essential, and we know it works. In that vein, last month we started the shipyardwide rollout of a new video, “Team of Winners;” a collaboration between our Diversity and Inclusion Office (Code 1103) and our Shipyard Instructional Design Center (Code 1170). The video focuses on improved motivation and morale through respectful behavior and relationships, and is designed to spur discussion and reflection on how we hold each other accountable for courteous conduct in our workplace interactions. The video will be shown during small group sessions throughout the shipyard’s various departments and will be followed with brief discussions about the material. I look forward to receiving your thoughtful feedback on this important topic. I appreciate the efforts you all are making to maintain our momentum as we move into yet another successful month at the nation’s oldest shipyard. We are Norfolk Naval Shipyard. We are America's Shipyard.
Capt. Scott Brown Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s 107th Commander
101 MILES IN 4.5 DAYS By April Brown Public Affairs Specialist Photo by Tony Anderson, NNSY Photographer
They are no strangers to protecting others and recently assumed the challenge to conquer a vigorous and demanding oneweek training course to become a Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) bicycle patrol officer. Seven NNSY patrol officers recently graduated from the shipyard's newest police patrol program, Officers on Bikes. In less than five days, they learned about their bikes and equipment, each other, rules and safety of the road, and one of the hardest things to do in order to graduate from the class, ride 100 miles. “I told them from the very beginning, this is not easy. It is a very rigorous and grueling class,” said Gilbert Morris, NNSY Police Captain. “The bike class is a very unique entity of their job. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get through it.” Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Charlai Frazier experienced firsthand how tough the class was on her first ride, which was 21 miles. “We stopped at an intersection after riding 15 miles and I looked behind me and Petty Officer Frazier was distressed,” said Morris. “I asked her if she wanted to quit. She said, ‘Freak no! I am not going to quit!’ I tried to get her to quit. She kept repeating that she was not going to quit. ‘I’m going to do it. I’m not quitting. No Captain, I am not going to freaking quit!’ I am glad she didn’t quit because when we started to ride again, she never gave up and she became one of my strongest riders in the class. To get through this class, you need to have that desire and drive, and be ready to ride numerous miles…every day.” Officers on bicycles must remain physically fit in order to face challenges they don’t in a patrol car. “We learned how to maneuver quickly and safely. Being on a bike gives us the advantage of getting in tight spaces and alleyways at increased speeds,” said Frazier. “The bikes make it easier to hear or see crimes happening or find someone trying to hide from us.” Along with learning new ways to fight crimes, the class was taught about building comradery with shipyard personnel. “I really think being on bikes patrolling is going to make a big difference. Our physical presence will be known and it will help people see us in a good light and not always thinking or having ‘they are just out
to get me’ attitude,” said Frazier. “We want to get to know them, know their names and faces, who they are, where they work and their communities. Build that relationship so they know they can trust us and we are there to help and protect them.” “One of the biggest challenges for patrolling officers is how and when they are able to interact with people. It is harder to get to know someone when they are always in a patrol car,” said Capt. Paul Amodio, NNSY Base Support Officer. “We are all here together and I really think the bike patrol is going to help diminish the communication barriers and close those gaps between our security forces and shipyard personnel.” Along with building relationships, the new course has become a tool for career development. “Becoming a qualified bicycle patrol officer is a great stepping stone for them. This class is a perfect example everyone should be cross trained in their jobs,” explained NNSY Command Master Chief Michael Reese. “It expands professional growth and offers more opportunities in their career choices ahead.” “This course is a great opportunity for us and is something we have talked about doing for a long time. I am happy to see it implemented,” said Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown at the graduation. “I’m proud of each of you. I know this program is going to bring great value to you, the workers, increase safety, and strengthen that family tie we have here in the shipyard. I am looking forward to seeing more officers getting qualified and patrolling the bases and communities on bikes.” “When you see them out there, all of the same rules apply if you are being pulled over by an officer in a patrol car or on a patrol bicycle. They are both equipped with gear, lights, and sirens. The only thing that has really changed is there will be more of us out there on bikes,” said Morris. “In the end, we want to get to know you, and we are always here to protect and serve.” If you are active duty with more than 18 months left on your tour in the NNSY precinct or a NNSY civilian police officer who is patrol qualified, and interested in a future Officers on Bikes course, contact Capt. Morris at 757-396-0515. AUGUST 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 5
From the Deckplate:
August at America's Shipyard: The celebration continues! It’s hard to believe we are talking about the end of summer! The older children will head to college in August and the younger ones will be heading back to school in early September, and before we know it, fall will be here! That means many of us will be trying to squeeze out every last bit of fun from our summer. But wait; don’t try too hard because remember when we rush, that’s when accidents happen. Have fun, but be safe! Speaking of safe, while we are enjoying the beautiful days and plenty of sunshine, don't let your summer fun be cut short with painful sunburns! Excessive sun exposure can be hazardous to your health due to extreme heat and contact with ultraviolet (UV) rays. Dangerously high temperatures can lead to heat stress which can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rashes. Extreme heat can also cause dehydration. It is important to note that if you are thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Likewise, UV rays, which are invisible forms of radiation emitted by the sun, can be damaging particularly to your skin. Excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to sunburn, premature wrinkling, aging of skin, and skin cancer. The risk of sun damage is greatest during the summer months between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Stay hydrated, seek out shade, and use sunscreen. But most importantly - be smart and stay safe! In the month of August we take time to recognize Women's Equality Day. The observance was established by Joint Resolution of Congress in 1971 and commemorates the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote. This was the culmination of a peaceful and widespread civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in
1848 at the world's first women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York. The observance of Women's Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women's continuing efforts toward full equality. “Take me out to the Ball Game...” That’s right, come on out to Norfolk Naval Shipyard night at the Norfolk Tides Aug. 20. NNSY Sailors, civilians, friends and family members are invited to enjoy a fun afternoon of Tides baseball at Harbor Park in celebration of the shipyard's 250 years of service to our country! The game starts at 4:05 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/2t04Wci using the promo code "NNSY." This month’s CMC Shout Out goes to the Public Affairs Office! The hard work and dedication of your team helps to keep everyone informed of what’s happening in the shipyard through Service to the Fleet, Yardlines, Facebook, etc., and it does not go unnoticed! Always on the front line taking photos, writing stories, scheduling visits or providing us with vital information necessary for all of us to perform our jobs. So for all of your dedication and hard work, Bravo Zulu for a job well done! Keep up the great work in the yard! As always, it is an honor to be in the Navy and a great time to be a part of America’s Shipyard, 250 years old and looking great! - CMC Sends
Michael Reese Command Master Chief
NOBODY GETS HURT TODAY! Safety starts with YOU. YOU are NNSY's most vital asset. 6 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2017
PHOTOS BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
NNSY CELEBRATES EARLY UNDOCKING OF RHODE ISLAND By Anna Taylor Public Affairs Specialist
Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) successfully undocked USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) two days early July 17. This set a new record for Engineered Refueling Overhauls (EROs) on the East Coast, beating NNSY's former record set on USS Alaska (SSBN 732) almost a decade ago. 90 percent of the production work for Rhode Island's ERO was completed and certified while the boat was in dock. Rhode Island is now pier-side to finish its
Engineered Refueling Overhaul (ERO), a complex, major shipyard availability during which the submarine will be refueled and upgraded before returning to support the country’s nuclear deterrence strategy. The Rhode Island team celebrated another success earlier in the availability, completing the demanding refueling package in just 217 days, beating their goal by three days and setting an NNSY record. Rhode Island has been at NNSY since Dec. 2015. During its last several months at the shipyard, the boat will be undergoing reactor and weapons systems work. “Thanks to the Rhode Island team for leading us in this monumental achievement - leading the way in safety, planning, and execution of quality work on time,” said Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown. “America's Shipyard and the Rhode Island crew certainly have our sights set on a successful end game. Thanks for all involved in a safe and successful undocking evolution.” In addition to the small amount of production work still to be accomplished on the boat, system testing and certification and Ship's Force training will be conducted, culminating in sea trials next year. AUGUST 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 7
Shipyard Insider: BUZZ & BYTES
COLOR ME AWESOME » POSITIVE YARDAGE OPSEC Award Congratulations to Code 105 for winning the OPSEC Award for the second quarter of 2017. The department was presented the award by Capt. Brown in July. "The Code 105 OPSEC Coordinator Mariellen Champion has only had the position a little more than five months and has made a huge impact," said OPSEC Manager Ernest Fentress. EOT Award Congratulations to Cmdr. Ryan McCrillis, presented the Meritorious Service Medal July 17 for outstanding service as Production Resources Officer and Deputy Project Superintendent at Norfolk Naval Shipyard the past three years. McCrillis’ accomplishments include implementing the Trades Managers program to return work ownership to the waterfront shops; enhancing training areas; as well as working to improve retention for the shipyard’s nuclear welders. “Ryan really stepped up for the shipyard and did a tremendous 8 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2017
Norfolk Naval Shipyard's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) hosted its annual Color Me Awesome Family Fun Run July 15 at Scott Center Annex. More than 1,400 walkers, joggers and runners enjoyed the event, which also featured a rock-climbing wall, bounce house, DJ, photo station, and local vendors. Photos by Shayne Hensley, NNSY photographer.
job,” said Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown. “I really look forward to great things; I think a future shipyard commander is standing right in front of us.” Addressing the ceremony attendees, McCrillis said, “This is amazing! You guys really made it happen, and I was honored to be part of Norfolk Naval Shipyard.” Photo by Tony Anderson, NNSY Photographer.
Shop 11 Safety Flag Congratulations to NNSY’s Shipfitter Shop (Shop 11), winner of the April 2017 Safety Flag! This award was presented July 11 in Bldg. 163. The shop had zero injuries or lost workday cases for the month. In addition to safety briefs and a focus on VPP principles, the shop has implemented an employee innovation, the “Slick Hood,” which provides
better eye protection during grinding operations. Individual safety awards were presented to Christopher Kanash, Michael Mercer and Larry Williford for their personal efforts in contributing to a safer workplace. Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown, Deputy Shipyard Commander Capt. Dan Rossler, Command Master Chief Michael Reese and Safety, Health and Environmental Director Jill Wild attended to congratulate the shop and present the award.
250 celebrating years
#SPIRITDAYS AUGUST 25: College Pride Day SEPTEMBER 22: Armed Forces Pride Day OCTOBER 27: Pink Out Day NOVEMBER 1: NNSY Pride Day
SPECIAL EVENTS 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. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at bit.ly/2t04Wci using promo code NNSY OCT. 28: Family Day at Norfolk Naval Shipyard NOV. 1: Norfolk Naval Shipyard Anniversary Celebration
#SPIRITDAY Friday, Aug. 25 is #SpiritDay! This month we celebrate school spirit at NNSY! Whether you're an ACC fanatic or a devout SEC supporter, or if you want to represent yours or your kid's high school, break out those jerseys and letterman jackets and help us celebrate NNSY's 250th anniversary! Have fun and be creative! Employees are invited to participate in a #SpiritDay group photo in front of Bldg. 1500 at 11:20.
FALL IN FOR COLORS SEPT. 11: 9/11 Fall in For Colors NOV. 9: Veterans Day Fall in for Colors
Take a photo before you get to the shipyard and share it on NNSY's Facebook page using the hashtag "#SpiritDay" and you could be featured in an upcoming issue of Service to the Fleet! If you and your friends or coworkers would like a photo together, a photographer will be available to assist you in front of Bldg. 1500 after the group photo is taken. Please call the Public Affairs Office at 396-9550 if you have questions about #SpiritDay.
A SurgeMain Sailor works aboard USS San Francisco (SSN 711) during its conversion at NNSY
SurgeMain Sailors support critical need on San Francisco conversion By Anna Taylor • Public Affairs Specialist Photos by Tony Anderson • NNSY Photographer
10 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2017
ET2 Alain Lander and ET2 Zebon Walker remove wall paneling aboard San Francisco. Wherever the important work of the Navy is being conducted in the world today, America’s Navy Reservists are there—because delivering strategic depth and operational capability is the mission of the Navy Reserve. Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Surge Maintenance (SurgeMain) Sailors were asked to fulfill that mission for the USS San Francisco (SSN 711) project when the project team needed to fill a critical gap on its moored training ship conversion. In the process of planning for the Workload and Resource Report, the Production Resources Department (Code 900) determined the Shipfitter Shop (Shop 11) was undermanned in June, July and August. As a result, resources had to be pulled from the San Francisco project to fill urgent needs elsewhere on the waterfront. “The SurgeMain program was designed to leverage some of the talents that exist in the reserve force that are underutilized by the NAVSEA enterprise,” said SurgeMain Program Manager Lt. Cmdr. Mike Sullivan. “We find out what the resource demands
in the shipyard are with respect to skilled trades, and we address those gaps using reservists, who are here to do their annual training.” SurgeMain Sailors generally spend two weeks at the shipyard fulfilling their annual training requirements, but three groups of reservists volunteered to train for Shop 11 tasking and stay for a full month, working hard to ensure the San Francisco project stayed on schedule and providing support through the end of August. “When the shipyard doesn’t have enough labor to support projects, jobs don’t get accomplished and the timeline for these massive projects can shift to the right,” explained Sullivan. “The true concern is when it’s not just one job, it’s a whole downstream set of jobs that depend on the completion of that first job. So in order not to negatively impact the entire schedule, we can help tackle these early jobs and prioritize labor to support the project schedule.” Sullivan said SurgeMain Sailors come for Annual Training to the America’s
Shipyard with an eagerness to learn, and they also bring fresh perspectives, which can help motivate the civilians who work on the waterfront day-in and day-out. “I think in general trying to stay active within the Navy is important, and the shipyard has a lot of big projects, so it’s always good to come and help out wherever we can support,” said Boatswain's Mate First Class Ernesto Loa. “I’m happy to be here. Everybody at the shipyard is very helpful and very knowledgeable. We don’t work here every day, so it’s great that they provide back up when we need it.” “Pretty much wherever they need us, that’s where we are,” added Electronics Technician Second Class Alain Lander. “It’s a pretty cool project and a few years down the line I can say I helped.” The SurgeMain program requires Reservists to work closely with the civilians in their shops. “The shipyard commander has emphasized he wants the shipyard to be a learning organization," said Sullivan. "What you inject into the shops with these Reservists are people who not only have active duty experience, but also civilian skills they can bring into the shop.” Many of the Reservists work full time civilian jobs when they’re not in uniform, but they depend on the U.S. Navy Reserve to “keep a little military flavor in their lives,” according to Sullivan. “SurgeMain has a very specific mission, and these Sailors can usually look back during their time in the yard while they were training,” he said. “They’re excited about contributing something. When a ship goes back out to the fleet, they can say ‘I worked on Truman’ or ‘I worked on San Francisco.’” Reserve service members amplify the Navy’s core capabilities, serving as a go-to force and a resource for roles that cover the full spectrum of Navy needs. “The support for the San Francisco project really highlighted how the shipyards are resource-constrained in executing work, and how SurgeMain was able to address a specific deficit for a specific shop on a specific project,” said Sullivan. “When other projects hear how this worked for San Francisco, they’ll know if they have a need, our Reservists can bring them the right skills at the right time.” AUGUST 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 11
Code 970 finding new ways to innovate with help from NAVSEA 04 By Kristi Britt • Public Affairs Specialist Seeking ways to bring innovative technology to the shipyard, the Temporary Service Group (Code 970) applied to NAVSEA 04’s Innovation Fund Program to fund two projects that would aid in improving not only Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) but all shipyards corporate-wide. In May 2016, representatives from across all four shipyards came together at NNSY for the Code 970 Community of Practice Face-To-Face where they shared the successes of the year as well as made plans for new processes and equipment to bring to the waterfront. One of the taskings was to develop better communication with sandblasters in the tanks of the ships. “Sandblasters in the tank would be fully suited up and unable to hear or communicate in an effective manner to the tank watch or the pot tender who controls how much grit is used in the blasting,” said Troy Pond, process improvement (Code 100PI). “With the current method, the sandblaster would work with the tank watch and the pot tender to establish a type of Morse code to communicate with one another, whether with knocks or pulling on the trigger of the blaster in a sequence.” Code 970 personnel wanted to establish a radio connection that could work inside the tank, providing instantaneous communication between the sandblaster, the watch, and the pot tender to ensure the job is done in a safe and efficient manner. They researched for a Motorola Transportation Digital Vehicular Repeater System (DVRS), a wireless headset communication tool. The next step was funding the device with NAVSEA’s assistance. 12 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2017
NAVSEA’s funding program initiated in 2016, created with a simple goal in mind: to aid in the on-time delivery of ships and submarines. “Understanding that funding is one of the biggest factors in bringing innovation to the shipyards, NAVSEA created the program to execute and obligate funds in order to bring those innovative changes corporate-wide,” said Pond. The shipyards would apply via a form providing details illustrating what the money would be used for and what would be the return on investment for the purchase. NAVSEA as well as members corporate-wide would review the requests and, in shark tank fashion, would either approve or deny the request and provide the funding to make it a reality. Code 970 put in two requests for the wireless communication system for the tank blasters, as well as a Portable Pilot Unit (PPU) GPS Docking System to provide instantaneous coordination when bringing ships into dry dock instead of the current process of surveying the ship from a transom and that person communicating with those instructing the tug boats where to go. Both projects were approved, with NAVSEA providing $155,000 to bring both systems to NNSY. “It’s been a huge group effort to ensure we bring in these innovative technologies to NNSY,” said Pond. “Code 970, Code 100PI, the Information Technology Department (Code 109), and more have been with us every step of the way to bring these technologies to the shipyard and NAVSEA’s help has made these two projects a reality. Purchases are being completed and once these technologies
are here and in use at NNSY we’re going to be sharing them with all the shipyards.” For 2017, NAVSEA’s call for innovation is louder than ever, ready to aid those in search of ways to innovate the enterprise. And NNSY wants to extend this call to the entire workforce. “If you have an idea for new equipment to bring to the shipyard, be empowered to do the research and fill out a form for NAVSEA’s Innovation Fund Program,” said Pond. “It takes an investment from our shipyard team and NAVSEA to bring these innovative ideas to life. We’re looking forward to what’s next in innovation at NNSY and we can get there with your help.”
Above: The GPS unit in action. Photo courtesy Troy Pond.
PHOTO BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
First of 22 crane overhauls completed at Norfolk Naval Shipyard By Jennifer Zingalie • Public Affairs Specialist Norfolk Naval Shipyard held a ribboncutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the first Craft 60 Ton Portal Crane mid-life overhaul Service Life Extension Plan (SLEP), July 11. The execution of this SLEP across the corporation is expected to take approximately eight years as there are 22 total of this class of crane across the shipyards; 14 at NNSY, with the others at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). The SLEP project is a result of the collaboration between the shipyards (NNSY, PNSY and PSNS), Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) and the Navy Crane Center addressing replacements of old systems, upgrades to new technology and design changes to meet the latest requirements. The first dock crane (DC) to be completed, DC37, is critical to the success of the shipyard’s mission in ship repair and overhaul. Portal cranes are built to have a 50-year life span. DC37 is currently 25 years old and the mid-life overhaul is expected to extend its lifespan another 25 years, a significant savings to the Navy over time.
“The cost of the overhaul is approximately $2 million and includes all systems required to reach the full lifespan expectancy,” said Curtis Sturkie, chief engineer for NNSY’s Lifting and Handling Department. “If we had to replace the crane we’d spend upwards of $20 million.” Because the control systems in the cranes are obsolete, components are either unavailable or too expensive, so the overhaul also provides spare parts to shipyard inventory which can support sustainment of the remaining cranes awaiting overhaul, said Sturkie. The overhaul includes replacements of old systems such as electrical controls, computers, breakers, diesel generator, cab master switches, and operator's console. It also includes additions and upgrades such as the Load Moment Indication (LMI), whip hoist wire rope, new hoist limits and travel wheel lubrication system. The overhaul revitalizes the crane for its 21st century mission and meets new environmental and safety regulations. For example, the new diesel generator creates significant savings for the Navy because it requires less fuel consumption and meets
the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tier level for the environment, explained Sturkie. The addition of newer technology also allows more efficient operations and the ability to complete a job in a timely manner as safely as possible “One of the things we did when we designed the SLEP was to have the crane operators involved,” said Sturkie “They had a copy of the drawings, reviewed and approved them.” “The updates give the operator more knowledge of what is going on,” said Shawn Herring, a 19-year veteran crane operator, “With the new LMI system, operators know within two percent the actual weight they are picking up and it automatically provides warnings followed by hoisting lockout and prevents further hoisting, if required, to prevent overload.” As the Navy’s mission to maintain freedom of the seas is ongoing, as one ship leaves the yard another takes its place. This means the cranes are in continuous operation. These overhauls are just another way the shipyards support that mission, said Sturkie. AUGUST 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 13
Electrician Roger Wandover demonstrates how the mockup mimics the waterfront's real cranes
CRANE MOCK-UP GIVES A LIFT TO CODE 730’S TRAINING What do you get when you combine a labor of love with a love of labor? If you leave it in Roger Wandover’s capable hands, you get the new Crane Maintenance Division’s (Code 730) Continuous Training and Development (CTD) mock-up. Wandover, an electrician and CTD subject matter expert, has been at the shipyard less than two years, but his background in mechanics and electronics is extensive. Wandover said the opportunity to train the shipyard’s new mechanics has been a dream come true. “I’ve been everywhere,” he said. “And I am concerned about these young people not knowing how to do basic mechanical and electrical skills. CTD was an answer to my prayers to pass on the experience." As part of his duties, Wandover listens to Code 730 employees on the waterfront to learn about the issues they face. “On my first trip out there, several things were brought up, and I learned there weren't
Story and Photos by Anna Taylor Public Affairs Specialist enough people who knew how to set limits on the crane,” he said. “Training on the crane is a challenge because you have to tie up the crane at a dry dock to do that. So the CTD team started wondering if it would be possible to make some type of training that would give them the opportunity to exercise and perfect the skills without having to actually be on the crane.” And that’s how the idea for a crane mockup was born. According to Code 730 CTD Supervisor Bo Osindero, there used to be plenty of skilled mechanics who knew how to properly set the limits on a crane. But as time passed and the shipyard’s skills gap grew, those qualified and experienced mechanics retired or moved on to other positions. “I realized there were only three of us left who could actually set the limits, so that became a concern,” said Osindero. “It really became like a single point of failure if one of these guys couldn’t show up.”
Then the light bulb came on. At first, Osindero and Wandover considered building a tabletop mock-up, but ultimately decided on a stand-alone unit. “Everything was created by Code 730,” said Wandover. “We spent less than $2,000 on parts that we had to purchase.” The mock-up’s frame is actually a surplus engine lift. All of the electrical components are pieces that were defective, removed from a crane and reconditioned. Everything that could be recycled was repurposed for the mock-up. “I designed the relay logic for it, and designed how it all comes together, and with the help of William Piland, a now-retired mechanic CTD subject matter expert, who is also a great fabricator, I was able to get specific pieces made,” said Wandover. “The week of June 30th we finished all the functional testing, and since then we’ve been refining it in order to craft the course material.” Code 730 is developing its own training program to accelerate learning within the shop and ensure there is no more shortage of qualified personnel to set the crane’s limits. “It only took a few months. They had the idea and they took initiative,” said Jennifer Freeman, a management analyst in the Continuous Process Improvement Special Projects Division (Code 701S). “They were able to bring the idea to life quickly because they did so much of it on their own.” Freeman said normally when employees come onboard, they sit in a classroom and learn from a book. “The mock-up gives them that hands-on part, so they don’t have to wait until they’re actually on a job to get exposure.” This mock-up also sets a precedent for future Code 730 innovations, according to Freeman.
“Now they can say, ‘I’m not just an electrician, I’m not just a heavy mobile equipment mechanic. I see something that will benefit everyone,’ and if they know of something we can improve on, now our employees have seen how supportive the department was on this idea, so it will encourage others to come forward with innovative projects going forward.” Osindero is excited about the future for the new Code 730 mock-up and its brand new training program. And thanks to the CTD team’s idea to use plexiglass on the mock-up’s panels, employees can see the internal mechanisms to better understand when certain actions trigger responses within the machine. Code 730 will also have some helpful new materials to supplement the hands-on training. “The Shipyard Instructional Design Center (Code 1170) is creating audio/visual aids to go along with the mock-up, including charts and videos to streamline and shorten the process while making it more effective,” he said. “From experience, most people learn better through visualization, so that’s one of the innovations that will really help us. When an employee comes in, they will be good to go within two days. It used to take a whole week.” Wandover’s brainchild should be walking on its own two feet by the end of the month, so now he’s ready to tackle the next project for Code 730 CTD. “Communicating with supervisors on the waterfront to find out what they need and how we can enable them to do their job more effectively is so important,” he said. “We need to figure out the right way or the better way to do it. The entire exercise has been very rewarding. To develop this mock-up and see the fruits of our labor, it’s obviously a benefit, and we want to do more of this in the future.”
ABOVE LEFT: The Code 730 CTD team stands by the new crane mock-up. ABOVE RIGHT: Wandover explains the importance of the plexiglass paneling, which allows employees to visualize how certain actions trigger responses inside the crane.
AUGUST 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 15
MORE THAN TORQUE WRENCHES: WHY THE CALIBRATION LABORATORY IS VITAL TO SHIPYARD SUCCESS Story and Photos by Anna Taylor • Public Affairs Specialist Editor's Note: The Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) MidAtlantic Regional Calibration Center (MARCC) is a full-service calibration laboratory at Naval Station Norfolk. The employees at the MARCC, one of the most specialized calibration laboratories in the world, are responsible for standardizing and repairing equipment essential to keeping the Navy’s sea, shore, and air assets fit to fight. This is the first installment of a series in Service to the Fleet focusing on the contributions of this unique facility. It’s easy to operate under the radar when you’re the one repairing it. It’s even easier when you’re located 10 miles and 30 minutes away (on a day with decent traffic) from your command headquarters. But distance makes the heart grow fonder, and while it may operate out of sight and sometimes out of mind, the MARCC truly 16 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2017
is a one-of-a-kind facility. It was designed to handle a more robust workload than any of the Navy’s other calibration labs, and although the word “regional” is in the lab’s name, the term is used loosely. “Our region really extends worldwide,” said MARCC Director Scott Rutherford. “It’s not unheard of for us to work on equipment from Bahrain or Japan. We’ll also help out the other calibration labs when needed. The boundary is really based on our capabilities and whether or not we have the time to do it.” The MARCC exists largely in part to make sure shipyard employees feel confident in the safety of their tools. “Take a pressure gauge – how do you know it’s measuring correctly? People make decisions based on the reading from the pressure gauge,” said Rutherford. “What would happen if the reading was incorrect?
That could change their decision. So we make sure the decision based on the gauge is the correct one.” While the MARCC is world-renowned for its industry expertise, one of the facility’s greatest success stories is less about the job and more about the people. The Sailors and civilians who work at the MARCC are often found side-by-side completing technical, highly-complex assignments. “These relationships are unique because the opportunity does not arise in many Sailors’ career paths to work with civilians,” said Chief Interior Communications Electrician (ICC) General Livingston, a mechanical calibration and oil analysis supervisor. “The civilians are the constant at the MARCC, and they carry
experience that is valuable when training our Sailors. Our Sailors thrive when they have an expert to assist and answer questions. The workload never lets up, but neither do our Sailors or civilians.” According to Rutherford, the MARCC finishes 45,000 calibrations each year, which translates to roughly 100,000 calibration hours. That means there’s no time to waste, so the MARCC uses a well-tested regimen to bring new Sailors up to speed ensuring they can hit the ground running. At the MARCC, the Navy relies on a well of civilian knowledge to develop the Sailors’ skills, Rutherford explained. Many of the Sailors who arrive at the MARCC are young and fresh from boot camp. “This is their first assignment and it’s the only real calibration experience they’re going to have. At the shipyard and in the shops, you see mostly civilians. There’s generally a line between where the Sailors and civilians work. We blur those lines here. It hasn’t always been seamless, because it was unusual for the culture,” he said. “But what we have been able to do is set a standard and break down those perceived barriers. The cost to the shipyard would be much greater if we didn’t have the military force here.” According to Rutherford, Sailors complete on the job training and are assigned a civilian mentor to watch and work with before they are able to do things independently. The other regional calibration labs are generally comprised of either Sailors or civilians, which makes the MARCC’s composition unusual. “Our job is special because every piece of gear we calibrate and return to the fleet ensures that they can perform the
maintenance and troubleshooting required to maintain mission readiness in all aspects of the Navy,” said Electronics Technician First Class (ET1) Daniel Kitchen. “Everything we do daily at the MARCC directly impacts every functional area of the Navy’s submarines, aviation squadrons, surface ships, and shore commands.” Kitchen, who supervises 40 Sailors in the calibration, troubleshooting, repair, and alignments of electronic test equipment and aviation test sets, also said the civilians he works with at the MARCC provide expert guidance and trade tips and tricks to help his Sailors see a different side of the business. “It’s a very unique relationship because the other calibration labs do it differently,” said MARCC Deputy Director Lt. Zebulun Shaw. “We have civilians and Sailors working in the same shop.” “I think the shipyard sees us as a gauge shop, or they think of us as the toque wrench guys,” said Rutherford. “What they don’t see is the huge amount of electronic work we do…radio frequencies, night vision goggles, scopes for submarines, watt meters, and a lot of really high-tech equipment.” “When someone wants to bring in a new piece of gear, they have to consider the calibration involved and the incredible amount of engineering support required,” added Shaw. The MARCC has been serving the nation’s military for decades. It was originally part of the Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP) at Naval Station Norfolk, but the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) of 1993 transferred the calibration technicians from NADEP to a centralized facility, now known as the MARCC. AUGUST 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 17
AMERICA’S SHIPYARD CELEBRATION SHOWCASES WORKFORCE PRIDE By Kristi Britt • Public Affairs Specialist For three years running, Norfolk Naval Shipyard has come together for a celebration of diversity and pride. This year, the Annual America’s Shipyard Celebration continued that tradition with two events to showcase the various shops, codes, and organizations that make up the foundation of the shipyard. “We wanted to create a celebration that builds morale and educates the workforce,” said Brandon Goodman, Code 930 Green Belt who was part of the celebration planning committee. “The Shipyard Celebration provides an opportunity for our employees to share knowledge with one another and demonstrate our accomplishments as a team and how each one of us is a piece of our ever growing puzzle. We wanted to create a fun event that really captured what it means to be part of the shipyard family.” The two events hosted were the Shipyard Information Fair in Bldg. 1575 and the Shipyard Celebration on Brown Avenue. Tables featuring representatives from the various shops and codes were stationed at the fair. The event provided an opportunity to learn all about the unique skill sets of the shipyard’s maintenance and modernization professionals. “The fair was established to allow the employees to really get a sense of all we do here at the shipyard and to see what job opportunities are available,” said Code 1102 Outreach Coordinator Valerie 18 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2017
Fulwood, a member of the celebration committee. “With as large as the shipyard is, there are times where employees don’t get to venture out into the workforce and see everything this place has to offer. At the fair they can learn all about this from the subject matter experts. It’s an opportunity to educate our people and provide them the tools they need to set them on the path for personal and professional development." The celebration featured booths from the various organizations at the shipyard, including the Apprentice Association, the employee readiness groups, the Federal Managers Association, the Naval Civilians Managers Association, and more. In addition, the event featured performances from the southern rock band Gator Head, a dunk tank, a photo booth, games, and refreshments. “We had a vision to create an event where we could get everyone involved and have our workforce come out and celebrate the pride of America’s Shipyard,” said Code 930 Kermit Jackson. “We wanted to do something that hasn’t really been done at this magnitude before at the shipyard. Our goal was for everyone to come together, learn from one another, and have fun.”
PHOTOS BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
The events were attended by hundreds of shipyarders and Sailors. “I’m seriously floored that we had so many people come out to help celebrate America’s Shipyard with us,” said Goodman. “We’ve had many come to us and share how the event really made them feel a sense of pride and ownership as members of the shipyard family. That’s huge for us! Everyone came together to learn from one another and share their shipyard pride and it’s been a great event all around.
We hope everyone had a wonderful time and we’re looking forward to our next Shipyard Celebration. We hope to make it bigger and better than ever!” AUGUST 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 19
Meet the Mark: IMPROVEMENT THROUGH EMPOWERMENT
Sheet Metal Shop
By Kristi Britt • Public Affairs Specialist Photos by Luke Beasley • NNSY Photographer
uses laser cutting machine for complex jobs
The Sheet Metal Shop (Shop 17), part of Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Structural Group (Code 920), works daily with a laser cutting machine that can cut metal parts in minutes, saving both time and material. The AMADA Laser Cutting Machine is a computer numerical control (CNC) laser cutting and turret punch machine that is used for approximately 90 percent of the products developed in the Sheet Metal Shop. It can cut ventilation patterns, locker doors, foundations, bolt flanges, and more to be used on the various projects. In addition, the turret punch can punch holes of different sizes, and the laser can be used for etching jobs as well. “I really like working with this machine because it’s challenging but rewarding,” said Andrew Tucker, a sheet metal mechanic. “It involves a lot of math in determining the dimensions and taking it from a piece of paper and creating something in the control panel. The math is my favorite part of the job, and seeing a job start as dimensions and then be created so accurately is so satisfying for me.”
20 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2017
The machine can cut various types of metal accurately, ensuring the material is used to its fullest potential. In addition to quality, the quantity of cuts produced in a single job is huge. “We can make hundreds of parts on this machine and each part will be identical,” said Tucker. “When you make these cuts by hand, there’s always going to be slight differences. Depending on the size of the job, it can take thirty seconds to a couple of hours. Something that used to take us eight hours by hand only takes us minutes to accomplish now. That’s massive savings all around and it ensures we can get more jobs done than ever before.” Tucker inputs the job’s dimensions into the control panel to produce the cuts on the machine. For more advanced jobs, he turns to Layout Sketch Mechanic Cindy Edwards to create the component in AUTOCAD software. “We do a variety of complex jobs and we can manipulate the pieces to ensure the material is used to its highest potential,” said
Sheet Metal Mechanic Andrew Tucker and Apprentice Cody Trzcinski demonstrate the new AMADA machine.
Edwards. “If we were doing these jobs by hand, we would have to go to multiple work stations to complete it. This is a huge step in the right direction for the Sheet Metal Shop.” The AMADA machine is in use daily for a variety of jobs that reach far beyond Code 920. “We are here for the entire shipyard,” said Tucker. “If anyone needs a job done we’re happy to help because we’re all part of America’s Shipyard and we’re all in this together.” Edwards added, “as long as we have an idea for the design, we can draw anything and get it cut.” “One of our greatest contributions we give to the shipyard is time,” said Cody Trzcinski, a third year apprentice in the sheet metal shop. “We save the shipyard a lot of time by programming and blasting these jobs out. And we continue to search for new ways in order to help the shipyard team.” The Production, Facility, and Equipment Management Team (Code 983) is currently looking to add more AMADA machines to the arsenal at NNSY. “This machine has been a great addition to the shipyard,” said Vatanak Chhim, Code 983 Electrical Engineer. “We want to bring even more equipment like this into the shipyard to provide innovative advancements to the way we do business here.” AUGUST 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 21
Be Informed, Have a Plan, Build a Kit By Nicole Roten • Code 1130 Emergency Management Specialist
As an emergency management specialist, my number one priority during an incident is the life safety of everyone who lives and works on the base. The best way to protect people is to get the word out of an incident or emergency along with what immediate actions they should take. But notifying a large number of people of ANYTHING in a short amount of time is definitely a challenge, particularly when they are spread out. Nearly 15,000 personnel work here, with about two-thirds of the base population within the Controlled Industrial Area (CIA) inside ship hulls, running loud equipment, at the bottom of dry docks, behind security islands, and many other places. When an incident or emergency has occurred or is in progress, emergency managers are required to notify all affected personnel within 15 minutes so that appropriate actions can be taken. How do they do it? Well, there are several ways, but the quickest is activating warning sirens like the sheltering alarm and the Giant Voice outdoor loudspeaker system 22 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2017
which transmits spoken messages. When you hear the sheltering alarm— three, 30-second blasts with a 10-second pause between each blast and generally accompanied by verbal instructions on the Giant Voice—a serious and impending threat has been identified. You should seek shelter immediately in a permanent building; trailers on the waterfront will not typically withstand a weather hazard severe enough to warrant the sounding of the sheltering alarm. Command Duty Officers (CDOs) have the authority to sound the sheltering alarm when there is an imminent threat to the installation such as a tornado warning, a clear indication of an airborne chemical hazard, or an active shooter incident. Code 105 will determine whether there is a RADCON emergency on base and order the sounding of the sheltering alarm. Regardless of the reason, when you hear the sheltering alarm you should immediately take cover in the nearest hardened facility. Remain sheltered until you hear the “ALL CLEAR”—one long
60-second blast generally followed by verbal instruction. Additionally, NNSY currently relies heavily on a web-based automated computer and telephone alerting system, a commercial product known as AtHoc, which sends Computer Desktop Notification System popups to NMCI computer terminals in the NNSY area of responsibility as well as phone calls, emails, and text messages to individuals who have entered that information into their profile. AtHoc is typically accompanied by NAVSEA senior manager text alerts, and emails to pre-established distribution lists, manual telephone calls, pre-recorded messages such as the base information line, press releases, and marquees are also options. Depending on the severity of the incident, bullhorns and emergency vehicle based public address systems may also be used. Did you know that NNSY has a radio station? Tune to AM1630, or check out NNSY’s Facebook and Twitter sites to get updates from the Public Affairs Office.
IMPORTANT INFO NNSY INFO LINE: (757) 396-9551 FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/ NorfolkNavalShipyard1 TWITTER: @NNSYNews READY NAVY: www.ready.navy.mil READY VIRGINIA: www.ready.gov For more information on ways to stay informed about your immediate community, check out your local jurisdiction’s website to sign up for alerts. ATHOC REGISTRATION Urgent notifications requiring people to act will be transmitted via Giant Voice, AtHoc, and NAVSEA Senior Manager text alerts, and they will always give you basic instructions, such as “Tornado Sighted. Take Shelter.” It is up to each individual to remain up to date on their training so that they know exactly what to do when they receive this type of notification. Less urgent messages regarding weather, heat stress or flag conditions, traffic impediments, and gate closures will be advertised primarily using AtHoc. But what if it happens after hours or while you are off base? Have you ever wished you had known the gate you typically use was unexpectedly secured? How about a text stating the base is closed or that reporting to work has been delayed due to inclement weather? You can still be notified even when away from your desk by signing up for AtHoc texts and emails through the selfservice application on your NMCI computer. Simply enter your info in the spaces provided and save. Personal information is never used for anything except sending emergency notifications. Your profile is updated immediately, and you will receive the very next notification that is transmitted. Be sure to check your “junk” or “spam” folders for personal email accounts as AtHoc messages sometimes get filtered. So you’ve signed up for AtHoc. Now what? Think about all the major threats you could experience at work: flooding, hurricane/tropical storm, active shooter, fire, or radiological event. Imagine you get a notification that a particular threat is about to affect or is currently affecting NNSY. What would you do? This is where having a plan is important, and it applies at home as well as at work. Know multiple routes from your desk or workspace out of the building,
from your parking spot to your home, from your home to a safe location. The closest exit or route may not be accessible, and be sure to consider people with special needs who may also be affected. Make sure you know the locations of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, alarm pull boxes, and muster points, and if necessary, where to hide. Have important phone numbers written down or programmed into phones, especially if you have an “in case of emergency” option. Write down your plan and keep it in an easily accessible location. All facilities occupied with 10 or more employees are required to have Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) that cover all of these areas and much more. Contact your building monitor for additional details on your EAP. A plan is only a good one if you can execute it properly, so practice, practice, practice! It makes perfect, after all. Have a fire drill and take a muster. Pretend your cell phone doesn’t work. Take a different route to or from work, and try a gate you don’t normally use. Challenge yourself! Now that your plan is in place, decide what you will need to take (or keep) with you. Build a kit with food and water, even if it’s just snacks you keep in your desk drawer or backpack. Batteries and flashlights, command muster information, prescription medications, and important documents are just a few additional things to keep in your workplace kit. Your home kit should be much more robust, cover your entire family, and be ready to go at a moment’s notice, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a small portable kit in your vehicle. There’s no limit to what you can put in your kit, but keep in mind, you will have to transport it, so don’t overload yourself. When it comes down to it, you’ll be glad you took the time to prepare a kit with a few essential items.
1. Click on the arrow/triangle in the bottom right corner of your screen. 2. Right click on the purple ball. 3. Select "Access Self Service." 4. On the "My Info" tab, update your building number (Please ensure you select "SJC" if you are located on St. Julien's Creek, and "SCA" if you are on Scott Center Annex). 5. Click "Save." 6. On the "Devices" tab, update your contact info. (Governmentissued numbers are required. If you want to receive text messages, please enter your mobile number in the "Text Messaging" block. 7. Click "Save." 8. Click "Sign out."
QUESTIONS? Please call: Nicole Roten: 396-9453 Steve Murley: 376-3573 AUGUST 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 23
Waterfront Watch: ALL HANDS ON DECK
PHOTO BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTO BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Truman completes PIA at NNSY By Anna Taylor • Public Affairs Specialist USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) departed Norfolk Naval Shipyard for sea trials a day early July 21 following the completion of its 10-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA). Truman’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Ryan B. Scholl, praised both ship forces, NNSY and civilian contractors for working together to stay on schedule and making an on-time departure from the shipyard. “The number one goal for this ship over the last year was making it better than when it arrived here,” said Scholl. “The excitement, enthusiasm and teamwork are what propelled us out of the shipyard. Truman is ready to tackle the next stage of doing what carriers do – conduct prompt and sustained combat operations from the sea.” Critical work during the availability, which began last September, included an upgrade to the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES), the Navy's next generation tactical afloat network, which enhances operational 24 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2017
PHOTO BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
effectiveness and provides better quality of life for deployed Sailors. Additionally, maintenance and refurbishments were made to shipboard systems in preparation for future operations, including rehabilitating 90,000 square feet of Truman’s hangar bay, 7,000 square feet of its flight deck combing and scuppers, and 10,000 square feet of catwalk. According to Mike Jennings, the Truman project superintendent, Truman departed NNSY one day early. He said the ship’s crew was very experienced and everyone was focused on holding each other accountable to meet the schedule and get the ship out on time. As a further testament to teamwork, NNSY partnered with Newport News, Pearl Harbor and Puget Sound naval shipyards. According to Jennings, most of the 2015 Truman team also returned to the project. “There was a lot of emergent work on this availability,” said Jennings. “The biggest asset we used to ensure our success was our partnership and teamwork approach. We were one team with one
fight, and that included everyone who worked on this project.” Departing NNSY is the first step on a long road ahead for Truman. The ship is now preparing for an upcoming schedule consisting of various training exercises placing emphasis on damage control, flight deck operations and simulated combat at-sea. "The CNO started an initiative called ‘The Team of Winners,’ and I think this is a perfect example of that,” said Capt. Scott Brown, the NNSY commanding officer. “We know with this availability what it feels like to win. We're going to carry that throughout the rest of the shipyard and use the leverage gained by Mike Jennings and Captain Scholl in getting this ship out on time." Truman’s spot on NNSY’s waterfront won’t be vacant for long. The shipyard welcomes USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for its PIA in August. Following sea trials, Truman will return to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk. USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs contributed to this report. AUGUST 2017 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 25
Covering Up History Makes Room for the Future By Jennifer Zingalie • Public Affairs Specialist Since the 20th century, America has seen many changes, especially in the realm of warfare and technology. As of World War I, Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) had been building ships for approximately 150 years and had already been through three major wars. During World War I Dry Docks 6 and 7 were constructed for the U.S. Shipping Board Emergency Fleet Corporation. Then, steamships were becoming the primary means to ship people and goods due to improved speed and fuel efficiency and when the docks were completed in 1920, merchant ships were first to enter. The goal was to support commerce, in the interest of the United States, while helping Europe rebuild after suffering from the remnants of war. The dry docks were built as a pair each measuring more than 465 feet in length. Both opened Oct. 31, 1919 with a grand ceremony attended by King Albert and Queen Elizabeth
of Belgium as well as a distinguished party from Washington, including the Secretary of State and Secretary of the Navy. Eventually the docks were given over to the U.S. Navy for use. Fast forward to the 21st century where modernization has grown exponentially and Dry Docks 6 and 7 are no longer relevant. In fact, the docks fall approximately 500 feet short in their ability to support the modern day fleet. That’s because for a dry dock, size matters and that isn’t bound to change any time soon. Consider a new class of ship, the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, the replacement for Enterprise and Nimitz-class, soon to be delivered to the fleet, which is 1,092 feet in length. “You’d have to lengthen the docks extensively for them to be relevant –basically combine them and then double the lengths. That would be a very expensive Military Construction Project, about $1 million per
foot,” said Moises Finale, structural engineer and NNSY Dry Dock Program Manager, who has been on the Dry Dock 6 and 7 project for almost four years. “They are also a detriment to the Navy assets around them, it just makes sense to demolish them as it allows us to better take care of those surrounding facilities.” Dry Docks 6 and 7 sit right in the middle of Dry Docks 3 and 4; having the most impact on 4 because the foundation is no more than five feet away, explained Finale. “Water weighs approximately 64 pounds per cubic foot. If I fill the docks and leave them sit there--overtime it would start to settle and immediately impact Dry Dock 4,” said Finale. “Whether the dock is active or passive, if one moves the other moves.” What ultimately causes the domino effect is a structure underneath the dry docks that most never get to see or experience. The docks have a vast tunnel system that
PHOTOS BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
resemble something like an underground city, explained Finale, some reaching as far down as 70 feet. In turn, the tunnels along with an intricate pumpwell system, serve in the watering and dewatering process. At NNSY, all of the dry docks are interconnected through these tunnels. The shipyard maintains these tunnels and pumpwells to ensure ongoing operation and safety standards are being met to support the fleet. “That is the beauty of this yard, to touch one thing is to touch many other things,” said Finale. Because the shipyard has not docked a ship in Dry Docks 6 and 7 in several years, the Navy performed a risk assessment on them and determined, since adapting them was too costly, closing or demolishing them would be most cost efficient and beneficial to the integrity and safety of the docks surrounding them. Before the demolishing process could begin, however, the docks needed to be dewatered. Typically the process would go something like, valves open, water pours into a space underground, the pumps pick it up and send it back out to the river. Although, normally straightforward, the openings underground, where the water would flow, had been closed off by concrete due to the lack of use. To further complicate things, about seven years ago, a severe storm came through Hampton Roads and a decision was made to fill Dry Docks 6 and 7 in order to maintain the integrity of their caissons (watertight retaining structures that allow water to be pumped out of an area to create a dry working environment). To do this, the shipyard decided to put a cofferdam right outside the apron of Dry
Dock 6 and 7, explained John “Sunshine” Frazier, dry dock engineer. A cofferdam is a temporary enclosure built within, or in pairs across, a body of water and constructed to allow the enclosed area to be pumped out. “The cofferdam was constructed by round, steel piles driven into the ground, followed by sheet piles attached between them to create a wall between the river and the dry docks so they could be pumped down,” said Frazier. The concrete apron acts to support the pile structure and works to prevent undermining, basically to keep the base material from washing out.” Once the pumps were placed inside the cofferdam the dewatering process began June 10, and lasted about a week. Emptying the docks is just the beginning, said Finale. The remaining openings underground will also be filled in to ensure all points where water once flowed will be sealed. Demolishing a dry dock does not mean the use of implosion or a wrecking ball. Put simply, the docks will be filled in. This will be done using piles (a structure driven into the ground to support weight over top of it), concrete, engineered dirt and a layer of asphalt to top it all off. “After a lot of studies and finite element analysis, we found the safest method for the fill in was to use the piles to reduce the magnitude of the settlement,” said Frazier. “They reduce the risk of Dry Dock 6 and 7 moving at all-because of general or distributed weight.” Once the docks are filled in, it will be almost as if they were never there and the shipyard will gain approximately 1.83 acres of land back that can be used as lay down for
ship repair for the surrounding projects. When work of this magnitude needs to be completed it is not an easy task and affects multiple departments, schedules, contractors and projects. The work completed, and which still needs to be done on these docks, is no exception. It isn’t just the docks that touch each other at the shipyard but the several dozens of people, at all levels, involved in the ongoing work. “This is a huge project in the middle of two other dry docks, in a very busy sector of the shipyard. The coordination has been astronomical,” said Finale. He and his team have worked closely with Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) as well as the shipyard’s Public Works Department and two current projects, USS La Jolla (SSN 701), which is being converted into a training vessel, and USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740), which is at the yard for a 27-month Engineered Refueling Overhaul. “At times it felt like we were never going to get started but we worked with everyone and as problems arose we would solve them. We tackled issues one at a time and before you know it things started to happen,” said Finale. The success we have seen so far has been a culmination of a lot of people working together and we haven’t even broken ground yet.” Although the 20th century has long passed and the docks will soon be gone, their purpose served--their foundation will remain. As history continues to write itself and advances made, ships will continue to come in and out of the shipyard. The demolition of Dry Docks 6 and 7 helps pave the way towards the shipyards future and the mission of the Navy in the 21st century and beyond.
NNSY MWR receives Five Star Accreditation By Jennifer Zingalie • Public Affairs Specialist Photos by Luke Beasley • NNSY Photographer Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program was recently acknowledged as one of the Navy’s top programs, earning Five Star Accreditation from Commander, Naval Installations Command (CNIC). The NNSY MWR Team was presented with a trophy that will be displayed at various MWR facilities throughout the year, by shipyard commanding officer Capt. Scott Brown at Scott Center Annex, June 7. “This is a great accomplishment,” said Brown. “Your focus on high standards, innovation, leadership and customer service are a testament to the great programs we see and I know going forward it’s only going to get better and better.” Established in 2010, the CNIC Accreditation program's goal is to increase program standards, the foundation of daily operations and reinforced by MWR leadership, and recognize top performers. To earn this elite award organizations must clearly demonstrate superior management of critical operational elements, to include programs, personnel development, financial performance, customer satisfaction
and facility management, said Chad Rickner, NNSY MWR Director. Additionally, program managers must continuously develop new initiatives to enhance current programs and ensure staff members are fully trained, empowered, have knowledge of all MWR programs, and are actively engaged in process improvement. The review is typically done by a fourperson team made up of MWR professionals who look over all aspects of the MWR program, explained Rickner, who also participates in reviews of other programs. This allows MWR professionals to review and assess each other as well as provide ideas and best practices which in turn help to make it great in all locations. “Without question this award is due to our team,” said Rickner. “Their dedication to high quality services, professionalism and desire to put out the best product they can is what I believe makes our program five-star.” The accreditation encompasses the Callaghan Fitness and Sports Center, , Sailors Liberty Center, Outdoor Rentals, Tickets & Travel, bowling alley, pool, and other NNSY MWR facilities and programs.
“The team has worked hard during the last few years to really enhance our programs and make some improvements and changes,” said Rickner. One improvement in particular was the renovation of the Callaghan Fitness and Sports Center, which included updated locker rooms, new group and cardiovascular exercise areas, and new racquetball courts. “We have improved our recreational programing adding more events geared towards the family,” said Rickner. “Our program offers great events year round at minimal or no cost. Many of the events are a direct result of customer feedback and comments so we are definitely listening to our customers and we hope they’ll keep it coming.” What makes the achievement even more exciting is that the NNSY customer base is constantly changing and fluctuating. The NNSY MWR serves a large Department of Defense civilian population of more than 10,000, as well as active duty military and their families. Because the shipyard is a repair facility, the amount of customers changes constantly. Because of this, the MWR team must carefully plan and adapt to meet the needs of the shipyard community, said Rickner. “We are in the ‘fun’ business, which requires us to have a fun and innovative outlook when we come to work every day. Of course we have deadlines and tasks but at the end of the day, we know our mission is to improve quality of life and help our customers stay mission ready,” said Rickner. “Our team meets regularly about challenges and how to overcome them and how to better serve and provide for our shipyard population. We really enjoy what we do and it shows.”