DON'T MISS: WOMEN IN STEM DAY
SERVICE TO THE FLEET Norfolk Naval Shipyard
We Are America's Shipyard
May 2019
EMERGENT GEAR WORK FOR USS WYOMING
Code 900F and Shops 51, 31, 31E, 06 work together to complete emergent gear production and motor repair
DON'T MISS: MWR OPENS NEW PLAYGROUND AND PICNIC SHELTER
Table of Contents
IN THIS ISSUE Features: 4 FROM THE COMMANDER Ownership in America's Shipyard
7 WOMEN IN STEM DAY 10 EYE ON INNOVATION T&I Lab Sharing Program
12 SAAPM KICKOFF 14 RIBBON CUTTING AT SCOTT CENTER ANNEX
14
Scott Center Annex opens new playground and picnic shelters
16 ON THE COVER Teamwork sees completion of emergent repair efforts forUSS Wyoming
18 SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT Elly Roldan
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5
20 2018 ANNUAL SAFETY AWARD WINNER Shop 56
21 PORTSMOUTH DAY OF HOPE 22 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION SYMPOSIUM
24 C-FRAM FRAUD SCHEME AWARENESS 2 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • MAY 2019
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VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 5 SHIPYARD COMMANDER Capt. Kai Torkelson
Service to the Fleet
EXECUTIVE OFFICER Capt. Daniel Rossler COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM (AW/SW) Michael Reese EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (CODE 1100) Lisa Downey PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Terri Davis SERVICE TO THE FLEET EDITOR Kristi Britt PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF Michael Brayshaw, April Brown, Floyd Logan, Troy Miller, Curtis Steward EMAIL THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE nfsh_nnsy_pao@navy.mil EMPLOYEE INFORMATION HOTLINE (757) 396-9551 FRAUD, WASTE & ABUSE HOTLINE (757) 396-7971 SHIPYARD RADIO ADVISORY 1630 AM SERVICE TO THE FLEET is a Department of Defense publication and is authorized for members of the DoD. Contents of Service to the Fleet are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the DoD, or Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Service to the Fleet is published monthly. Submissions are due on the 10th of each month. The public affairs staff reserves the right to edit submissions for content and brevity.
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PHOTO BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
REMINDER CONSIDERING COLORS ETIQUETTE Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), like all U.S. Military installations, has specific protocol when it comes to honoring the U.S. Flag. While on base, all personnel-military and civilian-are expected to follow regulations which are steeped in a hard-fought and rich tradition. The U.S. Flag is raised and lowered every morning and evening at NNSY's Norman Sisisky Engineering and Management Building (Bldg. 1500) in a ceremony known as Colors. During colors, all vehicles shall stop and passengers should sit at attention. Personnel on bicycles should completely dismount. Once the "Carry On" has sounded immediately following Colors, all regular activities can continue. While outside, military personnel are required to stop, face the direction of the base flagpole and render a salute if in uniform. If not in uniform, military personnel are still required to stop, face the flagpole and stand at attention. Civilians and visitors are also expected to stop, face the flag and remain still until the music ends. If wearing a hat, it is customary to remove it. Veterans of the Armed Forces can also render a salute as stated in the 2009 Defense Authorization Act. Personnel in the industrial area should stop and face the nearest flag being raised during colors. For more information on honors, ceremonies and customs see OPNAVINST 1710.7A. MAY 2019 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 3
From the Commander, Capt. Kai O. Torkelson:
Ownership in America's Shipyard
May is here already, and it’s no wonder the year is speeding by given the awesome activity in America’s Shipyard! We’ve had opportunities for some exciting engagements the last month, including the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) visit on March 28 to learn about our vital service to the Navy and our innovations we’re driving to implement on the deckplates. We also conducted our first Big Rocks ceremony for 2019, commending several milestones we’ve successfully met so far this fiscal year. Thank you to everyone who participated in achieving these significant events! During his visit, the CNO emphasized the importance of celebrating successes. That’s something we should do every day with “small wins” and with our Big Rocks ceremonies throughout the year as we support quality of work life at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and ensure dependable mission delivery to the Fleet. This month brings two momentous observances in connection to our history. May 5 will mark the 100th anniversary of 4 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • MAY 2019
docking the first ship in Dry Dock 4, the battleship Wisconsin. Dry Dock 4 has served NNSY and the Navy very well throughout its century of service, and was significant from the moment it opened, being one of the largest concrete structures in the world back in 1919. 100 years later, the dry dock still functions as a crucial asset for the overhaul, repair and modernization of the Navy’s fleet. Later this month, I will be participating in another centennial observance, this one for the community of Truxtun. Along with Cradock, Truxtun is one of two governmentbuilt Portsmouth residential communities established during World War I. Their establishment was necessary to accommodate the influx of workers joining the ranks to help turn the tide of war—from 1914 to 1919, the number of shipyard employees more than quadrupled, topping out at around 11,000 employees. A revealing quote emphasizing the importance of establishing facilities like Dry Dock 4 and accommodating the swelling employment rolls comes from Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels, who in 1918 said “War has demonstrated that it is essential that we should have [Navy] yards for the quick repair and construction of naval craft. I do not know how we could have carried on the war if we had not retained our Navy yards and had not expanded them and made such wide utilization of their capacities as to enable them to perform even larger tasks than it seemed possible, before the stress of war, they could successfully undertake.” Next month will bring another remarkable anniversary in our history, as we observe the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Our next Big Rocks ceremony in June will pay tribute to the work of our predecessors in America’s Shipyard who were pivotal in building and preparing so many of the ships that helped turned the tide of World War II. You can learn more about our D-Day support by visiting the NNSY Heritage Room next to the Building 1500 Command Briefing Room, which has a new display in place commemorating this event. As I mentioned last month, our organizational values of C.O.R.E. are so important I’d like to specifically address each
of them over the next few editions of my Commander’s Comments, continuing this month with the Ownership value. Ownership is essential to having the right people working on the right things at the right times, so I’ve been giving this value a lot of attention in my discussions with senior leaders throughout the shipyard. When we look at the Ownership tenet of “I am responsible for my attitude, behavior, decisions and all their positive and negative consequences,” we have to consider what that really means. To me, that means we cannot risk stifling the development of critical thinking people by unnecessarily pushing information to authority so only senior leaders are making the decisions. Ownership is essential to developing the personal leadership and resilience inside every one of us. To allow our people to be truly empowered, we will push authority to the appropriate information level, where the right disciplined person, using the right disciplined thought, can take the right disciplined action. The second tenet of Ownership states “I see every problem as an opportunity to learn, improve, innovate and teach.” This is something particularly timely to discuss following the CNO visit and many of the priorities he emphasized. While touring NNSY’s Technology and Innovation Lab, Admiral Richardson spoke about the importance of working together to bring technological innovation and overall improvements to bear. Pleased with the possibilities of technologies like additive manufacturing and laser scanning, the CNO challenged us to help find ways to move these innovations outside the lab and to the deckplates. As outlined in our Command Philosophy, he recognizes we are the leaders in “rebuilding America’s Shipyard for the next 250-plus years.” In conversation with a group of middle managers, the CNO emphasized the importance of having an “energized middle” serving as a conduit to workforce development and knowledge sharing which is crucial to achieving excellence in our superior quality and delivery to the Navy. When our sense of Ownership in being responsible for our attitude, behavior and decisions has fully matured, we start seeing fewer and fewer challenges and more and
more opportunities. We’re at a crucial point in the Navy’s transition from focusing on high velocity learning to driving toward high velocity outcomes—what are we doing to ensure those outcomes are happening right here in America’s Shipyard? A true display of Ownership is not shying away from the limit of your authority, but constantly pushing to meet it. We must also have a questioning attitude, encouraging our high-performing teammates by sharing and examining new ideas and seeing potential with them, not just problems. We have 11,000 pairs of hands on the wheel helping to chart the course of the 21st century Navy—what an opportune time to act boldly! Norfolk Naval Shipyard, committed to our C.O.R.E.!
Capt. Kai Torkelson Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s 108th Commander
TOP: Shipyard Commander Capt. Kai Torkelson at Dry Dock 4. BOTTOM: Shipyard Commander Capt. Kai Torkelson with the Employee Development Program Team for 2019 at Dry Dock 4. Photos by Shelby West, NNSY Photographer.
MAY 2019 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 5
From the Deckplate: Command Master Chief Michael Reese
It's Been An Honor to Serve America's Shipyard
Greetings shipyard mates! Well, it is finally happening. The sights and sounds of the new season are upon us and it seems there are new beginnings all around us. It is hard for me to fathom that this will be my last round of Service to the Fleet comments. I have been a part of Norfolk Naval Shipyard for over four-and-a-half years and while I have enjoyed every single minute of it, my new beginning is also around the corner, retirement! I am completing my 30-year Navy career this year and will be moving on. It was just a short 30 years ago when I was preparing to graduate high school in a small town in Virginia. I had already enlisted in the U.S. Navy, under the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) so I knew what was coming for me during my summer break: Basic Training. I was ready to go, after following the footsteps of some pretty amazing people in my family. My dad, Herbert, who served a couple of years in the Navy during Korea, my father-in-law, Paul, who served in the Army, my uncle Lee who served in Vietnam as well as other family members in the Army and Navy to include my sister Tami, who served in the Air Force for a couple of years and my brother Dwayne Reese, Sr. who retired as a Command Master Chief in 2013 and his son Dwayne Jr. who is currently serving as a Master-at-arms third class (MA3). I guess you could say it is in our blood.
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During the course of my career I have had the opportunity to serve on a variety of ships and shore commands. My first ship, the USS America (CV 66) brought me here to NNSY for the first time in 1990. I would have never imagined that 29 years later I would retire as the Command Master Chief of America’s Shipyard. My next adventure landed me onboard USS Peterson (DD 969), where I was lucky to have been able to serve with my brother onboard that ship and learn from the best! My next assignment was at the Pentagon working security where I met a lot of interesting people that helped mold me more into the person I am today. From there I was assigned to PreCommissioning Det/Unit and ultimately USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) where I made Chief Petty Officer and converted from Signalman (SM) to Master-at-Arms (MA). That ship was one of my best commands that I had the honor of serving on and continued to grow thanks to the many great Sailors I served with. For my next assignment I moved across the street to Sewell’s Point Police Precinct, Naval Station Norfolk, where I made Senior Chief Master-of-arms (MACS) and met more great people that continued to show me the right path. I applied for and was accepted as the Pre-Commissioning George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Leading MA and selected to Master Chief and continued to hone my skills while surrounded by more great Sailors! After selection to Command Master Chief, I broke away and went to the aviation community with VRC 40 and VAW 125. Yes, you guessed it, more great Sailors that helped me continue to become who I am today. My last tour of duty would land me here, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, America’s Shipyard, where I am continually surrounded by great people, Sailors and civilians alike. Here I have grown even more and that is thanks to each and every one of you. I can honestly say that I would not have wanted to finish my career anywhere else but here. As I walk out the door, hang up the
uniform and move on to my next adventure, I leave you with a few thoughts. The first is simple, “just show up!” If you do this, and then build on it by learning your job, doing your job and training those around you, we will continue to grow. Never feel entitled to anything because of your paygrade, never forget where you came from. Always look out for each other. We are a family and that’s what families do. Try to make it a point to learn something new each day and to teach someone something new each day. I am reminded of a quote and it goes like this: “If you expect someone to accept you for who you are, you must first accept them for who they are.” – Michael Reese (yes, me). My last CMC Shout Out goes out to all of you with whom I have had the privilege and honor to serve. Thank you for your support and may you continue to grow and become even better with each passing day! You are all the best and my family and I are blessed to be a forever member of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, America’s Shipyard family! Bravo Zulu to you all, Job Well Done! Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not say thank you to my wife Trina, son Dalton, mom Shirley and mother-in-law Shirley, sister Tami, brother Dwayne Sr., sisterin-law Cindy and all my family for all of their love and support during my career. I definitely appreciate what you have done for me and will never forget it! As always, thank you to each of you for what you do every day to make us the best command in the Navy! What an honor to have served in the World’s Greatest Navy and to always be a part of AMERICA’s Shipyard! -CMC OUT!
Michael Reese Command Master Chief
NNSY Celebrated with the community during Annual Women in STEM Day
ABOVE: FWP member Tiffany Greene and Nuclear Engineer Erica Jones shows guests how to construct a snap circuit device at Women in STEM Day.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) participated in the annual Women in STEM Day March 30 at Nauticus in Norfolk, VA. The annual event celebrates women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Guests were provided the opportunity to participate in activities as well as meet career professionals in STEM from the Hampton Roads community. “Today is focused on sharing with the community what different organizations and specialists are available locally and what work they are doing in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields,” said Nauticus Floor Programs Manager for the Education Department Liz Edmonds. “There is a lot that the public can learn from our volunteers and we want them to be able to explore their interests and see what different career paths are out there for them. We help introduce those curious minds to what’s out there and what they are capable of learning and doing which is so vital and important to us.” This is the fifth year members of NNSY have participated in the event. Shipyard employees, including members of the NNSY Outreach Program, the Federal Women’s Program (FWP), and the
STEM Employee Resource Group (STEM-ERG), came together to volunteer their services and share with the guests what career opportunities were available at the shipyard and how STEM is utilized every day on the waterfront. “I love being able to be a liaison for our shipyard and come out into the community to share what it is we do,” said Nuclear Engineer and STEM-ERG Lead Erica Jones. “When I was younger, my mother instilled in me my love for all things STEM. She saw my interests in using my hands to build and create so she would buy me Legos and take me to programs where I could feed that interest. Just as she did for me, I want to share my love with others and help feed the hungry minds with activities and knowledge. We can build that interest in STEM and help keep it alive.”
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE Federal Women's Program? The FWP is open to all shipyard employees, Sailors, and tenants. The group meets the second Thursday of each month in Bldg. 510R, Rm. 20 from 3 to 4 p.m. (2 to 3 p.m. during summer hours). Contact Carlynn Lucas at 738-5904 for more information.
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE STEM Employee Resource Group? The STEM-ERG is open to all shipyard employees, Sailors, and tenants. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month in Bldg. 1500, Rm. 413 from 10 to 11 a.m. Contact Erica Jones at erica.s.jones@navy.mil for more information.
MAY 2019 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 7
Shipyard Insider: BUZZ & BYTES
» POSITIVE YARDAGE
CNO Visits NNSY On March 28, Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John M. Richardson, came to America’s Shipyard to get updates on NNSY’s vital service to the Fleet and tour its Technology and Innovation Lab. “I was fortunate to visit the Innovation Lab where a talented team is moving forward to incorporate cutting edge technologies into shipyard processes,” said Admiral Richardson. You can check out the video of the CNO at the lab using the below URL: https://twitter.com/CNORichardson/ status/1111464246724968453. Photo by Shelby West, Shipyard Photographer.
Congratulations Shop 89! Congratulations to NNSY’s Shop 89 of the Temporary Services Group (Code 990), awarded the January 2019 Safety Flag! Production Resources Officer Cmdr. James Kuhlmann and shipyard Safety and Health leaders presented this award to the shop March 22. The shop had no lost workday cases and one injury for the month. Code 990’s strides in safety include increased attendance in safety meetings, interactive job briefs, and thorough assessment of any mishaps that occur. Code 990 personnel are also newly certified in training personnel on exoskeleton technology which provides personal lifting support. Shop 89 is starting 2019 the same way it spent much of the previous year, having dominated 2018 with five safety flags! Photo by Tony Anderson, NNSY Photographer.
SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING.
DIVERSITY MEMBER OF THE MONTH
ERICA JONES, STEM-ERG
8 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • MAY 2019
SPOTLIGHT BY TROY MILLER • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTO BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST From receiver of dreams to a provider of dreams, this is the course that Code 2300’s Erica Jones, a nuclear engineer, has taken with the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program. Finding her passion with engineering as a child when her mother gave her some plywood to build something with it, she joined Cooperating Hampton Roads Organizations for Minorities in Engineering (CHROME) while in middle school. She continued with STEM after she graduated Hampton High School and Old Dominion University where she majored in civil engineering. Although her role changed through high school and college, from receiver to provider, her heart will remain a part of the STEM program in one form or another. Her current role with STEM is being the chair for the newly formed STEM – Employee Resource Group (ERG). Using Legos, Magic Sand, and other tools, the STEM – ERG reaches out to the Hampton Roads community to enhance STEM awareness. Jones' fondest memory with STEM is a time when she talked to a middle school student about engineering. The student felt lost because other students had teased her and said she wasn’t smart enough. With the encouragement and help from Jones, that same student is graduating high school this year with college scholarships waiting for her. Jones encourages the shipyard to join the STEM – ERG to help those who feels lost to become a success story. The STEM-ERG meets the second Wednesday of every month in Bldg. 1500 Room 413. For more information, contact Jones at erica.s.jones@navy.mil.
NOBODY GETS HURT TODAY! Safety starts with YOU. YOU are NNSY's most vital asset. Proper Management of Solid Waste and use of Dumpsters Norfolk Naval Shipyard has had an abundance of unauthorized waste being disposed of in dumpsters. NNSY’s solid waste contractor has the right to refuse service on any dumpster containing unauthorized waste, which has potential to violate environmental federal, state or local regulations or other requirements related to contract agreements. Unauthorized waste in dumpsters not only poses a threat to the environment, it also poses a potential threat to employee health, safety and well-being. The following unauthorized waste disposed in dumpsters may cause a significant impact operations at NNSY: DO NOT DISPOSE refrigerators, freezers, water coolers, air conditioners (or any item that contains or has contained refrigerant), liquid waste of any type including oil, cutting fluid, paint, cleaners, and grease, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, TV monitors, computer parts and components, circuit boards, recorders, radios, batteries, medical waste, unidentified ships equipment, electrical appliances, CO2 cartridges, gas cylinders, hazardous waste, lead, zinc, wet transformers, and radiological waste. There is a proper disposition method for all waste generated at NNSY. Please contact NNSY's Code 106 Solid Waste Program Manager at (757) 396-7231 for assistance in proper disposal methods of ANY material.
SERVICES ONLY weekends In accordance with the NNSY Overtime Management Policy, several weekends in 2019 will be designated as services only weekends in order to give our combined workforce (including our Ship's Force teammates) a chance to rest and revitalize. These weekends are "charge-your-battery" weekends: take time to be with your family and friends, and reflect on what we can do to take care of each other, improve communications within our teams and think about the work we are doing with a focus on safety. Thank you for everything you are doing every day. UPCOMING SERVICES ONLY WEEKENDS: May 11-12, May 25-27, June 8-9, June 22-23, July 4-7, Aug. 10-11, Aug. 31-Sep. 2, Sep. 21-22
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD OFFICE OF COUNSEL (CODE 107)
Code 107 provides legal support to the NNSY Commander and staff in several legal areas, including administrative claims, employment law, environmental law, ethics and standards of conduct, fiscal law, FOIA/privacy, general legal support, government contract/ procurement law, and litigation. If you have any questions, please contact us at 757-396-8625 or nnsy_c107legaldepartment@navy.mil. For Ethics and Standards of Conduct, Code 107 can help you work through your questions concerning gifts from contractors, gifts from other federal employees, partisan political activity, conflicts of interest, outside-work activities (such as teaching, speaking, writing, and second-jobs), post-government employment issues, and much more. From Left to Right: Assistant Counsel Nichole Greenberg, Paralegal Jackie Thompson, Associate Counsel Dena Panecaldo, Counsel Jim Metcalfe, Assistant Counsel Ryan James, and Assistnt Counsel Karissa Getz. Photo by Troy Miller, Public Affairs Specialist.
2019 TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES In an effort to provide NNSY employees information and education on beneficial Human Resources topics, FLTHRO will host informal Lunch and Learn training sessions throughout the year. Bring your lunch, FLTHRO will provide the education! All NNSY employees are welcome and encouraged to attend these informal sessions. FLTHRO has seating for 33 employees, and attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis.
9 - 11 A.M. (TRAINING FOR MANAGERS) May 30, Aug. 15 • Writing a Position Description 11:20 A.M. - NOON LUNCH & LEARNS: May 15, July 25 • Resume Writing June 11, Sept. 12 • Navigating USAJobs
MAY 2019 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 9
NNOVATIO EYE ON INNOVATION
NNSY T&I LAB HOSTS SHIPYARD SHARING PROGRAM
BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHELBY WEST • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
The Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Technology and Innovation (T&I) Lab strives to break down barriers and bring technologies of the shipyard to the forefront, aiding employees who aim to make their jobs safer and more efficient through NNSY’s Innovation Program. To do that, the lab has created an avenue for talented people from across the shops and codes who want to contribute and put their skills to the test by working in the innovation lab, submitting ideas through the REAL Ideas program, being a member of the T&I Community of Practice, or participating in activities under the T&I umbrella. “We are staffed with some of the best and brightest employees from around the shipyard as we seek to bring our shipyard into the 21st century,” said Innovation Program Manager Dan Adams. “Our team here is built from a partnership throughout the shipyard, allowing us to have talent in various areas so we can expand on ideas and build relationships within the shops and codes.” For example, Technology Insertion Manager Dale Berkley was brought in from Quality Assurance Dept. (Code 130). The Control Point of the lab, Susan Simmons, was brought in from the Welding Shop (Code 926). The lab is constantly bringing in new talent to assist in the innovation efforts of the shipyard and the Navy. And its members are working to build partnerships across the workforce.
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“We recently built a partnership with the Nuclear Test Engineering Division (Code 2340). Division Head Matt Durkin came to us to discuss how we could utilize resources from his code,” said Adams. “The new nuclear engineers coming into the shipyard would need time to finalize their clearances before they could begin work on the Navy’s assets. So we came up with a sharing program to bring them into the innovation lab and work with the various technologies here.” “As soon as they were brought in, they hit the ground running.” said Berkley. “For some, they had a lot of experience with 3-D scanning and modeling, robotics, and the like. For others, they had never utilized the technologies before but were quickly learning the ropes and owning the work themselves. They were committed to the job and it showed.” At this time there are 7 Code 2340 personnel inside the lab, including Assist Shift Test Engineers (ASTE) Brendon Wilkins, James Keim, Matthew Ferguson, Anny Wang, Joey Hoellerich, Steve Quiroga, and Daniel Harding. There are also 4 personnel who have previously worked at the lab but have moved on since their clearances have finalized, including Kara Cuddapah, Travis Alford, Kevin McDonald and Garrett Wotring. When it came to if they ever thought they would get
LEFT: From Left to Right: Brendon Wilkins, Anny Wang, Steve Quiroga, James Keim, Daniel Harding, Matthew Perkinson, and Joey Hoellerith; TOP LEFT: Quiroga views a 3-D model in AUTOCAD; TOP RIGHT: Wilkins and Perkinson work on a 3-D printer. to do something like working on innovative technologies in their careers, the answer was unanimous from the team. “When I was hired here, I expected to jump right into my job in Code 2340,” said Keim. “So when we were given this opportunity, it gave us all a chance to step outside of our normal duties and look at the shipyard from different perspectives. For me, I was very interested in trying my hand at 3-D laser scanning and additive manufacturing. Also, I was able to try my hand at some items for Information Technology (IT). I’ve even begun working on projects involving bringing wireless communications to the shipyard. These are opportunities I never thought I would have and it’s been a lot of fun.” “It’s the same with all of us,” said Wilkins. “When we entered the lab, a lot of us were unfamiliar with the technologies here but we jumped into it for a chance to learn and expand our skills. I had a lot of interest in robotics so when I started I was given the opportunity to work on a real ideas project that would utilize a robotic arm in automating repetitive tasks. The robotic arms called “cobots” also free up workers to work on more complex and interesting jobs. The team here gave me free rein to do what I needed and it was refreshing to use my skills to get the job done. They also were able to send me to a conference to see demonstrations of these technologies firsthand so I could see what could greatly benefit the shipyard. I’ve met people here that I didn’t imagine I would have ever met before in my engineering job. And with those meetings, I have been able to build relationships across the shipyard and see what work gets done here firsthand.” Keim added, “I think that’s one of the most important aspects of this partnership. We gain heightened sensitivity to things like the workforce and the tools they use at the shipyard by working here in the lab. Sometimes on the job, you tend to focus on your own bubble and forget that we’re all here working together to service the fleet. We’re all pieces of a bigger puzzle.” “We are able to help each other and see things from different perspectives,” said Ferguson, whose interests include 3-D laser scanning, additive manufacturing, and 3-D modeling. “This work is very creative and you are able to have more freedom in your work to test out new ideas to see what best fits the workforce here. And in order to do that, we’re given those opportunities to work with folks on the waterfront and learn from them what their needs are
for their particular job. Together, we are able to innovate.” Wang, who has an interest in 3-D modeling and robotics, thinks the lab provides a unique experience for everyone who steps through its doors. “We’re able to take newer technologies and use them to find solutions throughout the shipyard. In using our skills, we’re also able to build confidence in ourselves with what we do here.” Hoellerich came in with little to no exposure to 3-D printing and metrology. However, he quickly learned the ropes and is now involved in a 3-D scan project for the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) project. “I never thought I would be doing something like this but it’s been a lot of fun and you can see the hard work paying off for the shipyard by innovating and finding ways to make our jobs more efficient,” he said. “I think that’s something everyone should take to heart. The mission for the lab is to never be satisfied with the way things are done now. There’s always going to be a better and safer way to do something. We should always be looking for ways to innovate. There’s a mentality that if things have always been done a certain way, why change it? We live in a world that’s constantly advancing and we should be willing to see what new technologies there are and how they can fit into our mission. You may be surprised just what’s out there that could help us out along the way.” For this team of folks, they are getting an experience they never thought possible with the T&I Lab. “We want this sharing program to give them the thirst for innovation and technology,” said Berkley. “We want them to go forward with these new skills they acquired and use it with their home codes. They will be able to expand in their jobs and constantly look for ways to improve.” “This partnership has come with a lot of successes and each of these individuals have been phenomenal in the work they have done for the shipyard,” said Adams. “This partnership may be with Code 2340 but we want to expand it across the shipyard. By collaborating across NNSY, we are able to build better relationships and expand the new ideas and technologies further than we ever thought possible.” For more information regarding innovation, contact the NNSY T&I Lab at 757-396-7180 or email the REAL Ideas program at NNSY_REALIdeas@navy.mil.
MAY 2019 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 11
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Kicks off with Record Attendance STORY BY TROY MILLER • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY MC3 KALLYSTA CASTILLO • USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH Stay strong! You’re not alone! Praying for you! These are a few messages that were written on small white flags with teal markers and then placed along the walkways in front of Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Norman Sisisky Engineering and Management Building by NNSY’s Sailors and civilians, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Sailors and others from the various tenant commands located at the shipyard. “Three years ago, sexual assault response coordinators from military commands across Hampton Roads got together to come up with an idea that all the commands in the area can do at the same time to kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” said Shalise Bates-Pratt, NNSY’s and Suffolk Complex’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC). “We came up with these flags that have messages to survivors of sexual assault abuse.” Although names were not written on the flags, some participants wrote the message with certain people in mind. “I thought of a family member who is a survivor of sexual assault,” said one participant. “I never went through this, but not everyone is that lucky.” Friends, co-workers and the unknown survivors were on the minds of the 290 attendees, almost double the amount of the first two years combined. This event offered an opportunity to reflect on what each individual can to do prevent and bring sexual assault awareness throughout the entire year. 12 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • MAY 2019
“This is not an issue that only affects the Department of Defense organization,” said Cmdr. David Neall, USS George H.W. Bush’s navigator. “It’s present throughout our community. Schools, universities, commercial business both big and small, and unfortunately it’s even in our federal, state and local government. Everyone deals with this problem.” To show the importance of this year’s theme ‘make the commitment,’ NNSY Commander, Captain Kai O. Torkelson, read and signed the proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month (SAAPM). “SAAPM is to show the fact that sexual violence remains an intolerable violent crime that impacts mission readiness for America’s shipyard and our entire Navy community,” said Torkelson as he read the proclamation. Sailors and civilians alike stood at attention during morning colors as a reminder that just like the American flag flies high each day, sexual assault lies within the shadows of daily life for many. “Sexual assault isn’t something you pay attention to only in the month of April,” said Bates-Pratt. “Even though the reports of sexual assault incidents rise during the months of April and May, sexual assault doesn’t adhere to just one month alone. This is a battle that happens all year long, but the key thing to remember is that sexual assault is preventable.”
Bates-Pratt shared reminders such as: if an individuas feels uncomfortable or threatened they need to remind themselves that this situation isn’t their fault. They did nothing wrong. It is the person who is putting on the pressure who is responsible. The individual needs to trust their gut. They are not obligated to do anything they don’t want to do. There are ways to remove yourself from a potential bad situation. One could have a code word with family and friends that tells them that you are uncomfortable or need help. You can text them a series of numbers like “311.” It could be a phrase you say out loud such as, “Have you seen the latest Avengers movie yet?” This lets your family and friends know that you are uncomfortable without alerting the person who is pressuring you. “There are things that an innocent bystander can do as well,” said Bates-Pratt. “On site correction opens eyes. A person might not realize they crossed the line and it’s a chance to fix it before it becomes an issue.” Not all bystanders step in and take action. It could because they don’t know what to do and how to help or thinking that this doesn’t affect them, so why bother jumping in? But this does affect them in ways people haven’t thought of before. If a person is being sexual assaulted at work, their performance could drop, thus causing co-workers to pick up the slack. A shop could lose a person
permanently whether it was a victim of sexual assault and/or the perpetrator, thus causing shops to be short-handed. "Unfortunately, not everyone knows what tools and resources are available to them either as a victim or a bystander,” said Bates-Pratt. “Supervisors are realizing that their shop or code needs more training on this issue and are taking the steps to make it happen.” Bates-Pratt is glad that shipyard employees are stepping up to spread the awareness to others. There are two SARCs located onboard NNSY with approximately 50 advocates who help victims regardless of the time of day. However, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) team doesn’t stop there. “Everyone has a role on sexual assault prevention to play. This is an all hands on deck for a battle that doesn’t end,” said Bates-Pratt. If either you or someone you know is experiencing sexual assault, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800656-HOPE (4673). By the time you finished reading this article, approximately two people have experienced sexual assault.
BOTTOM LEFT: Norfolk Naval Shipyard Commander, Capt. Kai Torkelson, shares the importance of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month during the kick-off ceremony April 5. BOTTOM RIGHT: USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Navigator, Cmdr. David Neall, shares that sexual assault is an issue that affects not only the Department of Defense - but everyone as well. Photos by Ryan Hill, NNSY Videographer.
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ABOVE LEFT: MWR Director Chad Rickner, CNIC Recreation Manager Leslie Gould, Contractor for Bliss Products Kelly Robinson, NNSY Facilities Development Foreman Steve O'Neal, and Norfolk Naval Shipyard Commander Capt. Kai Torkelson cut the ribbon in celebration of the new picnic tables and playground equipment at Scott Center Annex. ABOVE RIGHT: The new playground opened March 29 at Scott Center Annex.
Playtime Arrives at NNSY's Scott Center Annex STORY BY APRIL BROWN • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Visitors of Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Scott Center Annex have long waited for a new playground and picnic shelters. With excitement, that anticipated day was shared with shipyard families and employees during a March 29 ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the new Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) community playground and picnic shelters. “This is an exciting day for the shipyard community. Today we are celebrating the completion of two projects,” said Chad Rickner, NNSY MWR Director. “These quality of life improvements onboard Scott Center Annex offers quality spaces to gather, socialize, and play.” Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Community Recreation Management, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA), NNSY MWR, and Public Works Department (PWD) Portsmouth teamed up to evaluate the existing condition and develop a project to 14 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • MAY 2019
improve the equipment and areas. “We based the projects on CNRMA’s recommendation after looking at the age of equipment, last replacement, and whether the play spaces met community recreation standards,” said Leslie Gould, CNIC Recreation Manager. “With the amazing partnership the MWR team has had with the NAVFAC Public Works teams, and the CNIC Fleet and Family Readiness facilities teams in the District of Columbia (DC) and Millington, we have been able to achieve these great improvements.” The team’s mission was to improve the green spaces and give the playground an innovative approach by making it more attractive to children. “It really wasn't very appealing and fun before. The new playground meets all national safety standards and is Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) compliant,” said Rickner. “More importantly, it's very inviting for families and offers children ages five to twelve multiple
play options including musically themed and designed play elements. The new playground fosters children's ability to have a positive outdoor experiences and opportunities to explore and play.” The playground project was possible with an Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) grant which is used to improve community recreation. NNSY was one of the first installations to receive this type of grant. The Scott Center Annex picnic shelter project was possible with the Community Recreation Grant which brought renovations and installed an outdoor basketball court; new back stop and dugout fencing on a ballfield; parks and recreation fencing across the annex; and a large picnic shelter beside the Strike Zone Bowling Community Center. “Projects and improvement initiatives such as these help provide a platform for command, community, and family gatherings, which provide support and recreational services that contribute to
BELOW: NNSY Shipyard Commander Capt. Kai Torkelson discussed the importance of having a new playground to be available to the families of NNSY and those living in the housing areas.
the retention, readiness, mental, physical, and emotional well-being of our NNSY community,” said Rickner. MWR is diligently keeping the momentum of improving morale, quality of life, and activities for the shipyard and their families with upgrades and renovations across Scott Center Annex. Future projects will include a renovated Strike Zone Bowling Center and Community Recreation Center, and new splash pad next to Scott Center Annex pool. “This ribbon cutting today marks another step in the efforts to provide the
playground for Norfolk Naval Shipyard families, families in the housing areas, and our workforce the opportunity to come over and enjoy some time here,” said Shipyard Commander Captain Kai Torkelson. “This area really feels like a first class place to bring your family. If we can feel that way and spread that feeling throughout to those who live in housing, outside the gate, or in Quarters A, they can bring their children over here and have some quality family time together.” Over the past several years, MWR has been working hard to improve recreation facilities. “The MWR community recreation
programs and facilities continue to increase morale and strengthen readiness throughout the warfighter community for our military and civilian personnel many years into the future,” added Torkelson. For more information about NNSY MWR events, visit www.facebook.com/nnsy. mwr and www.navymwrnorfolkshipyard. com.
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Machinist Dave Lewis and Third Year Apprentice Kim Compton work on the feeler gear for the USS Wyoming (SSBN-742) project.
Teamwork Across the Waterfront Ensures Completion of Emergent Gear Manufacture and Machine Repair BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTO BY SHELBY WEST • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Multiple shops came together to manufacture and deliver a feeler gear to the fleet in support of the USS Wyoming (SSBN-742). “Shop 31 (Inside Machinists) was tasked to make the feeler gear and our machinists hit the ground running to cut the gear out of plate steel, manufacture the fixture, and cut the teeth,” said Section 400 Supervisor Jeff Pritchard. “It takes a lot of coordination to get this type of work completed and it’s a job that we haven’t tackled in the shipyard for close to ten years. But we were ready to produce a first-time quality product.” The production began with Section 100 in Shop 31, the vertical turret lathe producing the fixture and blank for the gear. They waterjetted the material out of the plate and then the milling machine would be used to drill holes as needed. The next step involved the gear hobbing machine, which would be used to cut more than 500 teeth into this large gear. “This is work that hasn’t been done in years and it was a first for me as I’ve never done work on a gear this size before,” said 16 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • MAY 2019
Machinist Dave Lewis who is known as the ‘gear guy’ in the shop. “I’m currently the only one trained at the shipyard to run these gear cutting machines and it can almost be qualified as a lost art as we rarely handle that kind of work here anymore. So when this job came up I was excited to jump into it and get it done.” Third year apprentice Kim Compton had heard about a possible chance to work with the gear cutting machines and she jumped at the opportunity, joining Lewis to work alongside him and learn the ins and outs of the gear cutting trade. “I joined the apprenticeship program to help out and get my hands dirty in support of the shipyard,” said Compton. “I really want to learn and do whatever I can to help. And working with these machines and with Lewis was a perfect opportunity to do just that. It was a huge team effort to get the job done and being able to be part of that was very amazing to me. We’re making differences and it’s a great feeling seeing your hard work paying off.” “Kim’s put forth tremendous effort and has shown so much drive
in everything she’s done,” said Lewis. “Seeing her drive and hitting the ground running with everything I’ve been teaching her shows how dedicated and hardworking she is. And being able to pass on that knowledge I gained years ago and keeping the art of gear cutting alive is a big win for me.” Lewis and Compton worked together on the gear hobbing machine to cut the teeth of the gears and their work was just about completed when a hurdle crossed their path – the motor of the machine had locked up and burnt out from age. “This machine hadn’t been run in close to ten years so and its age had caught up to it,” said Pritchard. “The machine itself was from the 1930s and was used in World War II. Being such an older piece of equipment, we were worried that we wouldn’t be able to get the parts necessary to fix it and get the work completed.” Prichard and his director quickly reached out to the Temporary Facilities and Equipment Division (Code 900F) who stepped up to the plate and brought a team together to fix the motor for the machine. Tool Room Mechanics (Shop 06) removed the motor and discovered the drive end bearing overheated which severely damaged the existing Babbitt bearing. The Electricians (Shop 51) Motor Section ensured there were no electrical issues, then cleaned, prepped for assembly, and routed to the machinist team for necessary mechanical repairs. “Once the Electrical Machinists (Shop 31E) received the parts, myself and senior machinist Dennis Boyd realized the task we were up against,” said Shop 31E Work Leader Keith Garza. “We used our prior experience from re-working several different motors from this previous era with successfully overhauling several bridge crane motors with the same bearing configuration over 10 years ago. The knowledge and lessons learned from those past experiences were used to ensure a cost effective repair of the motor and our team was able to do a timely overhaul.” Shop 31E diagnosed and developed a plan of attack. The senior machinists would oversee the younger guys doing the work. X31E machinist Zack Fraser and Ethan Hancock jumped at the opportunity to repair the damaged parts. The rotor shaft was set up in the machine to remove the grooves on the bearing journal on
the drive end of the motor. The drive end bearing was set up and machined to remove the damaged Babbitt sleeve. Fraser and Hancock then manufactured the new sleeve out of bearing bronze to replace the Babbitt. The sleeve was then pressed into the existing sleeve. Then the newly sleeved bearing was set up and machined to tight tolerances to achieve the proper bearing clearances. Then they manufactured a new oiling ring. The oil reservoir gaskets were replaced at both ends of the motor to prevent any leaking around the shaft. Once everything was completed, the motor was reassembled to specifications and was ready for reinstallation. “This group went above and beyond to assist Team NNSY with getting the job done right the first time,” said Garza. “Everyone worked in a timely and safe manner to achieve a first time quality product and to assist their fellow shipyard workers. This job has been a true testament to team work and how we all play a part in servicing the fleet.” Industrial Engineering Branch (Code 983) Engineering Technician Dave Watkins added, “Even when a roadblock stood in the way, everyone looked for solutions on how to get the work done. The teamwork shown by Shop 31, 31E, 51, 06, and Code 900F has been tremendous and because of their efforts we were able to get the feeler gear completed for the Wyoming project fast and ready to go. Great work to everyone involved!”
MAY 2019 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 17
PHOTO BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
SHIPYARD
SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT: EULYSSES "ELLY" ROLDAN BY APRIL BROWN • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Fresh out of high school and on his first job as an assistant camp manager, Eulysses “Elly” Roldan, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Work Integration Leader, learned some valuable work ethic skills. These skills would become second nature in his personal and professional life. “While working with my father on the farm, he taught me to be responsible and how to take care of things while taking care of others,” said Roldan. “I used those skills throughout my naval career, as a contractor, and while working at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY).” 18 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • MAY 2019
If you ask Roldan what his favorite things about working at the shipyard are, he will happily tell you it is the people and how they look out for each other. “We are friendly, we are happy to see each other even when we just saw one another, and we are a growing diverse family,” said Roldan. “I think it is important that we get to know each other and when we do, it brings out the comradery. And, it doesn’t take long for the new employees or contractors to realize we are all in this together as a team working towards the same mission.” Before the ship arrives, and as soon as
he is assigned to a carrier project, Roldan welcomes the contractors to the team and begins the steps of helping them get onboard and familiar with the shipyard. “I have been in their shoes and understand what they go through in order to get onboard to execute their jobs,” said Roldan. “They can’t just drive in through the gate, go and do their jobs and leave. It doesn’t work that way here. I think it is hard for people to understand that unless they have worked in the shipyard, and part of my job is making the process seamless as possible.” Another part of his job as an integration
10 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT Elly Roldan 1. His favorite food is Puerto Rican Beans and Rice. 2. He will grill in any weather. 3. He loves to spend time with his family and visit his grandson. 4. He loves going to the beach. 5. He enjoys trying new restaurants. 6. He met his wife in Puerto Rico and they have three children. TOP: Elly Rodan loves to be the tour guide for his family and friends who come to visit. his town of Smithfield. LEFT: Elly Rodan and his wife Martha.
7. He is involved with church activities. 8. He volunteers at Union Mission Ministries. 9. He likes to run when he gets the opportunity. 10. He is the tour guide when family and friends come to visit.
leader is helping teach new employees the ropes in a carrier planned incremental availability (PIA), explaining how to be prepared for the unexpected, ensuring they understand and feel confident in their job, and reminding them if they get frustrated, don’t give up and ask for help because they are going to get through the problem no matter what it is. To Roldan, teamwork, building skills and having the ability and capacity to change on a dime are valuable skills that are definitely needed to work on a carrier project. He also feels it is important the workforce understands what we do for our country is valued and unique.
“No other country in the world can do what we do in a United States naval shipyard,” explained Roldan. “What we do here is really special. We perform the maintenance on an operational nuclear super aircraft carrier that is already built and fix whatever is wrong with it. We can do it in a dry dock, in and out of the water, pierside, and while at sea. Being a part of that process is really rewarding and amazing to me.” At the end of a carrier PIA, the ship departs the shipyard and goes through a series of tests at sea before the work is considered complete and the ship is certified to be sea worthy to perform global operations. Roldan is a vital part of making that happen.
“A PIA is hard work and it takes a team effort to have a successful availability,” said Roldan. “Feeling that accomplishment is huge whether it is your first or fifth carrier project.” Roldan’s excitement for carrier projects continues as he recently achieved his goal of being promoted to work integration manager. His first carrier project will be for the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in the near future.
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Shop 56 Wins 2018 Annual Safety Flag Award STORY BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHELBY WEST • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER The Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Annual Safety Flag Award is given to those whose overall commitment to and improvements in safety stand out above the rest. It encompasses lowering injury rates, and involvement from employees all the way to leadership. For 2018, the winner showed all these traits and an outstanding commitment to a safe and healthful workplace – Code 960’s (Pipefitting Division) Shop 56 (Pipe Shop). “Shop 56 has a commitment to safety and it shows in their results,” said Jill Wild, Code 106 Safety Division Head. Shop 56 achieved an injury reduction of 83 percent from the previous year. In addition, the team showed an aggressive injury reduction plan throughout the code by implementing robust preventive measures, many of which provided considerable savings to the shipyard and help ensure the employees are safe on the jobsite at all times. Other achievements include having active participation at the code safety meetings, reductions in deficiencies by 71 percent, and increased safety surveillances in the work area. “This award is not something to take lightly. Shop 56 has made tremendous strides in the last year and it shows in the numbers. It’s not simply because of the reduction of injuries, it’s also because of how the team is involved and how everyone is looking out for one another. Shop 56 truly resonates with what it means to be safety conscious.” A ceremony was held April 9 in Bldg. 202 to celebrate Shop 56’s achievements. The team was presented the safety flag for a year to be displayed within the shop for all to see. “Our folks have been knocking it out of the park with everything they do and I’m very proud of all of their accomplishments,” said 20 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • MAY 2019
Code 960 Superintendent John Tuthill. “Shop 56 is doing the right thing and making sure each of us are working safe and working smart on the job. We’re going to keep the momentum going and show the shipyard that we are the standard of excellence when it comes to safety. Great job Shop 56!” Code 960 Safety Representative Jessica Younger received a C.O.R.E. award for her efforts in helping Shop 56 become a safetyconscious team. “Jessica’s been there for each of us and has looked out for us every step of the way,” said Tuthill. “She stays connected with our folks and sees what ways we can improve how we work safely. She keeps up motivated and she’s a tremendous asset to our team.” Code 900 Production Resource Officer Cmdr. James Kuhlmann and Shipyard Commander Capt. Kai Torkelson came to the ceremony to join in the celebration and praise the efforts of Shop 56. “I’ve had the pleasure during my tenure here at NNSY to come to two annual safety flag ceremonies here in Code 960. It’s truly a testament that you all are embracing C.O.R.E. values in regards to safety,” said Cmdr. Kuhlmann. “Now that your team is at the top, it’s going to take just as much effort if not more to remain there. But I see your dedication and I know you can achieve this. Thanks for your hard work and I look forward to many more trips here to celebrate your achievements.” Capt. Torkelson added, “Shop 56, you impress me with everything you do. Doing well in safety helps us do well in production and helps us to be more efficient overall. You all have proven that with your achievements and I salute you. You truly exemplify C.O.R.E.”
Norfolk Naval Shipyard Celebrate with the Community during Portsmouth's Day of Hope STORY AND PHOTOS BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) participated in the Portsmouth Day of Hope community street party March 23 at Charles Peete Field. Hosted by the Vann H. Lefcoe Leadership Class of 2019 and Portsmouth City Councilman Shannon Glover, this free event brought members of the Portsmouth community together to participate in fun activities. In addition, booths were set up around the field featuring various educational, career, and health vendors from Hampton Roads. The vendors provided face-to-face knowledge sharing as well as helpful resources for those interested. In attendance for the shipyard was NNSY Outreach Coordinator Valerie Fulwood, Production Training Division (Code 900T) Training Instructor Troy Williams, and President of the Federal Apprentice Association LaTisha Dawkins. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to share what we do at America’s Shipyard with the City of Portsmouth and all of Hampton Roads,” said Fulwood. “We’re one of the largest employers in Portsmouth and we want to give back as much as we can. Events like this are a way for us to get to know those we serve and help mold the minds of the future. We’re able to introduce the community to what opportunities are available for them and answer whatever questions they may have.” The team was also providing those interested with information regarding the NNSY Apprentice Program. The program, in partnership with Tidewater Community College (TCC), is designed to attract talented individuals who want a rewarding career with the federal government. Students participate in a rigorous training program, which combines TCC's academic classes with NNSY’s trade theory training and on-the-job learning experience. Positions include electricians, fabric workers, boilermakers, mechanics, pipefitters, welders, riggers,
and more. “We’re looking for committed individuals who are excited to learn a valuable trade while serving the fleet of our country,” said Dawkins. “At the event we were able to meet with individuals who were asking questions, taking in everything we could offer, and were ready to jump into this exciting opportunity. It’s been a wonderful experience and we hope to see more of our Portsmouth communities at future events.” “We’d like to thank everyone who was able to stop by today and speak with our team,” said Fulwood. “It’s always wonderful to meet members of our Portsmouth family and we hope to bring more knowledge and understanding of what makes America’s Shipyard the greatest place to work.” The event was hosted by 16 individuals from the Portsmouth Community who were part of the Lefcoe Class. USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) Zone Manager Mark Ragsdale attended the class in 2019, and together with his classmates was able to plan this first-time affair for the community. “The Lefcoe class is all about building up your leadership skills and seeing what opportunities are available in the Portsmouth communities,” said Ragsdale. “I’ve had a wonderful career for 22 years at NNSY, building my way up from apprentice to middle management. I am proud of what I do so being able to share that pride with my community and see what I can do as a member of the shipyard for the City of Portsmouth was a big thing for me.” For more information on the Vann H. Lefcoe Leadership Class, visit www.portsmouthpartnership.org/lefcoe.
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NNSY’S DIVERSITY & INCLUSION TEAM ATTENDS SYMPOSIUM STORY BY TROY MILLER • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTO COURTESY OF CRAIG FIELDINGS
Code 1103's Program Analyst Craig Fieldings met with President and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. during the 5th Annual Diversity and Inclusion Symposium held in Richmond, Va. Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Diversity & Inclusion team recently attended the 5th Annual Diversity and Inclusion Symposium, held in Richmond, Va. Diversity and Inclusion office, Code 1103’s program analyst Craig Fieldings mentioned that during the first session where President & CEO of Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. spoke about four basic steps when addressing diversity and inclusion was interesting and intriguing. “Step one, we need to be clear why we are addressing diversity and inclusion at the workplace,” said Fieldings. “This is the most important step of the four steps.” Step two is to be clear to what extent you are willing to go to accomplish your agenda. Focus needs to be on inclusion first, before diversity, as well as on culture and lesson regulations/rules. “If the rules worked we would not be in the current state,” said Taylor. Taylor continued that step three is to be inclusive in your actions, because culture has multiple dimensions and constantly growing. “Step four is to determine method of measure to show efficiency,” said Fieldings. “We need to be transparent in communicating results.” The symposium didn’t stop with Taylor. For the Engineering and Analysis Division, Code 136’s critique administrator Jade Joy, the part of the symposium that enhanced her experience was the
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workshop with Mauricio Velasquez, President of the Diversity Training Group. “Mr. Velasquez talked about what a change agent is and what their purpose is,” said Joy. “A change agent is one who will speak up and renounce horrible acts even when it doesn’t seem like an easy thing to do.” According to Velasquez, a change agent is one who values differences and lives a code of conduct and values. They need to lead by example and be transparent. A change agent is mindful of biases and prejudices. They identify and remove barriers calls out. They are coaches, always positive, solves problems, resolves conflict and sees problems as opportunities. Throughout the day, NNSY’s Diversity and Inclusion Team continued to gather knowledge to bring back to the shipyard so that they can have a stronger and more impactful diversity and inclusion program that will benefit all of those who work at America’s Shipyard. For more information regarding the Diversity and Inclusion Team, contact the Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager, Valerie Scott, at 396-8086.
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You don’t know your evacuation zone? That’s an emergency situation.
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Know your evacuation zone! That way, when a storm hits, you’ll know if you should stay put or leave. It could stop you from being stuck in traffic in a storm – and it could save your life, too. To find out your zone: Go to KnowYourZoneVa.org
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C-FRAM FRAUD SCHEME AWARENESS MAY: FALSE STATEMENTS AND CLAIMS DOD EXAMPLE
DON EXAMPLE
In October 2018, Arena Event Services, Inc., known as Arena Americas, agreed to pay the United States $7.8 million to settle False Claims Act allegations that it wrongfully obtained small business set-aside contracts with the DoD. According to the agreement, Arena Americas paid Military Training Solutions, LLC to bid on and obtain small business contracts that were supposed to be performed by Military Training Solutions. However, the work was ultimately performed by Arena Americas at Fort Stewart, GA and at other military installations. As a result, millions of dollars in contracts were wrongfully diverted away from legitimate small businesses.
Jeffrey Harrington and Michael Mayer, owners of several contracting firms, held multiple contracts to sell pre-approved goods at set prices to the Navy through EMALL. Harrington and Mayer substituted unapproved items for the goods purportedly sold to circumvent procurement controls and upcharge their orders. Both colluded with Navy personnel to replace an order for the Maritime Expeditionary Security Group Two at Norfolk Naval Shipyard with unauthorized transceivers and also substituted orders on USS RONALD REAGAN and USS GERMANTOWN with personal electronic devices. In December 2017, both Harrington and Mayer were sentenced to 15 months in custody and were each ordered to pay a $10,000 fine, over $100,000 in restitution, and forfeit $708,678.
INDICATORS (RED FLAGS) Frequent complaints about finished products; Inadequate or apparently altered supporting documentation; Contractor attempts to explain discrepancies as simple errors; Inability or refusal of the contractor to provide supporting documentation; Repeated acknowledged errors by a contractor.
LEARN MORE TODAY Check out the C-FRAM site on WebCentral under C100CE for more information. Need to report fraud? Contact the NNSY Hotline today at 757396-7971 or NNSY_IG_HOTLINE@navy.mil.
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