DON'T MISS: RHODE TO SUCCESS AND EDP GRADUATION
SERVICE TO THE FLEET Norfolk Naval Shipyard
We Are America's Shipyard
October 2015
NNSY'S RAPID PROTOTYPE LAB IS INNOVATING THE FUTURE
SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT
JEFF DABNEY HOW TO PLEDGE TO THE COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN
Table of Contents
IN THIS ISSUE 10
features: 2 FROM THE COMMANDER
Accelerating Positive Change in America’s Shipyard
4 FROM THE MASTER CHIEF
Autumn at America's Shipyard and the Navy's 240th birthday
8 RHODE TO SUCCESS
Rhode Island Tank Area Manager, Angela Alexander, knows what it means to succeed at NNSY
10 BRIGHT IDEAS
COVER PHOTO BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Innovating the future with the Rapid Prototype Lab
24
12 IKE IS BACK
NNSY successfully completes DPIA for USS Dwight D. Eisenhower
14 SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT
Welding Supervisor's contagious attitude inspires pride in Shop 26
16 EDP GRADUATION
14
Four of NNSY’s best and brightest complete the Executive Development Program
18 ALL-IN WITH ALBANY
70-Year-Old Emmitt Warren is still a mentor superstar
19 USS GEORGIA
Six Days Early: Teamwork secures USS Georgia success
20 CONTRACT AWARDS
NNSY preps to upgrade existing buildings and construct new Submarine Maintenance Facility
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VOLUME 78 • NUMBER 9
Service to the Fleet
SHIPYARD COMMANDER Captain Scott Brown DEPUTY COMMANDER Captain Brian Lepine COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM (AW/SW) Michael Reese PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Terri Davis EDITOR Anna Taylor PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF Michael Brayshaw, Kristi Britt, April Brown, Floyd Logan, Troy Miller, Curtis Steward, Jennifer Zingalie EMAIL THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE nfsh_nnsy_pao@navy.mil EMPLOYEE INFORMATION HOTLINE (757) 396-9551 FRAUD, WASTE & ABUSE HOTLINE (757) 396-7971 SHIPYARD RADIO ADVISORY 1630 AM SERVICE TO THE FLEET is a Department of Defense publication and is authorized for members of the DoD. Contents of Service to the Fleet are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Service to the Fleet is published monthly. Submissions are due on the 10th of each month. The public affairs staff reserves the right to edit submissions for content and brevity. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/NorfolkNavalShipyard1 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER www.twitter.com/NNSYNews
The CFC of South Hampton Roads is part of our nation's most inclusive workplace giving campaign that supports more than 20,000 charitable organizations worldwide. These organizations promote and support the caring for, nourishing, developing, and enhancement of lives. Consider donating to one or more of the local, national, and international charities participating in the 2015 campaign. You can make a difference! For more information, contact your CFC coordinator.
WATCH VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE www.youtube.com/NNSYBroadcast VISIT THE NNSY HISTORY BLOG www.nnsyhistorymatters.blogspot.com READ STTF ONLINE www.issuu.com/nnsy
Dorassa Fields • NNSY CFC Coordinator Lawrence Reese • Chairperson LCDR Brian Banazwski • Chairperson OCTOBER 2015 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 1
From the Commander CAPTAIN SCOTT BROWN NNSY OUTREACH
TUTORING/LITERACY PROGRAM
Accelerating Positive Change in America’s Shipyard
MENTORING THE FUTURE ONE STUDENT AT A TIME!
"When we work together effectively across all levels of our business, on the waterfront, and across the support functions, the possibilities could be extraordinary."
There will be an information session and “meet and greet” for all shipyard tutors/mentors in the Bldg. 1500 Command Briefing Room from 10 to 11:20 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6. This is for the tutors/mentors who choose to support students in Hampton Roads schools during the 2015/16 school year. To participate in the program, shipyard volunteers are allotted one hour per week to asisst in a number of programs throughout Hampton Roads schools. Persons who are interested in volunteering should meet the following criteria: • A personal commitment to strengthening and developing community youth • The commitment to be a positive role model • The requisite level of knowledge in their academic areas and grade levels of responsibility: 3rd Grade Reading; 7th Grade Reading and Mathematics; 9th Grade Reading; 12th Grade SAT preparation in Algebra, Geometry, Reading, and Science; Science and technical application for the High School Robotics Team. For questions, contact Outreach Coordinator, Valerie Fulwood, at valerie.fulwood@navy.mil. Capt. Scott Brown Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s 107th Commander
EMPLOYEES MUST OBTAIN SUPERVISORY AUTHORIZATION TO ATTEND.
SCAN IT IF YOU DARE, MATEY!
NAVAL SHIPYARDS ARE BEING CALLED TO SUPPORT THE O-FRP PROVIDED BY NAVSEA NAVY SYSTEMS SUPPORT GROUP Imagine a world where our conversations lead to you feeling more ready to excel at your purpose. Imagine a way to get to that world by playing a game that triggers thousands of ideas. The Navy has moved towards an Optimized Fleet Response Plan (O-FRP). O-FRP blends quality of work and quality of life with better stability and predictability in deployment schedules. This will return a sense of normalcy to a sailor’s schedule by evening out the sailor’s family life and increasing retention rates. We want to align with the higher maintenance requirements demanded by this increased O-FRP. To help position our entire maintenance corporation (air, public and private maintenance centers) to be ready for O-FRP, the CNO directed an exhaustive analysis phase to be conducted in 2014. The conclusions were not necessarily surprising, but did alert leadership to the absolute critical need to position ourselves for a more progressive command climate. Several root barriers were identified. By only working on issues related to how we manage the scope, cost, quality, and schedule of our availabilities, vice these root barriers, we will not produce a noticeable or sustainable change. These barriers are hard to solve, making this a wicked problem. Academics would call it a socio-technical problem, but either way, it’s wicked hard and seemingly unsolvable. Solving a wicked problem requires awesome ideas. These are not the kinds of ideas that pop up with a handful of experts in a few hours. The thought is this: what if ideas, even half-formed ones, could meet up in space and recombine with other ideas to form new ones? What if this conversation engaged more stakeholders and tolerated more excursions? Ultimately, what if this conversation became so rich and compelling that, instead of restraining the debate, it actually enlarged the universe of possibilities? There are new ways to solve wicked problems. One way is to maximize diversity of ideas. The Internet allows us to do that on a global scale; just think of Twitter. Another way is to turn the
problem into a game to help us think like a child, unencumbered. Wouldn’t it be cool if we could combine the power of diversity and the cleverness of gaming? The Navy has a tool that does just this. It is a massive, multiplayer, online wargame that leverages the internet. It’s called mmowgli. For those of you picturing a small boy dancing with a bear in a Disney animated classic, get ready to adopt a whole new picture. Spawned by the Office of Naval Research and the Naval Postgraduate School, mmowgli is an online game designed to find and grow breakthrough ideas to some of the Navy’s most complex problems. Encouraging discussion, mmowgli has garnered attention for leveraging its ability to crowdsource solutions to complex problems. Issues as diverse as the Naval energy policy, combating piracy, electro-magnetic warfare and even copyright infringement have been explored using mmowgli. Now we want to aim that power of mmowgli toward successful naval maintenance. At its core, mmowgli is an internet card game. Players earn points by generating ideas and adapting, challenging, countering, and exploring others’ in an anonymous way. Ideas are captured in a tweet length of 140 characters, helping the gamers get their ideas out there in a punchy, readable, and shareable way. Players earn additional points if other players build on his or her ideas. In other words, if you come up with a catchy, contagious, or particularly fascinating idea, the crowd will flock to it and you will rack up points. The online game is designed to support large numbers of global players. While the bulk of players will be naval shipyard workers, participants will also come from private shipyards, ships force, academics, students, and even spouses. This is not a command climate survey, a satisfaction survey, or a way to vent your frustrations; mmowgli is forward focused. This is a way to spawn, grow, and connect ideas about what needs to be, and what might be.
You can help change our world, improve our maintenance corporation’s performance and keep the warfighter ready. The Navy is inviting you to share what you think and create the change we need. You just might be the mmowgli winner. Our first mmowgli, RIPTIDE, starts October 26, 2015, but you can sign up today. Go to mmowgli.nps.edu/riptide/signup
From the Deckplate
COMMAND MASTER CHIEF MICHAEL REESE
It's Autumn at America's Shipyard
ONE IN EIGHT WOMEN WILL BE DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER IN THEIR LIFETIME.
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4 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • OCTOBER 2015
Well, here it is - fall is upon us! It’s a wonderful time of year as the cooler weather rolls in and football kicks off. There is a lot of activity inside the shipyard, and there is just as much activity going on outside the yard. Does anyone know the significance of Oct. 13? It is the Navy’s birthday! That’s right; our Navy is turning 240 this year and looking better than ever! I was recently asked about my time in the Navy; I have served in the U.S. Navy for more than 26 years and have loved every minute of it. Service is a family tradition for me. My dad, Herbert Reese, was in the Navy for two years and served on two aircraft carriers during the Korean War. My brother, Dwayne Reese, is a retired Command Master Chief and a true mentor. He served for 30 years. I am privileged to have the opportunity to lead our Sailors and I enjoy seeing them succeed! During the past 26 years, I have had the honor of serving with thousands of the finest Sailors, watching them advance, get recognized, and even retire! Hooyah U.S. Navy and happy birthday! October is also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many of us have heard of breast cancer and some of us may even be survivors or know someone who is a survivor. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading cause of death
among women. Each year it is estimated that more than 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year. For more information, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s website at www. nationalbreastcancer.org. This year, NNSY will be having National Pink Out Day on Oct. 23. Let’s turn America’s Shipyard pink for one day to show our support for this worthy cause. There are a lot of festivals, carnivals, and haunted happenings going on around Hampton Roads this month! As a reminder, be safe, look out for the children, and always do the right thing! In closing, I would like to say “thank you” for all you do here. You are truly making a difference in the lives of those we work with and those we work for! 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
PHOTOS BY KRISTI BRITT • NNSY PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
CLEANING AMERICA’S SHIPYARD ONE SCRAP AT A TIME BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST A large initiative has taken Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) by storm with self-help projects and cleaning activities popping up in the shops and along the waterfront. The "Clean America’s Shipyard" initiative is all about bringing pride back to the employees, giving them the tools they need in hopes they strive to make the shipyard as good as can be so they work in a clean, rewarding environment. With avenues such as the SelfHelp Team and Shipyard Clean-Up days, NNSY continues to improve. One of the big projects being handled is cleaning up the scrap at NNSY and its tenant commands. Nearly four decades of scrap had been piled at South Gate, lingering without purpose and taking up space. Code 964’s Gary Harvey said, “We haven’t used this scrap for years, and as part of the Clean America’s Shipyard initiative, we’re taking a hard look at what we’ve kept so far. If we haven’t used it in 15 years and we can’t come up with a reason for having it, or if it’s simply nonfunctional, we’re going through the process of removing these scraps.” The shipyard has since sent large barges filled with scrap to Simms Metal, who provides timely services for the scrap to be removed permanently from the grounds. “It’s a one-stop shop with Simms Metal. We don’t have to worry about the scrap not selling in a short period of time and having it returned to us to start the process all over again.” In addition, the shipyard’s Self-Help Initiative continues to provide services for all employees and their facilities. Tim Spitler, Code 900F Superintendent, said, “our program grants us the ability to provide the tools to the workforce and afford them the opportunity to ‘self-help themselves.’ This program is all about restoring pride in the shipyard and our workforce. We want them to use what we can provide them and help improve facilities and morale.” The SelfHelp Initiative has provided many shops and codes with the tools
needed to self-improve their work spaces, including paint, new desks, and much more. In teaching the workforce how to maintain their workplace after renovations and repairs, the employees are given the ability to take ownership of their shipyard and feel pride in what they can do to help it stand out above the rest. The next Shipyard Clean-Up Day is Nov. 4 with an all-hands call concluding the efforts. “However, that doesn’t mean the shipyard facilities shouldn’t be cared for until that time. If you see a piece of trash on the ground, pick it up and place it in the trash can. You’ll be amazed how that can spark a chain reaction of others cleaning up the shipyard as they go about their day. It may seem like a small step but in reality, its truly a big leap towards cleaning up America’s Shipyard,” said Spitler. “Take a look around your workplace and really think about what you’d like to see. Let us know if you’d like to see a new coat of paint or a new set-up in your offices. Let us know if you’d like to see windows cleaned or break rooms cleaned and we’ll help get it done. We’re here to assist the shipyard and help them truly take pride in where they work every day. Together, we are America’s Shipyard. And there’s nothing we can’t do as a team.”
Shipyard Insider Shop 41 Safety Flag NNSY’s Boilermaker Shop (Shop 41) was honored with three consecutive monthly Safety Flags Aug. 3, acknowledging the shop’s performance in maintaining safety during the months of March, April and May 2015. Shop 41 was commended for its work in improving the safety culture by following the five steps of Operational Risk Management, identifying/ assessing hazards, and finding ways to mitigate them. The shop is on a hot streak, having won the safety flag five times between November 2014 and May 2015. Capt. Scott Brown address the graduates at TRF Kings Bay's apprentice graduation ceremony.
» POSITIVE YARDAGE Congratulations Congratulations to Lt. Cmdr. William Dougher who was recognized with a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Aug. 25. Dougher was honored for his work as Port Operations Officer and Security Division Officer at Naval Support Activity—Norfolk Naval Shipyard from July 2013 through August 2015. Photo by Shayne Hensley, NNSY Photographer. TRF Apprentice Graduation Shipyard Commander, Capt. Scott Brown, provided the keynote address commending 39 graduates of Trident Refit Facility’s (TRF) 2015 apprentice class. TRF is located at Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, Ga. “This graduating class is entering the TRF workforce in one of the most dynamic and demanding periods of the modern era. With a significant number of TRF workers now being eligible or near eligible for retirement, you will have ample opportunities in the coming years to develop yourself and progress in your career,” said Brown. “Many of the graduates of TRF's apprentice program 6 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • OCTOBER 2015
have progressed through the ranks to distinguish themselves among the facility’s most valued workers and supervisors. As you endeavor to join that elite group in the coming years, you will be asked to provide an exceptional level of service while maintaining a heightened commitment to safety, security, health and the well-being of yourself, your family and your co-workers.” Photo by Mark Turney, TRF Public Affairs Officer. Opportunities for Veterans NNSY's Diversity Office, Veteran-ERG, and U.S. Fleet Forces Human Resources Office presented a Veterans Transition Opportunities Seminar Sept. 3 in the Command Briefing Room. Mike Callahan, Human Resources Specialist, provided information to aid the veterans in having a smooth transition from
military service to civil service, including how to properly navigate USAJobs.gov and what documents are needed for their job searches. Photo by Shayne Hensley, NNSY Photographer.
Capt. Brown commends employees Sept. 3 for their efforts restoring IT connectivity for the Carrier Planning Activity (CPA) Team following a fire in Building 33. Photos by Luke Beasley, NNSY Photographer.
Buzz and Bytes » NAVY BIRTHDAY
» PROMOTIONS
» POLICY PLUG
» CPOs
Ready Always Oct. 13 marks the 240th birthday of the U.S. Navy. Throughout history, we’ve deployed in peace to protect the sea lanes of communication and to advance and safeguard America’s relationships and ideals. In conflict, we’ve defeated determined enemies at sea, in the air, and ashore. Our forward-deployed naval presence delivers security, influence, and responsiveness unmatched by any other service or platform. Time and again our naval forces have proven themselves to be the most immediate, the most capable, and the most adaptable option when a crisis develops. Today’s Navy faces a myriad of demands from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, to working with partners and allies, to dealing with multiple threats and potential conflicts. We meet these demands, and many more, using talented and resourceful people, superior platforms and equipment, demonstrating the versatility and flexibility that is the hallmark of our force. 240 years of U.S. naval presence around the globe, around the clock!
Congratulations NNSY’s Production Resources Officer, Maria Silsdorf, was promoted to the rank of U.S. Navy Captain at the Macarthur Memorial in downtown Norfolk Sept. 8. Capt. Brown was there to swear her into her new rank at a ceremony attended by friends and family. Photo by Luke Beasley, NNSY Photographer.
The Hatch Act The Hatch Act of 1939 is a U.S. federal law whose main provision prohibits employees in the federal government from engaging in certain forms of political activity. Election season is once again upon us, so here are some actions that are and are not permitted for federal employees. Federal employees may be candidates for public office in nonpartisan elections, register and vote as they choose, assist in voter registration drives, express opinions about candidates and issues, contribute money to political organizations, attend political fundraising functions, make campaign speeches for candidates in partisan elections, distribute campaign literature in partisan elections, and hold office in political clubs or parties including serving as a delegate to a convention. Federal employees may not use their official authority or influence to interfere with an election, engage in political activity while on duty, engage in political activity in any government office, engage in political activity while wearing an official uniform, engage in political activity while using a government vehicle, run for public office in partisan elections, or wear political buttons on duty. To see the full list, please contact the shipyard legal office at 396-8625.
Ask the Chiefs Congratulations to Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s newest Chief Petty Officers: ETC Benjamin Abercrombie, MMC Jason Darragh, LNC Cassandra Hunt, ICC General Livingston, MMC David Pritchett, and FTC Joseph Tant! The shipyard held its Chief Pinning Ceremony in the Command Briefing Room Sept. 16. More than 4,000 petty officers Navywide joined the Chief's Mess Sept. 16.
» 2016 SPOTLIGHTS Shipyard Spotlight Nobody knows your co-workers better than you do! Service to the Fleet is now accepting nominations for 2016 Shipyard Spotlight articles. If you have someone in mind, send an email to Anna.L.Taylor@navy.mil. Be sure to include a quick summary about why you believe this person deserves to be our next Shipyard Spotlight. Your spotlight nominee may be featured in an upcoming issue of Service to the Fleet! Check out this month's Shipyard Spotlight, Jeff Dabney!
Congratulations Congratulations to Jonathan Connelly, who was promoted to Lt. Cmdr. Sept. 1. Swearing him into his new rank was Capt. Brown. Connelly is currently serving as zone manager on the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) project. Connelly has been a member of the shipyard team since November 2012, and he previously served on USS Newport News’ (SSN750) Engineered Overhaul as Assistant Project Superintendent and Safety Officer. Photo by Shayne Hensley, NNSY Photographer.
» CFC Combined Federal Campaign The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. A $5 weekly donation provides for group counseling to a seriously ill child and allows one child to go to summer camp. A $10 weekly donation provides a year of program supplies for 76 children whose parents are deployed. Capt. Scott Brown made the ceremonial first pledge to NNSY's 2015 Combined Federal Campaign Sept. 3. Photo by Luke Beasley, NNSY Photographer.
» NOTABLE QUOTABLE "It takes the entire shipyard to get through these availabilities, and it takes every one of our project team members to lift each other up every day." Brian Bennett USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) Project Superintendent
ONE IN EIGHT WOMEN WILL BE DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER IN THEIR LIFETIME.
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d o h R e Th s e c c u S to The Rhode to Success
Rhode Island Project Tank Area Manager, Angela Alexander, knows what it means to succeed at NNSY
BY ANNA TAYLOR • NNSY PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST USS Rhode Island (SSBN-740) is due to arrive at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in December for its 27-month Engineered Refueling Overhaul (ERO), a major availability during which the submarine will be refueled and upgraded before returning to support the country’s nuclear deterrence strategy. During the months leading up to the its arrival, Service to the Fleet is featuring “The Rhode to Success,” an installment focusing on some of the key project team members for the Rhode Island’s availability. Angela Alexander did not take the easy road to Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Her father was a Shop 26 Work Leader, and although he encouraged her to apply, she resisted. “After
I had my kids, we struggled for a while,” she said. “My dad kept telling me to come into the shipyard, but I decided to try going to college instead, and then I worked at department stores and other odd jobs.” But when NNSY restarted the apprentice program in 1996, Alexander’s dad pushed her again to submit an application, and after two years of waiting, she began work as a shipfitter apprentice. “I came to the shipyard because I wanted to better myself,” she said. “I wanted to learn something new while making a decent living.” Alexander worked hard to earn more responsibility and is now a Structural Group (Code 920) Shop 11 Zone Manager and the
▼ The Team (left to right): Richard "Money in the Banks" Bankston, Michael "Captain America" Sweet, William "Reece Cup" Anderson, Angela "Boss Lady" Alexander, Dreyson "Slick 50" Perkins, and Carlos "The Heavy Hitter" Medina.
PHOTO BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
8 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • OCTOBER 2015
Rhode Island project’s Tank Area Manager. "Ms. Alexander has established herself as both a leader and a mentor for all projects and work areas that she has been assigned,” said Timothy Jacks, Code 920 Structural Group Superintendent. “She is a great resource for NNSY's future Tank Area Managers Core Competency Pipeline development and is professional in all her daily communications with project teams, Code 920 staff, and mechanics within her area of responsibility." When Rhode Island arrives in December, Alexander and her team of Shop 11 personnel will be responsible for opening, inspecting, repairing, and closing all of the submarine’s tanks, including the ballast, fuel, and sanitary tanks. For Alexander, learning how to grow from new challenges is one of the best parts of the job. “I also like watching the boat get torn apart and slowly put back together.” You can’t have a project without the people, and Alexander loves meeting new people and working closely with members of her team. “A big lesson for me on the Maryland project was how to treat people,” she said. “Of course you’re only as good as your team, so if I’m not treating my team correctly they won’t be happy or productive, which could impact the schedule. Don’t make assumptions; you have to ask questions.” Alexander’s primary goals for the Rhode Island project are to complete the work with first time quality, to keep up with the schedule, and to get the tanks closed as fast as possible. “Safety is always a priority,” she added. “And the tank workers, they don’t get the recognition they deserve. Tank work has always been the bull work; some may think it’s less important than the so-called high priority jobs, but people need to feel like they belong and the work they do is appreciated.”
de ss ▲ Above: Alexander and her team. Photo by Shayne Hensley, NNSY Photographer Below: Alexander and her husband, Kevin, at a Breast Cancer Awareness walk at Harbor Park in 2011. Photo courtesy of Angela Alexander.
Gerald Anderson, Tank Product Line Manager for Code 920, mentored Alexander on the USS Alaska (SSBN-732), USS Tennessee (SSBN-734), and USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) projects. “As the Tank Area Manager for the Maryland Project, Alexander’s performance led her team to close the main ballast tanks 10 days before undocking,” he said. “This was a great success story for the Maryland Project. Angela is a great asset to all of her assignments.” Alexander said the Rhode Island availability will put a lot of emphasis on the tanks, and the increased visibility motivates her to perfect the process. “Without the tanks, the sub won’t survive,” she said. “It is a little nerve wracking, but I’m confident we can get it done.” ALEXANDER WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER IN MARCH 2011 AND HAS BEEN IN REMISSION SINCE DECEMBER OF THE SAME YEAR.
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▲ Above: Kenny Kinstler and Justin Mick. Right: Don Gauthier. Photos by Shayne Hensley, NNSY Photographer.
INNOVATING THE FUTURE WITH THE RAPID PROTOTYPE LAB BY KRISTI BRITT • NNSY PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST An idea can spark in the blink of an eye, a need for something better crossing your mind as you take a step back from the job and see what you have to work with from a different angle. Perhaps the tool you’re using needs something attached to make it handle smoothly, or maybe the process itself needs to be worked in a different fashion. The lightbulb flickers on ALTHOUGH BREAST CANCER IN MEN IS RARE, AN ESTIMATED 2,150 MEN WILL BE DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER AND APPROXIMATELY 410 WILL DIE EACH YEAR.
10 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • OCTOBER 2015
and now comes the process of implementation. But what’s the first step after the idea is in place? Where do you go from there? At Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), the Rapid Prototype Lab (RPL) opened its doors specifically to become the tool needed to bring the ideas of the workforce to life. The RPL itself was an idea sparked in early 2010, when the long trek towards standing up a feasible team began. “The lab was created with a goal in mind to help the shipyard in making sure the workers are all taken care of so they can perform their jobs efficiently and safely in the best possible manner,” said John Tate, a toolmaker and one of the founding members of the RPL. “There were a lot of ideas for how to improve the work being done at the shipyard but there was no way to
really bring those ideas to life. With Code 100PI leading the charge, we stood up the group, were provided with facilities and equipment, and began to open our doors to the workforce to utilize our skillset to create something they could be proud of.” The team consists of several members who are all shipyard workers who stood out as subject matter experts in their fields. Toolmaker, John Tate, and Sheet Metal Mechanic, Don Gauthier, have been part of the team since its earliest stages. In the last two months, the team has added Bobby Truitt from Code 100PI, Sheet Metal Mechanic, Kenneth Kinstler, and third-year apprentice, Justin Mick. “This experience is all new to me even though with 100PI I was already familiar with
PHOTOS BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
the lab and the guys working here,” said Truitt. “I’m learning so much from these guys and learning just how much the shipyard wants to improve and put their ideas to the test. It’s been a great experience so far and I am ready to help this team move forward to bigger and better things.” Mick said, “I had heard of Bright Ideas and I saw posters around the shipyard but I honestly had no idea what the lab was." For others, this type of work is a blast from the past. “In my resume I have experience with Ford Motor Company with supporting the line and other trades. There would be suggestion boxes and if you found a way to improve processes or tools and save the company money you would get rewarded with bonuses,” said Kinstler. “This is similar to how things worked at Ford. However, there’s a bit more involvement working with the people here at the shipyard which is nice. And we have a great team. I’ve only been here for a short time but ever since I first came to see the team I saw how hard they worked and it’s been impressive.” There has been a wealth of jobs handled by the RPL, totaling approximately 160 since it was stood up in 2010. And with expansions to the group, the lab is hoping to increase its efforts to produce more ideas into something that can help the workforce. “We will take anyone’s ideas and work to bring them to life,” said Gauthier. “Sometimes ideas don’t pan out but we’re not afraid to try them out from every possible angle to see what we can do." Tate added, “There’s no such thing as a bad idea. We’re the tools to help bring those ideas to life. And the people who bring those ideas to the table are part of the process every step of the way. They come to us with the ideas and are involved with our development of the prototype. They feel empowered and appreciated. We’re helping to instill a new mentality where the workforce
▲ Top Left: John Tate works on a milling machine; Top Right: John Tate and Bobby Truitt; Above: Bobby Truitt, Don Gauthier, Justin Mick, Kenny Kinstler, and John Tate. Photos by Shayne Hensley, NNSY Photographer
feels taken care of because of what we’re doing to show that we are here to help. We want to create something they can feel proud of.” Not a day goes by that the RPL doesn’t look to the future, especially when it comes to the lab itself. “Each shipyard has their own innovation group that does projects and has their own ideas. "We want to see all the shipyards come together and standardize sharing those ideas with one another and truly make it a one shipyard concept,” said Truitt. “There’s a lot of great work being done and we want that type of work to be open to everyone to use and experience. There are times where other shipyards will hear about our projects and want to learn more and vice versa. There are even times where we will work on a project and we learn that another shipyard has also been working on a similar project as well. If that communication was instilled between us, we could truly expand and cover as
many projects as possible and innovate our Navy shipyards as a whole.” Recently, Tate and Truitt went to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard to visit with its Moonshine group, the innovation station for their shipyard. Truitt said, “they have large groups and a dedicated team working on their various projects. Their facilities and their leadership buyin is tremendous. And the work they do is just outstanding so we took a hard look at everything they’ve been doing and took any advice they could give us for our step forward.” Taking these new concepts and ideas, the RPL hopes to expand the types of jobs they are able to complete. Tate added, “We’d also like to grow our facilities and our team to better tackle the amount of jobs we see. We want to expand with other tradesmen and truly have a one-stop shop for folks to come to and get the assistance they rightly deserve.” OCTOBER 2015 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 11
PHOTOS BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
IKE IS BACK N N SY s uc c es sf u lly co m ple t e s D P I A f o r USS D w ig h t D E is e n h owe r BY MICHAEL BRAYSHAW • NNSY LEAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST USS Dwight D Eisenhower departed Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Aug. 28 upon successful completion of its Drydocking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA). In addition to major propulsion plant modernization and repairs, the DPIA included blasting and painting of 100 tanks, voids and vent plenums; removing and overhauling all shafting and rudders; blasting and preserving the underwater hull and freeboard; and installing two new sponsons for the Carrier’s Close-In Weapons System. Scheduled for 14 months, IKE spent nearly two years in the shipyard given the required maintenance was more extensive than originally estimated. It is the largest DPIA in the history of the four public shipyards, with NNSY’s portion requiring more than 685,000 mandays. With the addition of Ship’s Force, Multi-Ship/ Multi-Option (MSMO) contractors, and Alteration Installation Teams (AITs), approximately 1.2 million mandays were invested in this availability. IKE benefited from the One Shipyard Concept sharing knowledge and personnel across the nation’s shipyards. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS&IMF) and Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding personnel assisted with work topside and in the propulsion plant. “It was a great teaming relationship that allowed us to overcome many new work challenges,” said Project Superintendent, Brian Bennett. “It’s the One Shipyard Concept of smartly sharing resources and expertise.” Reflecting on the unforeseen challenges at the availability's start in September 2014, Bennett said, "We experienced the majority of our growth work in the propulsion plant. Our MSMO contracting partner had major growth work in the area
of underwater hull, freeboard area and ventilation plenums [which are structured compartments where replenishment air enters and exits the ship]. The teaming relationship with the ship was positive from the start and despite the various challenges throughout the availability, we continue to exhibit that strong teaming relationship." Bennett said the project team's can-do positive attitude over the past 24 months allowed it to take on new taskings, which included new work on the carrier's Jet Blast Deflectors as well as removing and replacing 150,000 square feet of non-skid surface on the flight deck. "Every time we had a challenge, we looked at it as an opportunity to excel, and not as a problem," he said. "When our availability extended, we had to look for opportunities. The ship has a fixed
amount of time to prepare for deployment, so once our time in the yard extended, we wanted to lessen the maintenance that had to be done at Naval Station Norfolk." Extensive and challenging as the availability often was, Bennett pointed out it provided valuable lessons for future DPIAs. "Coming out of this availability, as the second oldest carrier in the Fleet, we have many lessons learned to pass on to the rest of the Nimitz-class carriers." Following successful completion of sea trials, IKE returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk, and began preparations for its next deployment. "Without a doubt, we have definitely improved the overall material condition of the ship so she can successfully execute her mission," said Bennett.
OCTOBER 2015 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 13
SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT Jeff Dabney WELDING SUPERVISOR'S CONTAGIOUS ATTITUDE INSPIRES PRIDE IN SHOP 26 BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
PHOTOS BY SHAYNE HENSLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Every morning is a fresh start at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) for Welding Supervisor, Jeffrey Dabney. He starts his day by checking shift reports and TGIs to make sure everything is good to go for his team’s efforts. With dedication and pride, he strives for excellence in everything he does because he loves his job. Dabney began his welding career at Newport News Shipbuilding 23 years ago. Interested in a change, he was riding home one day when an advertisement for NNSY came on the radio. “I always wanted to try the government side of work so I figured it was fate. I listened to what the radio said and I
14 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • OCTOBER 2015
called the number and here I am,” said Dabney. “I came here in 2006 and when it came time I moved up from a welder to a supervisor. I’m always up for a challenge so when this position opened up four years ago I leapt at the chance. And I love it. I love teaching the mechanics. It’s the perfect fit for me.”
Part of the USS Albany (SSN-753) Project Team, he encompasses what it means to be “All In.” Dabney works hard to provide the right tools for the mechanics to succeed under his watch. And he is always willing to lend a hand. Gary Briley, Shop 11 Supervisor and a
9 THINGS
you didn't
know about
Jeff
I love exercising in the gym, working in my yard, being with my family, and walking my dog. team member on the Albany project, has been nothing short of impressed with Dabney’s efforts. “He has a can-do attitude you hope all shipyarders come to have and he is by far the greatest Shop 26 supervisor I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. He is just like me when it comes to what we expect from our workforce,” said Briley. “Dabney is always on top of things and he supports the whole team. We work great together as a team and that’s one of the biggest helps I’ve had working this job. We work side by side all the time and he has probably more work than anyone else on the project. If I need something, he’s right there. He talks to his guys the same way I talk to mine and you can see he truly believes in them and motivates them to get the job done. I’m proud to have him onboard.” Rodney Wilkins, Albany Performance Coach, added, “he truly is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. I call him the office linebacker because he gets things done and pumps up the team. He’s truly an inspiration.” Dabney is proud to have made such an
impact on his fellow shipyarders. “It really feels good to know you’re doing well at your job,” he said. “I enjoy every minute of working here and the Albany project has been a really good project to work with. Showing the same amount of pride in his family outside of work, he’s been married to his wife for 34 years and together they have three daughters. “My wife is in the army and has been for 23 years. She’s closing in on retirement and I love her and my family more than anything. I’m the luckiest man in the world,” said Dabney. Looking towards the future, Dabney hopes to move into a zone manager role. “I want to take the skills I’ve been building up to focus them in another area to help the new supervisors become the best they can be,” he said. A true mentor to the shipyard, Dabney is there for all who need him. “Believe in what you’re doing and why you are here. You are here to perform a job. Always be safe and believe in what you’re doing and you’ll succeed. I hope everyone is able to love their job as much as I love mine.”
I have a Rottweiler/Golden Retriever mix. He’s my fur-baby. My favorite color is red My lucky number is 7. I like movies with a lot of action. My go-to vacation spot is Jamaica. I’ve been there a few times and my wife’s mother is there. It’s a wonderful place to be. Basketball is my favorite sport, and I root for the Los Angeles Lakers. If I had a magic wand, I would wish for my daughters to live prosperous lives. If I had a super power, I would like to be able to blink my eyes and give the people something to believe in so they can live a wonderful life like I do.
OCTOBER 2015 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 15
PHOTOS BY LUKE BEASLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
FOUR OF NNSY’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST COMPLETE THE EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM BY FRED SALANITRO • CODE 1103 EDP PROGRAM MANAGER The NNSY Executive Development Program (EDP) is a part of the Shipyard’s overall workforce development strategy, which is designed to prepare employees to be more competitive for leadership positions within the command. It combines a variety of professional development and experiential learning opportunities through short-term rotational assignments within NNSY, at the other naval shipyards, and at NAVSEA Headquarters. The program is open to full-time permanent NNSY employees who are, at a minimum, permanent GS12 or equivalent wage grade level, who have been in their current position for at least one year, are committed to furthering their personal and professional development, and are willing to invest the time and energy needed for a highly structured and comprehensive development program. As the Program Manager for Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Executive Development Program (EDP), I am privileged each year with the opportunity to interact with some of the best and brightest future leaders from all of the naval shipyards and most especially, the annual class of EDP participants from NNSY. We had been hosting EDP participants from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard since the late 1990’s, with the addition of participants from Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard’s program in 2009. In 2010, I was given the opportunity to develop and deploy the EDP here at NNSY, and the program has taken off and improved every year since. Program improvements have been a direct result of: 1) the shipyard’s leadership commitment to the program and; 2) the annual improvement ideas that have come directly from our participants in the program, which have included: adding a program end Capstone Project (more in the Capstone later in this article) which was suggested by the Class of 2011; as well as recommended visits to our neighboring private shipyard, Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding, as well as visiting NNSY detachments such as the Naval Foundry and Propeller 16 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • OCTOBER 2015
Center (NFPC) at the old Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, and the shipyard’s depot level maintenance at Naval Station Norfolk via recommendations by the class of 2012. For me personally, it is my great pleasure each year to watch those who are selected for this six-month program grow and develop into stronger, more poised, and more assured future leaders for the NAVSEA Corporation, starting here at NNSY. I encourage everyone eligible for the EDP to be on the lookout for the announcement for the 2016 Executive Development Program which will be out very soon. The EDP Class of 2015 graduates are: Danielle Larrew, Code 900CU; David Schaeffer, Code 262; Dennis Gelardos, Code 105.4; and Carl Bruso, Code 136. I believe that no one can relay the impact of the program on the participants better than the participants themselves, whose personal comments about the program are on the next page. As you may see the members of the EDP Class of 2015 during the course of your day, I would encourage you to take the opportunity to congratulate them on successfully completing the program.
DANIELLE LARREW DAVID SCHAEFFER CODE 900CU CODE 262 "Applying for the program was an extremely hard decision for me since I did not know how I would do in an Executive Development Program (EDP). I am still fairly new to NNSY, having just completed my third year here. Add to that the pressure of the timing of the program not being the best for me personally; I have now successfully completed the program and know it was a great decision to apply. There are a number of ways that I can utilize my personal strengths, along with the learning I received from this program, to better serve our nation through my work here at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. I would definitely recommend the EDP to anyone who is willing to make the necessary time commitment, both personally and professionally, to be successful in this program. It is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn more about leadership from military and civilian leaders at the naval shipyards and NAVSEA Headquarters, and also helps connect the dots between NNSY and the other naval shipyards, which will in the end allow me to make a stronger commitment and greater contribution to the naval shipyard corporation as a whole, thanks to the mentoring and leadership that allowed me to participate in this development program." "Tis the season for football, so please allow me to relate my experiences from the EDP using a football analogy. A good leader should be like a good football coach: a good coach teaches, prepares, and develops his players through rigorous practice sessions. He creates a strategy for winning and translates that vision by making and employing a game plan designed to remove barriers to his team's success. He empowers players to make decisions and to change plays based upon what they see in front of them prior to the start of play. The coach develops everyone’s sense of ownership by ensuring each player understands the importance of their role/assignment and responsibilities for each play – i.e., the quarterback cannot win the game by himself. Every blocker, receiver, or decoy must also execute their assignment in order for the play to be successful. Likewise, effective leaders must train and develop their people, set the direction in which the work team will go, remove obstacles, empower their people, and cultivate a sense of ownership of responsibilities among individual workers."
“The EDP was the best development program I have ever had the opportunity to participate in. It was both a humbling experience in the positive way we were developed along the six month journey; as well as the fact that we were not just people in a meeting, we were afforded the opportunity to be active participants everywhere we went! It was also a humbling experience recognizing the knowledge and skills I have yet to acquire, and the fact that the program created a desire in me to learn even more. For me personally, there were several influential people I met along the way whose common thread was their personal drive to help the NAVSEA organization improve, as well as continue their own personal development to succeed in their current and future roles. People like Steve Fahey, whose infectious attitude is leading the charge for improvement at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard; and Hank Zajic of SEA 04X, and other leaders at NAVSEA who are changing their focus to be even more people-oriented. At the end of the day, it is all about how we treat each other!"
“Before I participated in the EDP, I looked at leadership as an ability that just resided in an individual. In other words, I thought leadership was basically about an individual providing direction and successfully keeping his/her people on track to complete the task. However, the most important thing I learned, that I might not have been able to learn without being in the EDP is this: Leadership is not about the individual. Leadership is all about the people. Leaders show their people that they care by taking the time to know, mentor and develop them. It is vital that leaders have a trusting relationship with their people and the best way to earn trust is to spend time with them.”
DENNIS GELARDOS CARL BRUSO CODE 105.4 CODE 136.3 OCTOBER 2015 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 17
70 Years Old and Still A Mentor Superstar BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Boilermaker Emmitt “Hippie” Warren has a lot of heart for his job and has been working at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) for 40 years. At 74, Warren comes in every day with the same mentality: he wants to keep enjoying life and doing the job he loves. And his way of life is an inspiration to those he surrounds himself with, Warren proving to be a force to be reckoned with in shipyard mentoring. Beginning his shipyard career at age 26 as a helper, Warren soon climbed the ladder into a mechanic position. Despite the hard work, he enjoyed his career and expanded his wealth of knowledge to get the job done efficiently and safely. And he continued until he retired in 1993. “I enjoyed doing what I was doing. I don’t like sitting still so when I retired I walked around a lot with my grandson and picked up cans,” Warren explained. “It was hard not being at the job every day. That’s what I was doing my whole life.” In 2001, Warren returned to NNSY after eight years of retirement with a goal in mind. “I tell myself retirement is for if you don’t feel like working. If you feel good, you’ve got to do something. That is what makes you live longer, all your life your heart goes at a certain pace. If you stop doing things, your heart goes bad,” he said. “I wanted to work so I came back. And I’ve been here ever since.” Though he’s one of the oldest members of the shipyard family, Warren puts in a huge amount of effort in everything he does. This includes mentoring the newcomers entering the shipyard. “I never thought growing up that I would be someone in a role to teach others. 18 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • OCTOBER 2015
I never wanted to be a supervisor. I like working with my hands too much and I don’t like all the headache that goes along with that job,” said Warren. “When they decided to start having me teach others, I found that I really liked showing them what the job entails. I was helping them learn something I’d learned myself and in doing that I was showing them what it means to be full of pride about the work we do.” Andrew Friesen of Code 930, said, “Warren is a big mentoring force for the shipyard and we need more people like him here. He’s got the best attitude and he shows his fellow employees the way. A lot of them are taking what he’s teaching them and really grasping how much of an impact we as a shipyard have on the Navy. For some, they think they’re just replacing brick in a boiler but he shows them that their job is more than that. They’re creating the steam that runs the ships and providing means for cooking and hot showers.” If Warren had his way, he’d probably never leave the shipyard again. Luckily he has a family who he uses his mentoring skills to teach them about life. “I’ve got my wife, my four kids, my seven grandkids, and my three great grandkids and I love them all deeply,” said Warren. “They are all my children and I work for them. They keep me going every day and stand by me as I continue to do what I love. I’m the example in their life of hard work and dedication. They know every morning that their husband, father, granddaddy, or great granddaddy is going to work. They are a big part of what motivates me.” Recently Warren had the opportunity to work on the USS Bataan (LHD-5) project at BAE systems, Capt. John Carter, Commanding Officer of Bataan, was thoroughly impressed that a man of his age had been in the business for more than 40 years and still had so much pride in what he does. In recognition of his efforts, Warren received a personalized coin, something he and his family treasure. “The coin is actually engraved with the captain’s name on it. It was such a wonderful gift.” Each day Warren continues his work with a smile and infectious pride to spread through the shops along the waterfront. And he says he lives his life day-by-day and to the fullest. “I’m never going to stop loving life and loving my job. If I ever start feeling the strain, I’ll retire again and only when it’s my time to go,” he said. “I’m definitely not leaving today.”
Photo by Mark Turney, TRF Public Affairs Officer
USS Georgia (SSGN Despite the adverse -729) received major shafting conditions, the Georgia team, repair work from Norfolk Naval consisting of members from Shipyard (NNSY) staff and its NNSY, Nuclear Reginal tenants at Kings Bay, Georgia, Maintenance Department finishing the needed work (NRMD) Kings Bay, Trident six days earlier than planned. Refit Facility (TRF) King’s Scheduled for 100 days of Bay, Strategic Weapons Facility, service, the ship underwent Atlantic (SWFLANT), Georgia repair in emergent conditions ship’s force, and the squadron, due to the need of service and made it work with good the lack of facility space at its communication. “The team homeport to support a long truly showed their dedication haul. with their efforts, working six “The work we were doing to seven days a week with 12 is specific to SSGN and SSBN hours-a-day shifts,” said Cawley. class submarines and its work “They improved processes from we’ll be doing well into 2022. previous jobs, the welders were When it came time, we sent a able to do their work with 90 team down to Kings Bay (for percent first-time quality. The the third time doing this type of team not only consisted of work) and we set up in remote various tenants adding a piece work locations to perform this to the puzzle but we also had major nuclear job,” said Robert brand new management on the Cawley, Code 361 Project job, with the team comprised Manager for Special Emphasis of only 25 percent experience Work. “The job itself kept from previous jobs of the BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST being pushed out due to other same type. There were a lot work needed to be done on the of obstacles to overcome yet ship. With the strategic need of the vessels for our Navy, it was this crew was living proof that anything is possible with the right hard to plan far ahead for when we would be able to get the work team. We’re also building morale for our people and proving their done. When it finally came time to do it, we sent out a crew of needs are put before all else as they are essential in getting the ships approximately 110 shipyard workers and made office facilities for done. Additionally, the ship was very understanding that we were the team to get the job done and maintain the schedule.” there to give them the quality work they needed and with honest The effort put forth by the team, even before going down to communication efforts between all pieces we developed a good Kings Bay, proved this was a group worthy of the job. “This type bond and it showed with the end result.” of work is strenuous. The team was away from home for more than With the level of success for this project, the shipyard is 100 days so they were away from their family and the facilities they already looking towards the future projects on the horizon. “One were comfortable with back at NNSY,” said Cawley. In addition, of the things we need to be mindful of with our future projects there were not enough facilities at Kings Bay to meet the needs is that people get promoted and move from the mechanic level of the workers, so space had to be made for them. “The team had into supervisor positions. It’s our job as the shipyard to maintain to work in adverse conditions where they had to work in diesel those skills in our workforce so that we always have a team ready generator-powered facilities with no computers or telephones set to perform this type of work,” said Cawley. “We learned a lot of up. They had to walk a good way between locations to be able to valuable lessons during this project that we will take with us moving have all the tools they needed and the entire job required a lot of forward. We will keep our positive attitudes and take care of our transition for them.” team. With that, we will get that first-time quality work.”
SIX DAYS EARLY: TEAMWORK SECURES USS GEORGIA SUCCESS
HAVE A STORY? Do you know of someone or something that would make a good feature for Service to the Fleet? Is there an event you would like to see covered in our next issue? We would love to discuss your ideas, so send an email to Anna.L.Taylor@navy.mil or call the NNSY Public Affairs Office at 396-9550! OCTOBER 2015 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 19
PHOTOS BY LUKE BEASLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
NNSY PREPS TO UPGRADE EXISTING BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCT NEW SUBMARINE MAINTENANCE FACILITY BY MICHAEL BRAYSHAW • LEAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST To fully and properly provide all necessary services to our Navy and nation, Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) will be receiving significant upgrades in several important buildings, as well as constructing an entirely new facility. Approximately $68 million is being invested in the renovation of Buildings 30, M-32, and 260, and building a submarine maintenance facility at the shipyard. Building 30 Renovation: Building 30 is home to approximately 250 engineers and technicians from Codes 220 (Process Controls), 250 (Structural Engineering), 260 (Mechanical Engineering), and 270 (Electrical Engineering). The building’s $21.6 million renovation, set to complete in March 2018, promises to improve the workplace well-being of these employees. Interior renovations include stair replacement, and installation of new heating, 20 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • OCTOBER 2015
ventilation and air conditioning, as well as plumbing, electrical and fire suppression systems. According to Naval Facilities, Public Works Department-Portsmouth Public Works Officer, Cmdr. Chris Via, modern enhancements will not come at the expense of losing the historic character of this facility. Dating back to 1888, Building 30 was home to a sawmill and joiner shop in its early days. “The biggest benefit will be the upgraded HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services that will provide for a better working environment for all in the building,” said Code 270 Division Head, Steve Popelka. “After the renovation, a comfortable working environment will exist with a simple, open, and flexible modern office space to serve the mission of Code 200.” Building M-32 Renovation: Among the shipyard’s more unique structures, featuring rounded arches and two square
towers, this four-story building dates back to 1906 and provided home to Marines stationed at the shipyard for its first 70plus years. The building’s $28.4 million renovation, set to complete in May 2018, will benefit current residents in nuclear engineering and industrial equipment engineering, as well as future tenants such as the Ship Nuclear Management Department. Like Building 30, M-32 is set to have all new heating, ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and fire suppression systems. Also in alignment with Building 30’s overhaul, the exterior renovation, with complete masonry cleaning, repointing and repair, must comply with State Historic Preservation Office guidelines to sustain the structure’s historicity. Reflecting on the importance of renovating Buildings 30 and 32, Commander, Navy Region MidAtlantic, Rear Adm. Ricky Williamson said,
"The projects will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of engineering work associated with nuclear and non-nuclear vessels." - Rear Adm. Ricky Williamson
“The NNSY projects will greatly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of engineering work associated with repair and availability for nuclear and non-nuclear vessels.” Building 260 Renovation: While not nearly as extensive as the renovations to Buildings 30 and M-32, NNSY’s Building 260, home to the Nuclear Equipment Maintenance and Inspection Facility, will get some important upgrades to the tune of $8.2 million. Work to be performed during the next 12 months includes heating, ventilation and cooling equipment upgrades, repair of the building’s fire alarm system, and numerous safety improvements throughout
the building. This renovation is set to be completed by September 2016. Submarine Maintenance Facility Construction: Nearly $10 million will be dedicated to the construction of a new submarine maintenance facility at NNSY. This two-story facility will provide a work area for project mechanics on the first floor, and office spaces for the project teams upstairs. As evident on the shipyard waterfront right now, with four submarines undergoing four different types of availabilites, NNSY overhauls and repairs all classes of attack, ballistic missile and moored training submarines. Having this facility lays a crucial foundation in the design of a shipyard submarine maintenance hub, which will co-locate facilities and personnel next to the boats. This “back to basics” approach in improving efficiency and cutting costs on submarines actually dates back to the USS Tennessee (SSBN-734) project at the shipyard, but now instead of personnel being housed in temporary trailers along the waterfront, project teams will be in a permanent building benefiting their communications, work execution and personal well-being. Facility construction is set to be completed by March 2017. “Obviously there’s a lot of big benefits with all the waterfront improvements we’re making,” said Jack Harris, NNSY Submarine Program Manager. “With this one we’ll have a permanent facility for our project teams to work out of, we’re getting them out of the temporary trailers and be able to co-locate a project team all under one roof." OCTOBER 2015 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 21
SERVICE TO THE FLEET TURNS 70 BY MARCUS W. ROBBINS • NNSY HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST October 18, 1945 was a special day in this shipyard’s long and proud history because the newspaper we know in the present day as Service to the Fleet made its first appearance under that masthead. A local newspaper is like a family member, so this birthday celebration creates an opportunity to trace our heritage. The name was born after a shipyardwide contest with thousands of entries considered by a committee consisting of a cross section of the yard in order to select a name that would best signify victory and keeping of the peace. Erma Brinkley received a $100 Victory Bond donated by the Norfolk Navy Yard Co-Operative Association for her winning entry. The Norfolk Navy Yard had already published a weekly newspaper under two different names; first Defender and then Speed Victory a few years later. The issue announcing Service to the Fleet as the winning name explained, “Conclusion of active warfare last August has brought many changes and now the name Speed Victory goes out with many other war time innovations. The name served its purpose well, providing a slogan as well as an appropriate title for a war time paper, which was distributed not only to each employee in the Navy Yard, but was looked for with keen interest by thousands of servicemen and women stationed in all parts of the world.” As we would trace the genealogy of any 70-year-old, it is best to start at the beginning. For a very short run in 1920, there was a small format news monthly called The Crows Nest, followed by decades of inactivity and no regularly published newsprint at the shipyard. This monthly publication
22 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • OCTOBER 2015
featured various shop news and activities supplemented by local business advertising. It survives today only as a bound reproduced volume, yet it is quite insightful for the historical activities of the local workers and how the yard prospered and the local area adapted after World War I. On March 4, 1942 with the advent of World War II, the local press awakened and under the guidance of Admiral Felix Gygax, a true weekly newspaper was born using the name Defender. Gygax's Shipyard Commander's comments on the front page of this first issue say: “Today we launch Defender. Although it will not make as big a splash in the Elizabeth River, or in the public eye, as the Alabama’s recent launching, it is, nevertheless, an event of major importance to the Norfolk Navy Yard. My cordial greetings and best wishes to the Defender, our own newspaper.” That last comment, “our own newspaper,” should not be lost. As was true back then with the call for correspondents from the various shops to write copy, the same is true today of your interaction with the current Public Affairs Office. They want to hear of your deckplate successes! Other thoughts from this first edition were “that it would chronicle the news of the yard, which means you and your fellow workers.” The newspaper stressed “that each worker is a defender, for each can play his part in the mighty effort that will be necessary to pave our way to victory.” As the tide changed with the war, so did the name of our local newspaper to keep pace with the times. On November 24, 1943, after a shipyardwide naming contest, Carl Allen won a $100 War Bond and our newspaper was renamed Speed
Victory. With a masthead drawn by Kenn Niver of the Machinery Drafting Room, the paper continued to convey the news to our workforce that soon exceeded 43,000 men and women. This name would serve for the duration of the war until peace returned to the home front in 1945. The magazine has seen many changes, from the frequency of issue from weekly to bi-weekly to monthly, to the various masthead artwork changes, to the physical format transition from a true newspaper broadside into a magazine style, but this paper was almost always totally
typeset in black and white for more than sixty years. The monthly color magazine format that we are all familiar with today made its first appearance in May 2008, and continues to this day to tell the good news of America’s Shipyard. Today, Service to the Fleet provides insightful stories about the accomplishments about our employees. It features the work of the magnificent Norfolk Naval Shipyard industrial waterfront and continues to provide focus on the success stories of the complex Navy ships for which we provide world class repair service.
▲ The Norfolk Navy Yard Defender, Speed Victory, and Service to the Fleet mastheads kindly provided courtesy of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum library. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, located at 2 High Street in downtown Portsmouth offers a unique perspective on U.S. and NNSY history, from Colonial to Civil War times and beyond.
DON'T MISS: RHODE TO SUCCESS AND SHIPYARD CLEAN UP
SERVICE TO THE FLEET Norfolk Naval Shipyard
September 2015
SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT
JOSH LUNDEEN
USS HELENA ARRIVES AT NNSY
STTF GOES T.E.A.L. FOR OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS
OCTOBER 2015 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 23
School Supplies DRIVE BRINGS IN BIG HELP FOR THE Community BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Boxes filled with colored pencils, notebooks, backpacks and more were stacked in Bldg. M-1 Sept. 11 as members of the Federal Women’s Program (FWP) sorted out the school supplies collected at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY). Hundreds of supplies were donated from across the shipyard for the Annual Back to School Supplies Drive sponsored by the FWP Community Outreach Sub-Committee. Spanning from July 27 to Sept. 4, boxes were across the shipyard in various locations, providing the workforce the opportunity to bring in school supplies to aid those within the shipyard and within the community who were in need of help preparing for their children’s return to school. “In previous years we’ve had up to 10 boxes distributed across the shipyard,” said Code 970’s April Dotson, FWP Advisory Committee Chair. “This year we had many people reach out to us when they read the flyers and expressed interest in becoming points of contact themselves. This year we’ve expanded to more than 25 boxes across the shipyard, spreading out beyond the waterfront. It’s an amazing effort.” Each year supporters come together to gather the supplies for those within the shipyard who are in need as well as schools within the community. “We want to be able to help those within the shipyard who have identified their needs to us. For instance if there was someone with a terminal illness, or they are a single parent trying to make ends meet, or that person has lost a lot of leave in the last year or so due to unforeseen circumstances, if they identify the need to us and are seeking that help, we want to be there for them,” said Dotson. “In addition, we have people who take their own time off to deliver these supplies to the schools we’ve contacted who are in need of them.” Each year the team reaches out to various local schools to find those who fit the need. This year NNSY was able to deliver supplies to Douglass Park Elementary School and Craddock Middle School in Portsmouth, as well as Camelot Elementary School in Chesapeake. Several organizations came together to assist in the collection, including the Veteran-Employee Readiness Group (ERG), and Blacks In Government (BIG). “Without their support this type of event wouldn’t be possible,” said Dotson. “And we’re so thankful for the support of the supervisors on the waterfront allowing their employees to come offline long enough to be able to do events like this. It truly 24 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • OCTOBER 2015
▲ Above: April Dotson (Code 970), Jonathan Echols (Code 100 PI), Geneva White (Code 135), and Melanie Prescott (Code 2360) Photos by Shayne Hensley, NNSY Photographer
helps make a big difference for the community.” Dotson has been thoroughly impressed by the amount of supplies collected this year as well as the increase of interest around the shipyard. “It’s truly a tremendous effort throughout the shipyard and it seems that we’re getting more and more volunteers to come out and help make a difference,” she said. “Something we’d like to see in future events is a small competition between the shops and codes. Code 930 typically does one and alone they were able to collect almost 300 items. If we could do something like that shipyardwide, we could possibly double our collection if not more.” For more information or to contact someone about a possible candidate with a need for assistance, contact Dotson at 396-1253. DEATH RATES FROM BREAST CANCER HAVE BEEN DECLINING SINCE ABOUT 1990, IN PART DUE TO BETTER SCREENING AND EARLY DETECTION, INCREASED AWARENESS, AND CONTINUALLY IMPROVING TREATMENT OPTIONS.
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THREE WAYS TO PLEDGE
The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) is now in full swing. Our goal as a shipyard is to raise $425,000! With the season marching on until November 20th, it’s time for the shipyard workforce to make their pledges to aid charities and organizations around the world. Last year, we had 17% participation. We want to set a goal for double participation this year. No gift is too big or to small. Every donation will make a difference!
There are three ways to pledge to the CFC: utilizing the pledge paper form, visiting and donating on the CFC website, and making donations through a MyPay account. The pledge paper forms will be provided by the department’s CFC coordinator. If choosing to fill out the pledge form, please take special care to fill in all the sections carefully. There will be three form pages attached: the blue one to be returned to the donor, the white copy for payroll, and the yellow copy which goes to the CFC of South Hampton Roads (CFCSHR) office. Also, please note that if you are taking a payroll deduction with your pledge, your signature and full social security number are required on the forms. Work with your CFC coordinator to guarantee your forms are filled out correctly and are distributed to the correct offices. The CFC of South Hampton Roads website provides access to the online pledge portal for those interested. Simply visit www.cfcshr.org and click the “Pledge Online” button at the top left of the webpage. It will take you to the
nexus webpage where you will login or register for an account. As you register, be sure to search for Norfolk Naval Shipyard ID: 1501. Once you have completed your registration and filled out your information, print out your confirmation sheet with your signature. The confirmation sheet should be turned into your department's CFC coordinator to ensure your total is included with NNSY’s tally. MyPay provides a way to incorporate CFC pledges through an existing account. To create an account, visit mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx. As you log in, go to “Pay Changes” and select “Combined Federal Campaign," enter "0897" for Norfolk Naval Shipyard.” Add in the charities to which you’d like to pledge by checking each box next to the names, then click “Add Selected Charities.” You can add up to 30 charities with MyPay. When you are finished selecting your charities, specify the amount of your contribution for each charity and complete the personal information authorized release section before continuing. After you review and authorize your selections, print out your confirmation sheet with your signature and provide it to your department's CFC coordinator to ensure your total is included with NNSY’s tally.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CAMPAIGN: WWW.OPM.GOV/COMBINED-FEDERAL-CAMPAIGN THE CHARITY BROCHURE, WHICH PROVIDES A FULL LIST OF APPROVED LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL CHARITIES, MAY BE FOUND ONLINE AT: WWW.CFCSHR.ORG
Norfolk Naval Shipyard Federal Agency Code: 7A, 1501 CFC four-Digit campaign Code for MyPay: 0897 All confirmation sheets require an original signature from the donor. Pledge forms absolutely must be turned into your department chairperson with original signature and full SSN. If donating through MyPay, use the four-digit campaign Code. Please print your confirmation sheet and submit to your department chairpersons.
ASK YOUR DEPARTMENT'S CFC CHAIRPERSON FOR A PLEDGE CARD OCTOBER 2015 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 25
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