YARDLINES The Official Electronic Newsgram of Norfolk Naval Shipyard
february 10, 2017
shipyard commander Captain Scott Brown deputy commander Captain Daniel Rossler command master chief CMDCM (AW/SW) Michael Reese public affairs officer Terri Davis Editor Kristi Britt public affairs STAFF Michael Brayshaw, April Brown, Floyd Logan, Troy Miller, Curtis Steward, Anna Taylor, Jennifer Zingalie Interested in submitting information to be featured in the next Yardlines? Email the Public Affairs Office at NSFH_NNSY_ PAO@Navy.mil. YARDLINES is a Department of Defense publication and is authorized for members of the DoD. Contents of Yardlines are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Yardlines is published bi-monthly. Submissions are due on the 4th and 14th of each month. The public affairs staff reserves the right to edit submissions for content and brevity. like us on facebook www.facebook.com/NorfolkNavalShipyard1 follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/NNSYNews watch videos on youtube www.youtube.com/NNSYBroadcast read Service to the fleet online www.issuu.com/nnsy
In celebration of Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s 250th Anniversary, the fourth Friday of each month has been designated as #SpiritDay. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate #250Years of shipyard history and innovation! The second #SpiritDay will be Friday, Feb. 24. The theme is “Wear Red Day,” in honor of heart health and American Heart Month. Take a photo before you leave your house and share it on the shipyard Facebook page or tag us on Twitter with the hashtag “#SpiritDay” and you could be featured in an upcoming issue of Service to the Fleet! Employees are invited to participate in a #SpiritDay group photo in front of Bldg. 1500 at 11:20 a.m. Feb. 24. If you and your coworkers would like a group photo, a photographer will be available to assist you. Call the Public Affairs Office at 396-9550 if you have any questions. You can check out Jan.’s Spirit Day photos here.
norfolk naval shipyard inducted to river star hall of fame
Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) was inducted into the Elizabeth River Project 2017 Inside Business River Star Hall of Fame during a recognition luncheon Jan. 26. With this award, the Elizabeth River Project recognizes one business that has done the most to exemplify the spirit of the River Stars program, an initiative to salute businesses and government facilities for voluntarily preventing pollution, enhancing wildlife habitat, and leading community efforts to protect the environment.
In a letter to NNSY, the Elizabeth River Project commended the shipyard’s exemplary leadership during its involvement with the program to “do right by the river” through responsible environmental stewardship practices that save money, improve employee morale and reduce safety risks at the facility while safeguarding the health of the Elizabeth River.
NNSY entered the River Stars program in 1999. Since then, NNSY has been recognized for sustained distinguished performance and several significant achievements, including reducing waste, reducing storm water runoff, transforming a heavilypolluted site into three acres of wetland, reducing emissions, and creating a new compositing pilot project. The shipyard also replaced lights in two parking lots with LED bulbs in 2012, and in 2015 an employee devised a modified can for storing brushes to reduce volatile organic compounds and solid waste. The shipyard also grows oysters each year for the Elizabeth River Project’s oyster reef in Paradise Creek.
Shipyard Commander Captain Scott Brown discusses the concept of “Meet the Mark” at the NNSY Naval Civilian Managers Association (NCMA) monthly luncheon Jan. 18. (Photo by Shanye Hensley, NNSY Photographer).
Congrats to shop 57
NNSY in Portsmouth, Virginia, is one of the largest shipyards in the world specializing in repairing, overhauling and modernizing ships and submarines. It’s the oldest and largest industrial facility that belongs to the U.S. Navy, and will celebrate its 250th anniversary Nov. 1 this year.
Click the picture to the left to watch a video sharing the many ways NNSY has helped the Elizabeth River Project through the years. (Video by the Shipyard Audio Visual Production Office, Code 1170)
Congratulations to NNSY’s Insulation Shop (Shop 57), winner of the October and November 2016 Safety Flags! The shop was presented the flags Jan. 19 in Bldg. 234. Shipyard Commander Captain Scott Brown and Production Resources Officer Commander Ryan McCrillis attended to congratulate the shop on its safety performance. The shop had zero lost workdays and one first-aid injury over the two-month span. Shop 57 is working several safety improvements, including testing cut-resistant gloves, designing a knife-carrying case for its employees, and constructing a Continuous Training and Development area to train on shipboard work. “This shop and code [960] continue to make safety improvements in promoting safety on the waterfront,” said Tracy Mills, Code 106 Assessment Improvement Coordinator. At the event, a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Steve Goozie for his individual efforts in contributing to a safer workplace. (Photos by Tony Anderson, NNSY Photographer)
Vpp passport returns to nnsy Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown received his Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Passport 3 on Jan. 18. Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) VPP representatives Doug Vick and Drew Holland presented Brown with the passport, which consists of 35 mandatory safety-related activities, including 15 wellness activities, designed to raise awareness of the VPP at NNSY.
form of safety training."
"We are excited about NNSY investing time and effort in the VPP Passport 3," said Holland. "Not only is this a form of recognition, the VPP Passport 3 is designed to provide each employee another
Your Department Safety Coordinator (DSC) can provide you with your passport. Call Drew Holland at 374-4172 if you have questions. (Photo by Luke Beasley, NNSY Photographer)
Employees who complete all 35 mandatory activities found in the passport are eligible for a $200 cash award. Completion of the mandatory activities must be distributed over a period equal to or greater than six months. Books turned in within six months will not count.
The Flthro Corner: Mark your calendars
Did you know?
Have a question for a Human Resources Specialist but can't find an opportunity to leave the waterfront? We come to you! On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays you can now meet with HR specialists in Bldg. 163 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.. You can always call 396-2231 or email us at FLTHRO_NNSY@navy.mil too!
In an effort to educate the workforce and provide information on topics that may be beneficial to employment at NNSY, FLTHRO is hosting several informal “Lunch and Learn” training sessions throughout 2017. The training will be held on the second floor of Bldg. 15 located on McKeever Street. All NNSY employees are welcome and encouraged to attend. FLTHRO has seating for 33 employees, and attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis. Lunch and Learn Sessions will take place from 11:20 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Room 223, the Training Center. “Aim to Train” Lunch and Learn Sessions - Schedule of Events: -Thursday, Feb. 23 - Navigating USA Jobs -Wednesday, Mar. 15 - Workers’ Compensation -Tuesday, Apr. 18 - Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) - Conflict Resolution -Wednesday, May 24 - Reasonable Accommodations Writing a Position Description training will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. in Bldg. 15, McKeever Street, 2nd Floor in the Training Center, Room 223. The intended audience for this class is supervisors and managers who have the responsibility of writing Position Descriptions. You must RSVP for this class by emailing Germaine Harris at germaine.harris@navy.mil or you may contact her at 396-2100. Writing a Position Description - Schedule of Events: -Wednesday, Feb. 22 Participants are encouraged to use the shuttle service as parking at FLTHRO is limited. If you have questions about this announcement please contact FLTHRO at 396-2231 or FLTHRO_ NNSY@navy.mil.
The DEOCS Survey is here Norfolk Naval Shipyard has launched the 2017 Defense Equal Opportunity Climate Survey (DEOCS). This survey is an opportunity for you, the employee, to voice your concerns in areas of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), organizational effectiveness, workgroup effectiveness, employee satisfaction, and employee engagement. The survey, which is anonymous and voluntary, consists of multiple choice and “yes or no” questions and takes approximately 30 minutes. You will also be able to share your thoughts in separate comment sections. Please see your direct supervisor for more information.
In memorium We recently lost two valued members of America’s Shipyard. Luis Ramses Villaverde, a Quality Assurance Specialist in the Mechanical Group (Code 930) passed away Mon., Jan. 23 after dedicating 16 years of his life to America’s Shipyard. Bryan “Ice Cream” James, a Rigger Supervisor in the Rigging Branch (Code 741), passed away Sun., Jan. 29 after dedicating 23 years of his life to America’s Shipyard. Please keep their family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
What’s next for the 250th anniversary celebration America’s Shipyard is celebrating 250 years this year and we want you to be part of the festivities. Throughout the year, the shipyard and its many organizations will be hosting events to celebrate this historical accomplishment. More events are on the horizon so be on the look out for more information coming soon. -There are still some Special Edition Service to the Fleet Calendar Editions left but hurry, they are going fast. If you’d like a copy of the calendar featuring photos from the past and present, please email the Public Affairs Office. -There will be a Heart and Health Month Lunch and Learn Feb. 24 in the Bldg. 1500 Command Briefing Room at 11:20 a.m. Spirit Days: the fourth Friday of each month has been designated as #SpiritDay. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate #250Years of shipyard history and innovation. Take a photo before you leave your house and share it on the shipyard Facebook page or tag us on Twitter with the hashtag “#SpiritDay” and you could be featured in an upcoming issue of Service to the Fleet! Feb. 24 - Wear Red Day Mar. 24 - Superhero Day Apr. 28 - Wear Green Day, May 26 - Hawaiian Shirt Day June 23 - Rainbow Day July 28 - Red, White, and Blue Day Aug. 25 - College Pride Day Sept. 22 - Military Branch Day Oct. 27 - Pink Out Day Nov. 4 - NNSY Pride Day
Welcome aboard to the latest group of shipyard employees! These new hires joined the NNSY family Jan. 9. Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown welcomed them and then administered the Oath of Office. #SelfieWithTheCO (Photo by Shayne Hensley, NNSY Photographer)
Did you know? Inclement weather faqs An inclement weather event can occur in the blink of an eye. Norfolk Naval Shipyard is committed to keeping the yard safe for personnel so we can come together to complete the Navy’s mission. Be mindful of your surroundings, take time in your travels, and look out for one-another. In an inclement weather event, use these FAQs to understand what your next step would be. 1. What does it mean when we have a twohour delay? a. The two hour delay is always set from the start of an individual’s shift. That is, if your shift starts at 0600 then you report no later than 0800. If your shift starts at 0720 then you report no later than 0920. All the normal rush hour gates will be open. Two-hour delays will be charged as administrative leave. 2. What is administrative leave? a. Administrative leave (also referred to as “excused absence”) is an administratively authorized absence from duty without loss of pay or charge to leave. During severe weather (e.g., hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, snow, ice) or other emergencies (e.g., fires, earthquakes, power outages), NNSY has the authority to grant employees administrative leave consistent with OPM guidance. 3. What is the definition of mission essential? How do I know if I’m mission essential? a. For inclement weather purposes, red team/alpha/essential personnel are defined as those military and civilian personnel primarily concerned with snow removal, traffic control, fire protection, utility operations, security watches, emergency services and other such duties designated “essential “to maintain mission and critical support operations by commanding officers, the cognizant department heads or officers in charge. Those responsible for dry dock, ship and building
services are included in that definition. Personnel meeting this definition will be told by their chain of command. If you are unsure of your status, please check with your supervisor. 4. If I’m concerned about my safety and do not come to work, do I still get two hours of administrative leave? a. No. The delay means employees are granted administrative leave up to the assigned reporting time. If an employee is later than the assigned time, he or she will be charged leave for time in excess of stated delay hours. However, if the employee uses unscheduled or scheduled leave and does not report for the entire shift, then the employee will be charged leave for the entire shift. 5. What is unscheduled leave? a. Unscheduled leave, commonly referred to as liberal leave, is annual leave taken without prior approval by the employee’s supervisor. 6. How do I find out information about shipyard closures? a. There are three primary ways to get information about shipyard closures. i. Local news: During severe weather emergencies, local television stations such as WAVY, WTKR, and WVEC broadcast NNSY closure information as soon as it becomes available. Check your favorite station for updates.
Remember, information on the TV scroll is limited. Please check Facebook for more detailed information or call your supervisor. ii. Social media: NNSY’s Facebook page is updated regularly when severe weather threatens the region. During severe weather emergencies, the Facebook page will only post official statements. Check regularly to find out about work delays and shipyard closures. You don’t have to have a personal Facebook account to view the shipyard’s Facebook page. iii. Info hotline: The shipyard’s information hotline, 757-3969551, is updated as needed. Dialing the number provides you with instructions for all shifts and gate closure information. Call volume may affect updates to this line. 7. What is the WAAN? a. To find out about the impact of severe or inclement weather, register with the Wide Area Alert Network (WAAN). By registering with the WAAN, you have the ability to receive alerts via personal email, cell phone message or SMS text message. This helps keep you up to date when there are delays or base closures during extreme weather events and other emergencies. Some people think that registration is automatic, but the work computer popups are the only alert automatically set up as a default for every employee workstation. To register, right click on the purple globe icon in the bottom right corner of your work desktop, next to the date and time. Click “Access Self Service” to open a window in Internet Explorer. Click the “Devices” tab and enter your
contact information and devices. i. If you do not have access to a computer workstation, please ask your supervisor to add you to the WAAN. 8. Will NNSY operate on the same schedule as other installations in Hampton Roads during severe or inclement weather? a. There is no guarantee NNSY will operate on the same schedule as other installations in Hampton Roads. Similar to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, NNSY’s mission is different from other bases in the area. What exempted Norfolk Naval Shipyard from governmentwide employee furlough in 2013 is what also compels us to be open for business in 2017 while there’s snow on the ground. They are two sides of the same coin. A critical service provider for the United States Navy is a critical service provider for the United States Navy across all four seasons. NNSY’s operating schedule is determined by the shipyard commander in alignment with Commander, Navy Region MidAtlantic (CNRMA). 9. If in doubt, who should I call? a. If you are unsure about the shipyard’s operating status: i. Call your supervisor ii. Check NNSY’s Facebook page for updates iii. Call the NNSY information hotline iv. Check your local news stations for status changes
ncma volunteers at local food bank Members of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Chapter of the National Civialian Managers Association (NCMA) came together Feb. 4 to volunteer at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.
Calendar of events: Feb. 24 - There will be a Heart and Health Month Lunch and Learn in the Bldg. 1500 Command Briefing Room at 11:20 a.m. Feb. 24 - The second Spirit Day for the 250th Celebration will be Wear Red Day in honor of Heart and Health Month. Wear red and show your NNSY pride. Upcoming observances: -February: Black History Month Heart and Health Month
Upcoming blood drives: The Armed Forces Blood Drives are scheduled for the following dates from 8 a.m. to noon at the NNSY Chapel. -Apr. 12 -June 14 -Aug. 16 -Oct. 18 -Dec. 12 For more information, contact Karen Blanton at 396-9506.
Personnel in Need of Leave As of Feb. 10
Allen, Michael - Insulator Blair, Heidi - Resource Manager Bond, Nathan W. - Fabric Worker Apprentice Bryant, Kaitlin - Fabric Worker Bumgardner, Amie - Fabric Worker Burritt, Pamela - Production Controller Clover, Johnny - Marine Machinery Mechanic Daley, Jeffrey - Marine Machinery Mechanic Early, Latisha - Tech Librarian Fetter, Ronald - Engineering Technician Fitchett III, Hartwell J. Boilermaker Supv. Freeh, Daniel - Engineering Technician Griffin, David W. - Supv. Str. Int. Shop Mgr. Gurganus, James - Pipefitter Harris, Annabelle - Marine Mechanic Trainee Hatch, Frieda - Rigger Leader Hill, Michael A. - Sheetmetal Worker James, Patrice - Financial Technician Jankosky, Iris - Facilities Manager Jarman, James - Rigger Jones, Corliss - Fabric Worker Kee, Cal - Production Controller Key, David - Machinist Lewis, Paige - Program Analyst Lindner, James - Welder Linsmier, David - Nuclear Engineer Mason, Kelly D.J. - Welder McCloud, Audrey - Painter Miller, Diana - DLA Maritime Norfolk Nierman, Amanda - Financial Management Analyst Oetzel, Jessica - Welder Phillips, Alan M. - Nuclear Engineer Riley, Kenneth - Shipfitter Robertson, Roger - Industrial Elec. Control Mechanic Rogers, Charles A. - Welder Root, Deanna - Supply
Management Specialist Saunders, Steven - Pipefitter Trau, Richard - Pipefitter Supervisor Varner, Stephanie - Admin Support Assistant Weygandt, Lerry - Electrician White, James E. - Welder To donate leave to Patrice James or Amanda Nierman, contact Shelley Pierce at 396-2338. To donate leave to Latisha Early, contact Karen Cook at 3968857. To donate leave to Pamela Burritt, contact Hayes Jones at 3967357. To donate leave to Ronald Fetter, contact Karen Cook at 3968857. To donate leave to Diana Miller, contact Lee Harris at 396-8832. To donate leave to Cal Kee, contact Marian Tilliman at 3964159. To donate leave to Alan Phillips or Frieda Hatch, contact Patricia Phillips at 3969420. To donate leave to Paige Lewis, contact Ciara Summers at 3969084. To donate leave to Deanna Root or David Linsmier, contact Janice Downey at 396-9923. To donate leave to all other personnel, contact Kim Bazemore, or Shanique Sumner at 396-7422.
Public Affairs is currently looking for nominations to be the next Shipyard Spotlight! Please email us with your nomination, their contact information, and why you think they should be the next Shipyard Spotlight. They could be featured in an upcoming Service to the Fleet.