DON'T MISS: EYE ON INNOVATION AND NNSY HOTLINE
SERVICE TO THE FLEET Norfolk Naval Shipyard
We Are America's Shipyard
August 2016
BYE BUSH! USS George H.W. Bush Departs NNSY After Completing 13-month PIA
ALSO INSIDE: IWO JIMA COMPLETES AVAILABILITY EARLY
Table of Contents
IN THIS ISSUE features: 4 FROM THE COMMANDER
Cover photo by Shayne Hensley, NNSY Photographer
16
10
12
Maintaining Maritime Superiority in America’s Shipyard
6 FROM THE MASTER CHIEF It's hot at America's Shipyard
10 EYE ON INNOVATION
New weighted mounting brackets created for the sail loft
12 COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE
NAVSEA and Shipyard Collaborate in COP Face-to-Face
13 LASER LIGHT
The Next Generation of Coating Removal for Navy Applications
14 GOING FOR GOLD DISK
New circuit card development and repair technology at NNSY
16 BYE BUSH!
USS George H.W. Bush Departs NNSY After Completing 13-month PIA
18 NNSY HOTLINE
A confidential avenue to report fraud, waste and abuse
12 BE COOL
New vests with cooling technology help NNSY employees beat the heat
22 SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT
Dominic Scott inspires others to do their best
22
VOLUME 79 • NUMBER 7 SHIPYARD COMMANDER Capt. Scott Brown DEPUTY COMMANDER Capt. Daniel Rossler COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM (AW/SW) Michael Reese PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Terri Davis
Service to the Fleet
Editor's pick:
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
Photos by Luke Beasley, NNSY Photographer
CO Visits STARBASE Victory Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown visited STARBASE Victory at Victory Elementary School in Portsmouth July 11. STARBASE Victory is a nonprofit summer camp funded by Portsmouth Public Schools and generous donations from the local community. During his visit, Brown spoke to students in the PPS Coders camp, a four-day program during which students in fifth through eighth grades learn the basics of computer coding, developing computer programs, and exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) career opportunities. Brown explained how STEM is used at Norfolk Naval SHipyard and encouraged students to study hard and follow their passions. In addition to the PPS Coders camp, STARBASE Victory offers programs like LEGO WeDo, where rising fourth graders build and program “robotic critters” to perform simple tasks; and AEROBASE Atlantis, where rising middle schoolers learn how STEM skills are put to use in experimental design, rocketry, and the physics of flight. AUGUST 2016 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 3
From the Commander: CAPTAIN SCOTT BROWN
Maintaining Maritime Superiority
There are only four public shipyards across our nation, and a finite number of individuals capable and equipped to do the work you can do. Assume that responsibility with honor, courage and commitment. You might have seen it in the Early Bird news clips, heard it discussed in a meeting, or shared over email by your supervisor, but chances are you’ve heard about our Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. John Richardson, detailing the Navy’s mission and strategic priorities in "A Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority.” You can read the document at www.navy.mil/cno/docs/cno_ stg.pdf or view a video at www.youtube. com/watch?v=mmTX0jlIUT4 The CNO outlines four lines of effort centered on strengthening naval power and partnerships, leveraging learning and ably preparing ourselves for the future. I highly encourage everyone to read it; it’s a document that should sharpen your resolve in working for the United States Navy and boost your motivation in knowing you’re personally helping to keep the country safe as a member
4 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2016
of Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY)—one of our greatest national strategic assets. Reading the document again, there are several things striking to me about it. One is its candid acknowledgement of the challenges before us on the world stage in these fastpaced and often troubling times. The fact that the document is referred to as a “design” recognizes the need to maintain flexibility in maritime operations. It specifically touches on the various threats we’re now contending with, leading to the conclusion that “America’s importance to the world holds fast. Our nation’s reliance on its Navy – our Navy – continues to grow.” Note the term “our Navy.” You have a personal stake in success at the shipyard, and increasing our organization’s capacity to assume the Navy’s work and the capabilities to deliver it on time. There is a strong incentive to provide your greatest effort at America’s Shipyard; effort that goes beyond the financial security that working at a 249-year-old organization provides. Another aspect of the document that struck me was its sense of certainty that we will ultimately prevail. The CNO is very clear that we will protect America; we will enable peaceful resolutions across the globe; we will act decisively if deterrence ever fails. Our new NAVSEA Commander, Vice Adm. Tom Moore, also echoes that certainty stating we need to win every shipyard availability. These recent statements from Navy leadership lead nicely into the shipyard’s 2017 mantra of “meet the mark,” which we’ll discuss in much greater detail during the next several months. But in short, “meet the mark” means we’ll honor our commitments, and promises won’t deteriorate into possibilities. Especially when our promises mean so much to so many. The most gripping realization that comes from this document is how much of what we do here at NNSY works in tandem with the CNO’s four lines of effort. “Strengthening naval power at and from the sea” means we safely deliver ships and submarines on time in improved condition and ready to excel in their missions, protecting our national security. “Achieving High Velocity Learning
at Every Level” has been a command priority this year, desiring to quickly transition our hundreds of new shipyarders into high-impact quality positions directly contributing to timely deliveries for the Fleet. We’ve featured several success stories about high-velocity learning in this publication, such as Code 960 qualifying pipefitters faster than ever, and Code 920’s Learning Center, which simulates multiple job evolutions in a low stress, highly educational environment. “Strengthening Our Navy Team for the Future” is evident in our NNSY improvement plan, our shipyardwide initiative to implement core competencies, and our putting dollars to desires in upgrading our facilities to become the ultramodern, ever-capable facility our cutting-edge Navy demands. “Expanding and Strengthening Our Network of Partners” is something we continue to prudently build on, as most presently evident on USS La Jolla (SSN 701) and sharing knowledge with Electric Boat for the boat’s unique marriage between new construction and submarine overhaul techniques. The CNO concludes the document with a call to spend our time wisely, to challenge ourselves, to work together in building the Navy we should all want it to be. If you’ve read my Commander’s Comments over the past two years, you know that I also like to end my writings with a call. So my appeal is this: read the document. Consider it. Then, read it again. Decide how you can and want to support the CNO’s strategic priorities and the goals and commitments of your shipyard. There are only four public shipyards across our nation, and a finite number of individuals capable and equipped to do the work you can do. Assume that responsibility with honor, courage and commitment. We are Norfolk Naval Shipyard. We are America’s Shipyard.
Capt. Scott Brown Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s 107th Commander
AUGUST 2016 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 5
From the Deckplate: COMMAND MASTER CHIEF MICHAEL REESE
It's hot at America's Shipyard!
As you continue to work hard and accomplish our mission of safely repairing U.S. naval warships make sure you are taking care of yourself and this definitely includes hydration.
6 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2016
Greetings America’s Shipyard! Here we are well into the summer and it is hot! Even with all of the near record temperatures and heat indices in the triple digits, there is work getting done in our shipyard! As you continue to work hard and accomplish our mission of safely repairing U.S. naval warships, make sure you are taking care of yourself and this definitely includes hydration. As you look around you might notice something is missing…CVN 77! I would like to wish the crew of USS George H. W. Bush fair winds and following seas as they set sail from our yard July 23 for sea trials. I know the Sailors were ready to get their ship out to sea so they could work up for their future assignments and I know they will perform in a superb manner. For all of you who worked to get USS George H. W. Bush repaired and out of the yard, thank you for your hard work! In August we celebrate Women's Equality Day. Women in the United States were granted the right to vote Aug. 26, 1920, when the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was certified as law. Every president has published a proclamation for Women's Equality Day since 1972, the year after legislation was first introduced in Congress by Bella Abzug, an American lawyer, U.S. Representative, social activist and a leader of the Women's Movement. This resolution was passed in 1971 designating Aug. 26 of each year as Women's Equality Day. A special CMC shout out goes out to
EN2 Rodney Williams. As the lead Engineer for both Port Operations and Harbor Security boats, he identified, troubleshot, and repaired more than 30 electrical faults, 12 high temperature alarms, 10 salt water strainers, and has recently qualified for Navy Enlisted Classification Outboard Engine Mechanic. Additionally he assisted Port Operations in the movement of 63 shipyard barges, 14 Coast Guard cutters, one submarine, and the undocking of the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). Williams' personal integrity and efficiency towards completing any given task has made him a valuable asset to NNSY Port Operations and the shipyard. BRAVO ZULU Shipmate! Last but definitely not least, I would like to extend a welcome aboard to our new Deputy Shipyard Commander Capt. Daniel Rossler! Welcome aboard sir and we look forward to working with you! Keep up the great work that makes us America’s Shipyard! I know you are working hard out there and it shows! Thank you for your service! As always, it is an honor to be in the Navy and a great time to be a part of America’s Shipyard! - CMC Sends
Mike Reese Command Master Chief
ACCESS CONTROL UPGRADES COMING TO THE SHIPYARD Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s NAVSEA work spaces and turnstiles are undergoing access control system upgrades. All NAVSEA work spaces with swipe entry, along with turnstile badge readers across the shipyard, will be upgraded by the end of the year. “The current access control system is old and antiquated and needed to be upgraded,” said Brandi Harris, telecommunications specialist with the Technical Security Branch (Code 1125). What does this mean for employees? All shipyard employees will need to register their Common Access Card (CAC) with the new system in order to be granted access to secured areas and turnstiles. Buildings and turnstiles are being upgraded in phases to make sure the transition goes smoothly. “We want to make sure the system is working and that we’ve tested it out on a lowimpact building versus a turnstile where there is a lot of foot traffic,” explained Harris. Your supervisor or Departmental Security Coordinator will notify you when it is time to register your CAC. In order to register, you’ll need to know your CAC pin (the number you use to log in to your work station every day). Your supervisor or Departmental Security Coordinator will register you using CITRIX, or you can visit one of the registration stations throughout the shipyard (locations TBD). The new card readers look completely different, and instead of swiping a NAVSEA badge, shipyard employees will hold their CAC over the reader to gain entry. Once the turnover to the new system is completed, employees will no longer swipe into various locations using a NAVSEA badge or proximity card. Harris said the NAVSEA badges aren’t going away, though. They will still be needed for visual identification. More information will be provided when it becomes available. If you have any questions, please call Brandi Harris at 393-7145.
Shipyard Insider: BUZZ & BYTES
» POSITIVE YARDAGE Color Me Awesome More than 1,000 participants enjoyed Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation-hosted “Color Me Awesome” Family Fun Run July 9. Held at St. Julien's Creek Annex, the event featured a 5K run, rock-climbing wall, bounce houses, photo stations and a DJ. Photos by Shayne Hensley, NNSY Photographer.
H. W. Bush (CVN 77) back to the fleet, saving 16,000 mandays through improvements to project scheduling and work progression.
Lt. Cmdr. Brandon Medal Congratulations to Lt. Cmdr. Lawrence Brandon, honored with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal July 1! Brandon was recognized for meritorious service during his time as Deputy Project Superintendent at Norfolk Naval Shipyard from March 2013 through June 2016. His leadership directly contributed to the delivery of USS Maryland (SSBN 738) and USS George
Congratulations Lt. Emge Lt. Timothy Emge was recently honored with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his superior work as Docking Officer and Assistant Naval Reactors Representative at Norfolk Naval Shipyard from April 2013 to June 2016. Emge’s accomplishments include overseeing the docking of USS La Jolla (SSN 701), an evolution as successful as it was unique given the boat’s keel support
8 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2016
structure and “superflooding” the dry dock. He also oversaw successful undocking of USS Maryland in February 2015 while contending with high winds challenging crane service, unusually cold weather preventing the normal process of washing down the dry dock, and several inches of snowfall. NCMA Manage-Mint Award Congratulations to Dave Tomlinson (above), recipient of NNSY’s Naval Civilian Managers Association June 2016 “Manage-Mint” Award! This Execution Manager for the Operations Department was recognized for his “work
ethic, attention to detail, and can-do attitude” providing positive contributions to Code 300 Operations during the past several weeks. Congratulating Tomlinson is NCMA Chapter President Mike Regna. Photo by Shayne Hensley, NNSY Photographer. Linda Wood Award Congratulations to Linda Wood, recently honored with a Meritorious Civilian Service Award. Wood was awarded for her exceptional performance as Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Budget Officer from Sept. 2009 through June 2016. Her accomplishments included
PLAN NOW FOR SHIPYARD SHUTDOWN
expertly managing the budget and dramatically decreasing overtime at the shipyard in the past seven years. Photo by Luke Beasley, NNSY Photographer. Safety Flag Congratulations to NNSY’s Boilermaker Shop (Shop 41), honored as the winner of the 2015 Annual Safety Flag, presented June 27 in Bldg. 163. The shop earned five monthly safety flags last year and had a significant injury reduction from 2014. At the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to Martin Whelan, Nicholas Tooley and Grail Hodges for their efforts in contributing to a safer workplace. “Overall this shop has shown great improvement and continues to maintain a good safety culture,” said Code 106’s Tracy Mills, Safety Flag Coordinator. “What a great achievement for all the hard work their safety committee and shop has invested this past year.” Photo by Tony Anderson, NNSY Photographer. Capt. Lepine EOT Congratulations to former NNSY Deputy Shipyard Commander Capt. Brian Lepine who was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal July 18. Per the award citation, Lepine’s “professionalism, inspirational leadership, keen foresight, and dedication to NNSY's mission and vision have been the source of countless successes that NNSY has accomplished during his tour as the Deputy Shipyard Commander and Commanding Officer, Enlisted Element. NNSY’s production capability,
workforce’s technical aptitude, training readiness and officer development is at the highest it has been in many years because of the many contributions of Lepine.” Having served as the shipyard’s Deputy Commander since May 2013, Lepine was specifically commended for his focus on training and first time quality in all aspects of submarine and aircraft carrier I-Level maintenance, leading to the best on-time delivery record (91 of 93 availabilities completed on time) and highest job completion rates of any Fleet Maintenance Activity.
» NOTABLE QUOTABLE “The work we do here directly affects the Sailors who fight for our freedoms. We are more than just ourselves. We are America’s Shipyard.” Bobby Truitt, Code 100PI Rapid Prototype Lab Lead
NNSY will curtail all but essential operations December 24, 2016 - January 2, 2017. Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 are official government holidays. This year, 32 hours of annual leave will be needed. Curtailing all but essential operations on the above dates will achieve maximum economy for a holiday period when significant numbers of employees are absent from work, thus reducing the normal productive effort. For additional information please contact the Public Affairs Office at 396-9550.
» BASEWIDE BITES Dry Dock Club Dry Dock Conference Center, Bldg. 1461 is now available to Installation tenant commands and departments for training and meeting space, etc. free of charge. Food and beverage options are also available to accommodate any conference need (outside food and beverage are not allowed). Contact Mona Walls for scheduling/booking at 396-5053, rwalls@mwrma. com. Dry Dock Conference Center continues to offer the perfect setting for any occasion, including weddings, receptions, and retirements. Mariners Reef Mariners Reef Café, Bldg. 1484 (across form Callaghan Fitness Center) offers a variety of menu options, serving hot and cold sandwiches, pizza, fries, wings and more! Dine on the Go Online ordering is available for your convenience, simply place your order and pay through the Dine on the Go application and tell us when you want to pick
up. The café will undergo an extensive renovation and facelift next year that will include exciting new menu options. Call 217-5362 for more information. Strike Zone Strike Zone Bowling, Bldg. 1487 offers a variety of menu options, including, burgers, pizza, wraps, sandwiches, and more. Strike Zone offers weekly specials, party packages, and Rent-A-Center's for larger group functions. Dine on the Go Online ordering is available for your convenience, simply place your order and pay through the Dine on the Go application and tell us when you want to pick up. Strike Zone will also undergo an extensive renovation in the near future that will help us better serve our customers and will include programs and amusements for the entire family. Don't forget, ITT discount tickets are also sold at Strike Zone. Interested in forming a Bowling League? We can help, Call 396-5396 for more information.
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Aug. 12, 1918 • Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels approves the acceptance of women in the Marine Corps. The following day, Aug. 13, Opha M. Johnson becomes the first woman Marine. Aug. 17, 1959 • Adm. Arleigh A. Burke is reappointed as Chief of Naval Operations for his third, two-year term, serving the longest as CNO.
Aug. 15, 1845 • General Order 40 establishes the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, the former site of Fort Severn. Aug. 24, 1912 • The collier USS Jupiter is launched. The vessel is the first electricallypropelled Navy ship. It is renamed USS Langley in April 1920 with the designation of aircraft carrier CV 1 and becomes the Navy's first aircraft carrier in March 1922 following conversion. AUGUST 2016 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 9
Accelerate the Change: IMPROVEMENT THROUGH EMPOWERMENT
EYE ON INNOVATION: NEW WEIGHTED MOUNTING BRACKETS FOR SAIL LOFT BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY LUKE BEASLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Do you have an idea you’d like to see come to life? Visit the RPL in Bldg. 171 or contact Bobby Truitt at 396-0554.
10 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2016
Editor's Note: At Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), innovation and teamwork are key characteristics of the Rapid Prototype Lab (RPL). The RPL opens its doors to anyone who has an idea to make a process more efficient and they are willing to aid anyone who seeks their assistance. However, sometimes someone comes to the team seeking something they do not have the tools to provide. Rather than turn away these creative thinkers, the RPL reaches out to other shops within the shipyard to collaborate and get the job done. In order to stabilize dies, the Temporary Service Division (Code 970) Sail Loft (Shop 64) and RPL partnered in July to create weighted mounting bracket prototypes in order to establish a safer environment in the workplace. Fabric workers in the Sail Loft use dies, specialized tools used in manufacturing to cut or shape the fabrics using a press machine. However, the fabric workers found it difficult to keep the dies positioned on the press properly, often having to find new ways to keep them stable. “We had a few ideas floating around in the shop of how to keep the dies stable,” said Patricia Elliot, Fabric Worker Mechanic and the Refueling Safety Representative in the shop. “Some of those ideas included using heavier dies to hold the material down and having plastic coating on the die to keep it from being conductive. We also discussed possibly creating mounting brackets to hold the dies in place without being physically attached to them.” With ideas and their own prototypes created in-shop, the Sail Loft then reached out to the RPL to assist with creating some
new tools to make the job safer. “We met with Supervisor Richard Bundy and the team and went over a few of their ideas. They showed us their prototypes and we were able to utilize those ideas and refine them into what would work best for the job,” said the RPL’s John Tate. The mounting brackets come in several different sizes with attachments to properly fit each die available depending on the job’s need. The brackets have been tested out in the shop and the team is working together to make sure the brackets are well-equipped for the job at hand. “Together we’ve come up with a lot of good ideas and it’s great to see these ideas come to life,” said Scott Gray, zone manager. “We want to make our shipyard a safer place to work and these new tools will certainly help with that.” “We are encouraged to have the RPL come in and back us up and give us the options we need to be safe in getting the jobs done,” added Elliot. As the steps toward the final product continue, the Sail Loft is looking forward to incorporating new training techniques, and training videos demonstrating the new tool to the workforce. “We want to be vigilant and make sure this new tool is used properly,” said Elliot. “Safety is our number one concern.” For Tate, he’s excited to see what new ideas they can bring to the table to ensure the safety of shipyard employees. “Shipyarders have so many wonderful ideas and we want to provide them the opportunity to make their ideas a reality,” he said. “We want them to feel empowered with their ideas. We’re here to help.”
Iwo JimaTeam
COMPLETES AVAILABILITY Ahead of Schedule
BY ANNA TAYLOR • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS MEGAN ANUCI The shipyard project team, in support of Southeast Regional Maintenance Center, completed the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Planned Maintenance Availability at Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, Florida June 29. Successful management of the extensive work package ensured Iwo Jima’s return to fleet operations two days ahead of schedule. The scheduled maintenance began in August 2015. Norfolk Naval Shipyard contributed 14,500 mandays during the availability, which took place 650 miles away from the shipyard. “This availability was a success due to the efforts of all,” said Deputy Commander U.S. Fleet Forces Command Vice Adm. Richard P. Breckenridge in a Bravo Zulu message to the team. “This impressive achievement sets the amphibious standard for not only Mayport, but for the entire fleet.” The scope of NNSY’s responsibility during the availability included repairs, inspections, and upgrades on the aircraft elevators, boilers, numerous steam valves, hydraulic accumulators, and control valves. “What was unique about this availability was NNSY had not performed this work on an LHD in Mayport in more than a decade,” said Project Superintendent David Kidd. “So packing up and getting the people, material, and equipment to the location and ready to start work was a feat on its own. It just shows NNSY's ability to adapt, overcome and repair ships anywhere.” At one point during the project, more than 150 shipyard employees
were engaged on site in Florida. “This work involved just about every shop and code in the shipyard,” said Kidd. “We had the chance to work, teach and learn with a lot of new apprentices, mechanics and supervisors on this project. Team building is crucial for the future of NNSY.” The work involved a lot of long-distance coordination as NNSY project team members in Mayport had to ship components to the shipyard for repair, fabrication, and testing. The parts were then shipped back to Florida for reinstallation and operational testing. “When you look at all the wickets that people, procedures, tools and material have to pass through to ensure everything is correct, it can be mind boggling,” said Kidd. “This is what we do every day no matter where we are at in the world.” Kidd also commended the support of shipyard Travel Office employees. “Their support was outstanding. Thank you to Renaldo ‘Dwayne’ Barber and his team for helping us with lodging, orders, plane tickets and rental cars. And thank you Geraldine McHerrin for your tireless effort with the travel cards.” Because of the combined efforts of the project team members, Iwo Jima is now ready to support disaster relief for the east coast and Caribbean during hurricane season. Kidd says he is proud of all shipyard personnel for their hard work. “We thank their families for the sacrifices that they made being away from their loved ones during this time. We did it to support our Navy. That's what it's all about at America's Shipyard! We fix ships!” AUGUST 2016 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 11
NAVSEA and Shipyard Collaborate in COP Face-to-Face In an effort to share processes and practices, the four public shipyards and Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) made a collaborative effort with a Corporate Community of Practice (COP) face-to-face, aiming to seek innovative practices in Temporary Services (Code 970) and the newly established Corporate Preservation (Code 990). Sixty employees enterprise-wide came together May 10-12 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) with the hope of reviewing the past year’s initiatives and brainstorming new initiatives for the future of Code 970 and Code 990. “This is an annual effort for the COP where we bring the team together at one of the four shipyards and we identify and evaluate ways forward in improvements for Temporary Services and Corporate Preservation,” explained Troy Pond, Process Improvement Division Engineer Technician. “With these items identified, we come up with a game plan for these specific areas and separate into smaller groups to tackle each item. From there, a small charter for each section is made giving a brief direction on what it is, who’s working on it, and what’s the goal for focusing in that area. Identifying the problem areas and coming up with solutions as a team lets us see where we are and what we have to do going forward.” The annual event has been taking place for approximately ten years with the four shipyards; however, this year marked the first time NAVSEA had become actively involved per new corporate guidance. In the letter it defines COPs and their practices, as well as gives a thorough list to follow through the year in order to guarantee the COPs are successful in their goals. In addition, this year showcased the efforts in splitting up the originally robust Code 970 and establishing Code 990 across the enterprise. The split was driven by two significant factors: the size and number of associated trades in the code, along with the increase in temporary service capabilities and workload as a result of the fire onboard the USS Miami (SSN 755). The primary benefit of this realignment is a better support structure for the workforce that will result in an increased ability for shop managers to focus on process and efficiency improvements and ultimately provide a more consistent 12 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2016
BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Above: Capt. Brown speaks to the group during the three-day meeting. Right: McVey addresses members of the COPs.
product to the Fleet. The three-day collaboration ended May 12 with an outbrief with the 60 employees as well as NNSY Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown, where they discussed their plans moving forward. “One of the big takeaways this year from this COP was that we are one shipyard and one corporation,” said Charles McVey, NNSY Code 970 Superintendent. “The process we perform, the equipment we use, and the training the personnel get shouldn’t be much different between the four yards. We should be able to share ideas, equipment, and work together. We need to mirror each other with the same structure and this COP allows us to head in the right direction.” Brown added, “Standardization is important and together we can identify what are the best practices and what we can do to improve in our practices. We can learn from each other and our experiences.”
LASER LIGHT:
The Next Generation of Coating Removal for Navy Applications By: Dale Berkley, Kylie Cuomo, and Randall Santiago Focused laser light effectively cleans metallic and some non-metallic surfaces without adverse mechanical damage or surface erosion of the base metal. The use of laser ablation is not a new process, but rather new technology that is constantly changing by leaps and bounds. With new technology comes great savings and a better process for the right applications. Norfolk Naval Shipyard has initiated, as part of the Technology and Innovation COP, a Laser Ablation COP Subcommittee that investigates the use of laser ablation coating removal for potential applications and benefits for shipyard maintenance and repair work. Laser ablation for Navy use has already gained a lot of attention and interest. Currently, NAVSEA has authorized the use of laser ablation for non-nuclear ships, ship decommissioning, Moored Training Ships (MTS) and their conversion, and USS Enterprise (CVN 65). In addition, NAVSEA is actively working on the authorization of the remainder of the Navy ships and boats NNSY typically works on. Laser ablation has emerged as a prospective alternative solution for many types of surface cleaning and preparation processes. The development of reliable laser beam delivery systems enables the use of laser light energy for selective and controlled removal of corrosion products and coating materials without damage to the underlying substrate material. The operating characteristics of the laser make it suitable for a wide range of shipyard maintenance applications including coating removal, corrosion product removal, surface preparation for coatings application, and surface preparation for nondestructive inspection. The laser ablation process at present would not replace all current processes, such as large scale abrasive blasting or water-
jet cleaning. However, the process would provide an alternative for the smaller more complicated jobs in confined areas and areas adjacent to installed unprotected equipment. The laser method vaporizes and instantly captures stubborn residues in a unique process that uses no chemicals, abrasive grit or any consumable media to clean up after. The current ablation lasers NNSY is looking into using are designed not to burn but to utilize a pulsed and scanned (20,000 frames per second) laser beam that creates an ionized plasma gas shroud that blast the substrate. Laser ablation converts the coating into particulate and/ or vapor. The aaser ablation process removes thin layers of coatings by vaporization, with resulting shock waves disrupting adhesion to the substrate. The vacuum system captures and filters the particulate. Most of the laser energy is reflected by the substrate. As a test example a 1,000W laser was used to remove paint and during the same coating removal motion it would remove writing from a piece of notebook paper without damaging the paper. Laser equipment comes in mobile, stationary and automated models to meet accessibility requirements for a number of applications and the laser cords can be 15 to 300 feet from the equipment depending on application. Laser paint removal rates are faster than needle gunning and power disk sanding and potentially much faster than chemical stripping, which has a cycle time of three to five days. Furthermore, surface profile, paint adhesion and corrosion resistance of laser stripped test panels were equivalent to the baseline surface preparation
Below: National Shipbuilding Research Program testing is conducted at the NNSY blast and paint mock up utilizing a closed loop end effector.
process (40-grit steel shot blasting). Laser ablation showed moderate to substantial cost savings and avoidance during the baseline processes for selected applications. Other potential benefits of laser ablation included improved ergonomics, which would result in reduced risk of repetitive stress injuries and reduced cycle time over chemical stripping processes. The goal of the Laser Ablation Subcommittee is to obtain NAVSEA approval to allow laser ablation as an authorized paint removal method for use on all Navy commissioned ships. Establish the use of laser technology as a viable alternative technology for Navy coating removal. Reduce paint removal cost for the Navy. Provide a safer work environment for Navy and shipyard works. Reduce exposure from both radioactive contamination and hazardous material/waste. Provide an alternative to manual cleaning for NDT testing and weld joint prepping.
AUGUST 2016 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 13
Right: Bubba King and Larry Pendleton demonstrate the Gold Disk system. Below: King tests a circuit card.
Going for the "Gold Disk"
BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Using the Gold Disk System, the Electrical Department (Code 950) is experiencing vast improvements in their circuit card development and repair efforts with the new Navy-wide initiative. First offered to the shipyard in November 2015 by owners Naval Undersea Warfare Center, the Gold Disk system allows the users an easier option to test circuit cards. The system used, known as MTR Suite, contains more than 7,000 different circuit card schematics and is able to pinpoint and monitor each component of the circuit cards being tested to identify any problem areas. In addition, the user is able to upload new schematics into the system with the use of three known working cards to properly identify and label how each card works and its limitations. “This system has been something we’ve been interested in having for years and we’re happy to have it now at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY),” said Larry Pendleton, Code 950 Electronics Technician. “It gives us the ability to track all our repairs and track the amount of savings we’ve provided by using the system. It also provides easyto-use software where we can look at each component step-by-step.
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This increases our abilities to train our junior mechanics so that we can go over what each component does and what we need to do to repair the cards.” In past practices with the circuit cards, the process for repairing a circuit card varied depending on the job but could take days due to aging equipment. With the Gold Disk system, jobs are now being clocked at approximately four to eight hours, depending on the job. “The Gold Disk provides us a one-stop shop for the circuit cards and it has made things a lot easier for our team,” said Pendleton. The Gold Disk system costs roughly $35,000 and has been implemented in all four naval shipyards as of November 2015, an initiative set by former NAVSEA Commander Vice Adm. William Hilarides to align the processes across the board. It is on loan from Undersea Warfare Center and has implemented more than $70,000 in cost avoidance. Along with the Gold Disk system, Code 950 has also brought in the Pinpoint IIR system, another important piece of technology in their circuit card development and repair work.
“The Pinpoint system gives us the ability to do reverse engineering with the circuit cards,” explained Bill Tibbetts, Code 950 Electronics Technician. “When we don’t have the schematics on file for certain cards, we can hook up the cards to the machine and go from component to component building the schematics ourselves. Then we can input those schematics into the Gold Disk system, expanding our efforts to the workforce.” The new equipment and software being introduced into Code 950 has brought on a large amount of savings across the board, and the team couldn’t be happier with what they can do in the future. “We wanted new equipment so we could do more work for the shipyard,” said Tibbetts. “We’re modernizing so we can bring more work in-house without contracting it out. We’re saving time and money and that was our goal from the get-go.” “We want to let the shipyard know that we are here for them and are ready to help them with their electrical needs,” said Pendleton. “And we’ll be looking at more and more ways to further modernize and expand to meet the needs of the Navy.”
Above: Bubba King at the Gold Disk work station.
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NNSY Project Team
COMPLETES GEORGE H.W . BUSH Planned Incremental Availability
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BY ANNA TAYLOR • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTO BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kirk Putnam contributed to this story.
The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) departed Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) July 23 after completing its Planned Incremental Availability (PIA). During the 13-month maintenance period, more than 600,000 mandays of work were completed while the shipyard performed critical upgrades on the Vacuum Collection Holding Tanks (VCHT) and Close-In Weapons System (CIWS). Emergent work included repairs to the aircraft elevators and propulsion plant components. After leaving the shipyard, GHWB conducted sea trials to evaluate Sailors' performance and ensure the operability of ship equipment and systems. "Sea trials went like clockwork,” said Project Superintendent Jeff Burchett. “All the efforts that went into this availability to get us to that point have been extraordinary. When we got out there, all the efforts that the folks put in to ensure that everything was ready to operate showed." Sea trials test ship equipment that supports surface operations, flight deck evolutions, deck seamanship and damage control readiness through various drills and system checks. This includes high-speed turns, aqueous film forming foam tests on the flight deck and hangar bays, anchor drop testing, and sea and anchor drills. “The work is vital because a big piece of the availability is fixing what is broken to prevent headaches for ship’s force,” said Operations Officer Capt. Maria Silsdorf. “We need to ensure good material condition of systems so the ship can operate and train to support its deployed mission.” Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown said he truly appreciates the combined efforts of the project team during the past year. "It's your efforts that have enabled us to deliver this national asset back to the Fleet." The project team was responsible for ensuring GHWB left in better condition than when it arrived, a task that would not have been possible without support from departments across the shipyard. According the Burchett, a strong relationship with ship’s force played a big role in the project team’s success. "The commanding and executive officers’ relationship with project team leadership was very good. We stayed in constant communication with where we were and quickly resolved any issues that came up." The team displayed extraordinary toughness through this availability,” added Silsdorf. “Thank you for everybody's support and service!” AUGUST 2016 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 17
Confidential Avenue to Report Fraud, Waste and Abuse BY CHASE GOODWIN • HOTLINE PROGRAM MANAGER
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NNSY hotline
Open any national newspaper and you may likely find an article or two disclosing the juicy details of the country’s latest case of public corruption. Even though the accused often resides several cities or states away, it’s not unimaginable to find similar events closer to home…perhaps right here at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The NNSY Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline offers callers an anonymous or confidential avenue to report fraud, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, mismanagement and other violations of law, rule or regulation. “The hotline provides a reliable resource to report violations of Navy and NNSY values; the program is fully supported by me and my shipyard leadership team,” said Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown. A group of professionally trained investigators in the Command Evaluation and Review Office (CERO), NNSY’s version of the Inspector General, operate the hotline. CERO investigators routinely rely on individuals to report violations of law, rule or regulation. “The hotline provides employees an opportunity to report anything they feel may be considered fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement,” said Rodney Wilkins, CERO Investigator. Military and civilian personnel are required to report suspected wrongdoing to the proper authority. For fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement at NNSY, the proper authority is the CERO. Before initiating contact with the CERO, allow the chain of command an opportunity to resolve the problem. Since many matters reported to the hotline aren’t appropriate for the CERO, many problems are best addressed by the chain of command. In calendar year 2015, the CERO recorded 65 calls to the hotline. Of those, 28 were eventually referred to the command for appropriate action. In other words, the CERO determined 43% of all calls recorded in 2015 would be best resolved by the command. Regardless of a contact’s destination, CERO reviews all cases to ensure the command adequately investigated matters reported and, if necessary, directed appropriate corrective or disciplinary action. Intended to provide personnel an alternative when the chain of command is unresponsive or a legitimate fear of reprisal exists, the hotline is a reliable, confidential means to report fraud, waste and abuse or mismanagement. Allegations reported to the hotline must be based on the individual’s “good faith” belief that the information reported is true. In other words, be honest. Since CERO investigators will quickly discover the truth, personnel may be disciplined for knowingly providing false information. Anytime an individual contacts the hotline, it’s imperative they provide adequate information for
investigators to evaluate. At a minimum, individuals should provide information to answer who, what, where, when and how type questions: WHO: full name and code or shop WHAT: specific violation and law, rule or regulation violated WHERE: location where the violation occurred WHEN: specific dates and times the violation occurred HOW: why and how the individual perpetrated the offense In order for an allegation to be substantiated, or proven to be true, the matter reported must be supported with evidence. For example, one’s claim that a coworker misused official time doesn’t make the allegation a fact. Investigators may conduct surveillance or gather physical and testimonial evidence to substantiate the allegation. It’s important to note that investigations take time. To ensure the truth is accurately reflected in the final report, investigators thoroughly explore every lead during any investigation. Because the CERO only offers recommendations, it’s the role of the shipyard commander to direct satisfactory resolutions. “Although we don’t initiate disciplinary action, we closely track corrective actions taken. Ultimately, individual NNSY codes take the necessary steps to discipline their personnel,” said Jay Jones, CERO Director. Adam Christopher, a third-year machinist apprentice, believes the hotline supports NNSY’s mission while reducing unwanted behavior. “Preventing waste saves money in the long run for our customer, the U.S. Navy, by getting the jobs done on time and within budget; preventing fraud saves money as well, but can also make the shipyard a safer place for the workers; preventing abuse makes NNSY a better place to work. Better morale makes for a more productive workforce,” said Christopher. NNSY must demand and enforce the highest ethical standards from its personnel. The prevention and elimination of undesirable practices can best be accomplished by individual employee participation toward reaching the common goal of maintaining good order and discipline. The hotline provides employees an unbiased, impartial avenue to report issues and ensure they are properly evaluated, investigated and, when necessary, corrected by responsible authorities. To report fraud, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, mismanagement and other violations of law, rule or regulation, e-mail NNSY_IG_ HOTLINE@navy.mil or call (757) 396-7971.
“The hotline provides employees an opportunity to report anything they feel may be considered fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement.”
Tim Gregory, Shop 06 nuclear tool room supervisor, models the cooling vest with Herrin and Mason.
Be Cool.
New vests with cooling technology help Norfolk Naval Shipyard employees beat the heat thanks to efforts from Tool Control Shop By Jennifer Zingalie • Public Affairs Specialist Photos by Shayne Hensley • NNSY Photographer
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Heat is one of the deadliest weather events, killing hundreds of people every year, according to a July 18 report by CNN Meteorologist Brendan Johnson. This summer, forecasts are showing high heat with elevated humidity. This means in many states where the temperature is reaching 100 degrees, the heat index can make it feel more like 120 degrees. In turn, the risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death is increased. According to the Center for Disease Control, the combination of extreme heat and elevated humidity is exceptionally dangerous. Johnson also reported that high humidity slows evaporation -- or sweating -- which is the body's cooling mechanism. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body cannot properly cool down. His report also stated men sweat more than women, causing them to become dehydrated more quickly, which makes them more susceptible to heat illness. Employees who work in industrial environments such as Norfolk Naval Shipyard are also vulnerable to heatrelated dangers. Laura Herrin, Shop 06 (Safety Repair), Tool Control Manager, advises workers like sand blasters, who are typically covered from head to toe with full-face respirators, leather gloves, and coveralls, to be aware and take precautions to stay cool. “That is why the shipyard provides cooling vests, along with personal protective equipment lockers and hydration stations located around the shipyard,” she said. “Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know the vests are available.” According to the manufacturer, the vests are filled with an advanced material called Isotherm technology that remains a constant 55 degrees for hours of cooling. The vests are lightweight, provide front and back cooling and do not create condensation. “The vests can be frozen overnight which will provide cooling for up to four hours,” said Johnnie Mason, Shop 06 supervisor and Piping Group (Code 960) safety representative. “You can also submerge them in ice cold water for
Herrin advises employees to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to stay cool.
Top: Mason demonstrates the cooling vest. Above: Mason and Herrin present cooling vests to NNSY Fire Department.
approximately 20 minutes which provides cooling for up to an hour.” “The vests are adjustable and can fit all shapes and sizes. They conform to your body after about 15 minutes,” said Mason. Employees who are interested can be issued two vests from Shop 06. All they need is their badge and not to be delinquent on any other item or tool checkout, said Herrin. “The vests can be frozen by the project,” said Herrin. “It’s important for people to understand, to prevent heat related dangers, it’s more than being hydrated--they also have to stay cool.” Shop 06 helps the NNSY Fire Department keep their cool, too. Tool Control presented the fire department with 15 cooling vests July 8. Mason and Herrin discovered the fire department was in need of the vests during a recent safety fair held by the shipyard. Heat can cause heat stress which can lower reaction time, reduce energy, and cause difficulty concentrating. But cooling vests use a technology that helps the body maintain a safe core temperature even during extreme heat situations. “I told them we have plenty of inventory. [We have] enough to share,” said Herrin. For Shop 06, sharing the vests with the fire department is more than just helping them stay cool, it is a way to say “thank you.” “They protect our lives out here,” said Herrin. “When we get hurt, overheated or exhausted, they come running. We appreciate and support them for all that they do.” First shift workers interested in the cooling vests may get them from Shop 06 Safety Repair on the first floor of Bldg. 278 from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Second shift employees interested in the vests may get them on the first floor of Bldg. 278 from 2:30 to 11 p.m. The vests are checked out using the employee’s badge number and they must not be delinquent on any other items or tools. (Both locations are currently operating under summer hours. Normal business hours are 7:20 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
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Shipyard Spotlight: Dominic Scott BY ANNA TAYLOR • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” John Q. Adams It isn’t always easy to figure out what you want to do with your life and it took Dominic Scott a few tries to get it right. He was a car salesman before applying to be an apprentice at Norfolk Naval Shipyard and didn’t know anything about the field he would be entering. But for a man who chose his occupation because the job title “sounded cool,” Inspector Supervisor Dominic Scott takes Quality Assurance very seriously. “We’re the last line of defense as far as making sure the product is good and making sure it’s done correctly and on time,” said Scott, who works in the Nondestructive Test Division (Code 135) Operations Support Branch (Code 135.2). “We ensure everything meets the standards and we want to make sure the Sailors get home to their families safe, so we take pride in our job.” To Inspector Faith Kinnaird, Scott is more than a supervisor. “Dominic possesses all the characteristics of a wonderful leader and human being overall. He always shows respect for everyone, he helps people build on their strengths and he displays appreciation for our hard work and ideas.” Scott said he is motivated to make America’s Shipyard the type of place where his employees continue to feel happy when they come to work every day. “I try to have an upbeat attitude, and I try to get my folks to model that behavior. I tell my guys all the time, ‘this is the best job I’ve ever had.’” Scott served as an inspector and leader on USS Florida (SSGN 728), USS Georgia (SSGN 729), USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), USS Maryland (SSBN 738), USS Alaska (SSBN 732), USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740), USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), USS La Jolla (SSN 701), and USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), all of which provided the experience that makes him qualified to lead others. According to Kinnaird, Scott shares more than just his trade expertise with those around him. “He continues to serve as an exemplary leader with a solid sense of values and ethics, as well as pride
for himself, his inspectors, and NNSY,” she said. “What sets Dominic apart from all other great supervisors is his ability to show his true self. Seeing the ‘human side’ of him allows us to relate to him on a level far beyond him just being our boss.” Scott knows leadership is more than giving directions and delegating work. “I like to encourage my employees to figure things out on their own. I want them to take control and have the freedom to ask questions and learn on their own too.” Kinnaird says working for Scott makes coming to work rewarding and enjoyable. “Working for Dominic, you’re inspired to do your best and learn. He’s a very morally grounded person, so he keeps that positive attitude in the code. He stays calm and collected under pressure. He shows constant enthusiasm and creativity, allowing us to learn and have fun in a safe and comfortable environment.” Robert Chambers, who also works in Code 135, echoed Kinnaird’s sentiments. "Dominic puts his inspectors before himself and makes sure they are happy. He would fight tooth and nail to defend his people." Despite all the glowing praise, Scott is quick to credit his success to those who support him, especially his work leader, Craig Holgate. “Craig is the key to my success, he’s my right hand man, and I really appreciate all he does.” Scott’s admirable character is easily noticed by those around him, even when they work outside his department. "Dominic is a unique manager. He is always courteous, respectful, and willing to help other trades,” said David Grimm, who works in the Structural Group (Code 920). “He is the kind of supervisor everybody wants to work for, and every manager wants to work with." Scott, who celebrated his 15-year shipyard anniversary July 18th, said his goal for the future is simple: to come to work and do his very best. “The best way I can serve my country is to do my part to get our ships out on time to defend our freedom.”
Scott (fifth from right) poses with members of his Operations Support Branch team
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