MODEL OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS CEREMONY
Shipbuilders, The Navy and the nation depend on us to deliver the best ships at sea to keep our sailors safe and ensure our peace and freedoms. This work is critical, and I thank each of you for your dedication.
Each of us plays a vital role in these efforts, and every year we dedicate time to recognize the shipbuilders who have demonstrated unmatched problem solving, tenacity and heart in support of this work. This year, we celebrate more than 350 honorees whose commitment has earned them the President’s Model of Excellence Award, the highest honor presented to Newport News Shipbuilding employees. I am proud to recognize these innovators as they set the bar for what it means to be a NNS shipbuilder.
Please join me in congratulating our 2023 Model of Excellence Award honorees on a job well done!
All the best,
Jennifer Boykin President, Newport News Shipbuilding
STRATEGY OBJECTIVES
The annual Model of Excellence awards ceremony recognizes individuals and teams who have made extraordinary contributions to the achievement of Newport News Shipbuilding’s strategic objectives through their performance and accomplishments in the following award categories:
Enable Our Workforce
Individual or team contributions that demonstrate care and improve the work environment for NNS employees.
Transform Business Operations
Individual or team contributions that demonstrate innovative thinking and/or result in new ideas and solutions that successfully achieve and significantly improve or create new processes or approaches in support of the company’s growth profitability and competitive advantage.
Execute Efficiently
Individual or team contributions that streamline and transform our current business model into a culture that embraces and implements lean thinking and processes.
Grow The Business Base
Individual’s or team’s delivery of quality products or services that far exceed the customer’s expectations or their success at creating company value through new business growth.
Lead The Way
Individual or team contributions that demonstrate courage, leadership, inspiration, teamwork, integrity and other behaviors that positively change company culture or make a difference in our community.
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LEADERSHIP, ENGAGEMENT AND COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
A lack of experience is no excuse for a lack of success. Just ask a team of Sheet Metal shipbuilders, whose engagement and ownership of their work produced excellent quality results.
ChristopherCoccimiglio,X32
Rebecca Eure, E27
John Forbes Jr., X32
Kamil Hargrove, X32
Dillon Messick, X32
Jeremiah Morgan, X32
Skylar Rhoades, X32
Jordan Robins, X32
Zykira Saulsbury, X32
Earl Waddell, X32
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Comprised of apprentices and a couple of more seasoned shipbuilders, the team worked together to outfit and complete compartments on John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). With every step, they ensured work was performed safely and accurately, resulting in zero injuries and near-perfect ship compartments turned over to the U.S. Navy. The crew’s leadership held each of the teammates accountable for their tasks, and this ownership sparked positive energy that will spread to the apprentices’ future assignments.
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Not Pictured: Shawntay Gunter, X32
INSULATION TEAM TAKES
NEW APPROACH TO IMPROVE SAFETY, QUALITY AND TRAINING
Shipbuilding is complex work, and it can be challenging to train new shipbuilders quickly. When John F. Kennedy’s (CVN 79) insulation team experienced an influx of new shipbuilders and foremen, they
Albertine Beale, K47
Christine Brown, X33
Jacqueline Futrell, X33
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realized they needed to change their approach to training. Working together, the team developed goals to promote learning and improve safety and quality. Simple steps, such as assigning and measuring daily accomplishments, helped strengthen employee accountability. Similarly, more experienced leaders mentored newer leaders and provided guidance and training opportunities. This collaboration and commitment to improvement resulted in less injuries, improved performance and greater ownership of the team’s work.
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Not Pictured: Kelly Belfield, K47, Jose Borrero, X33, Charlton Geer, X33, James Glover Jr., X33, Topaz Gregory, X33, Ricky Hunt, K47, Mettra McCall, X33, Shelby Osborne, X33, Tawanda Osborne, K47, Tobias Raynor, K47, Andrea Reid, X33, Michael Rice Jr., X33, Lawrence Smith, X33, Randy Stephenson, X33, Kayla Stickles, X33, Carlos Swain, X33, Peyton Waller Jr., X33, John Watkins Jr., X33, Robert White, X33, Quinten White, K47, Alphonso White, X33
SHIPBUILDERS INNOVATE WITH MECHANIZED WELDING
Mooring rings play a vital function on aircraft carriers. Shaped like donuts, they are located on a carrier’s flight deck to secure shore power lines when the ship is docked. In the past, constructing these rings was complicated, requiring multiple crane lifts and tight spaces for welders to perform their work. Thanks to the team’s collaboration and ingenuity, Newport News Shipbuilding now has a new mooring ring construction process that uses mechanized welding to increase safety and efficiency.
Michael Bryson, X18
James Drury III, X10
Jared Hoopes, X18
Christopher Patton, X18
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Shipbuilders worked together over the course of several months to develop, test and mature a new way to produce the mooring ring. The team’s novel process uses a welding machine to reposition welding lines as needed for accuracy, along with a mechanized positioner that rotates the rings for easy access. As a result, the process reduces the need for two crane lifts and risk for ergonomic injury. The team’s out-of-thebox thinking transformed the way aircraft carrier mooring rings are constructed and achieved improvements in first-time quality, schedule and cost.
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ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TEAM ACHIEVES GROUNDBREAKING
NAVY APPROVAL
When Newport News Shipbuilding faced issues with problematic supplier fittings, the feasibility of using additive manufacturing (AM) to create these parts was proposed as an alternative to existing fabrication methods. Committed to the potential of AM, within three weeks NNS’ AM team successfully prototyped the
Christopher Arnold, E37
Donna Blankenship, E37
Joshua Bruns, E32
Edward Brusso Jr., E32
Helen Gault, E37
Randall Hall, E37
Daniel Hebert, E32
Alexander Kellogg, E32
Dennis Lyle, E32
Jason Paquette, E32
Timothy Pline, O31
Terry Tyler, E32
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fabrication of 20 fittings that were made in less than four days.
While this sprint proved the ability of AM, there was still a need to develop and streamline qualification documentation for Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). For the next two years the team developed documentation, AM processes and procedures, and material pedigrees, working closely with the Navy to educate its leadership on the technology and remove barriers for adoption.
Thanks to the team’s trailblazing efforts, NNS achieved approval as NAVSEA’s first metal AM vendor, differentiating itself as the industry leader and providing for future growth and business opportunities.
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Not Pictured: Kenneth Bethea, E02 Brian Johnston, E15
COLLABORATIVE TEAM FACILITATES RESOURCEFUL CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS
Thorough planning and consideration are required to achieve successful shipbuilding contracts. This cross-functional team facilitated the execution of four major contractual adjustments to ensure proper funding was in place.
John Binns IV, K72
William Boze, O40
Michael Chandler, O19
Christina Edwards, O92
Kimberly Hamlett, O19
Needham Jones III, O59
Lesley McArthur, O19
Curtis McTeer, O55
Michael Romanelli, O41
Megan Trainor, O97
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Working with Newport News Shipbuilding’s customers, the team secured contract adjustments to support both submarine and aircraft carrier programs and the infrastructure required. These efforts contributed to NNS’ two-boatsper-year production rate for Virginia-class submarines, production of critical Columbia-class submarine modules, and construction of the Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81) aircraft carriers. As a result of the team’s diligence, NNS’ financial performance benefited all of HII.
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Not Pictured: Michael Diggs, K38, Benjamin England, O75, Seth Kindred, O75, Kathryn MacAdam, O75, Andrew Rantanen, O19, Ashley Weymouth German, O78 Holly Whitley, X23
LEVERAGING SUPERLIFTS TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY ON ENTERPRISE (CVN 80)
Building a 100,000-ton aircraft carrier takes years of planning and assembly. This work becomes even more complex when performed on the ship in the dry dock, where tight spaces make outfitting more time consuming and ergonomically challenging. To simplify these challenges, Newport News Shipbuilding relies on modular construction, a process where units of the ship
James Connolly, X44
Mark Culp, K72
Terence Fail, K72
Dennis Knutson Jr., X23
Jeffrey Lacy, K72
Anthony Pale, E26
Matthew Poteat, K72
Kevin Prussia, E22
Patrick Reedy, K72
Terrance Woods, E26
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are welded together to form larger structural units called superlifts. The superlifts are then outfitted and lifted into the dry dock where the carrier is assembled.
Applying lessons learned from earlier Ford-class carriers, the Enterprise (CVN 80) team developed eight new and two significantly larger superlifts for CVN 80’s construction. These new and improved superlifts mean less crane lifts and work done in the dry dock. Committed to finding innovative build strategy solutions, the team developed a vision of more efficient construction and made it reality, and their vision will be used on future carriers beyond Enterprise
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Not Pictured: Jimmie Bean, X23, Bass Beasley Jr., K72, Curtis Hall Jr., K72, Terry Riley, X02, Brian Sabo, E22
SCHEDULE AGILITY LEADS TO GREATER PREDICTABILITY
With thousands of work orders and interrelated deadlines, shipbuilding programs involve inherently complex schedules. While Newport News Shipbuilding has relied on internal scheduling software for years, this software has not met the complicated needs of dynamic ship construction or overhaul.
Determined to find a better solution, the team collaborated across multiple divisions to adopt Dynamic and Regulatory
Rhena Bolden, X34
John Boyette, T55
James Crockarell Jr., T55
Frances Glenn, X44
David Goodman Jr., X35
Michele Green, T55
PurushothamMuthakana,T55
Rajendrakumar Patel, T55
Ann Stover, T55
Teresa Urbaniak, T56
Jessica Vandygriff, O79
Susan Virga, X55
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Scheduling (DRS). DRS is a highly complex solution that enhances the shipyard’s scheduling software, enabling the agility needed to manage the complex and dynamic reality of shipbuilding. With DRS in place, waterfront teams, engineering, planning, materials and manufacturing value streams all have visibility into shipbuilding schedules that are reflective of current conditions.
Implementing DRS was an unprecedented project that required significant software and process changes across several divisions. Thanks to the team’s collaboration, DRS is already benefitting multiple shipbuilding schedules.
Not Pictured: Michaela Camden, X39, Justin Dewes, T56, Constance Edwards, X20, Jason Hanson, X55, Steven Hasky, T55, Melanie McGrath, O60, Brandon McNearney, X55, James Ozment, O79, Kelly Renn, X38, Larry Smith, X24, Carole Sterling, T56, Zachary Stone, X55
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TEAMWORK AND OPENMINDED THINKING IMPROVE CRITICAL SUBMARINE WELDING
Changes to technical requirements can challenge any construction schedule, especially when they require extra work. That’s what happened to the weld process for Virginia-class submarine
Barb (SSN 804) torpedo tubes, until a team of Newport News
Shipbuilding welders took it upon themselves to find a solution.
Robert Brockenbrough, X18
Darnell Hawkins, K46
Jovan Jackson, K46
Stanley Jones, X18
Brandon Leggett, X18
Scotty Leggett, X18
Douglas Odio, X18
Thomas Sandman, X18
Marcus Tate, X82
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The team started by mapping out how to improve the overall process to reduce weld failures and repair cycles. In addition to process improvements, the team also developed watch team backups, supervision coaching and mentoring to ensure the new process and standards were met.
Thanks to their proactive collaboration, the team reduced weld repair needs on SSN 804, which led to improved quality, schedule and cost. In addition to construction team benefits on future submarine hulls, the new process also alleviates the need for continued inspections, increasing the inspection team’s bandwidth to perform other jobs.
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Not Pictured: Stanford Johnston, K46, Jacob McNulty, X18, Sean Triba, X18
VIRGINIA-CLASS PROGRAM SETS THE EXAMPLE FOR CONSTRUCTION OPERATING SYSTEM
Newport News Shipbuilding’s Construction Operating System (COS) is transforming the way the shipyard does business, and the Virginia-Class Submarine Program is leading the charge. Through its implementation of COS, the program established critical process standards and demonstrated required leadership behaviors essential to adopting the new system. As a result, the VCS Program now serves as a model for other shipbuilding teams.
Jeanenne Cochran, X82
Patrick Collins, X84
Daniel Cooney, O79
Nicole Deskins, X38
Edward Fleiss, X80
Dustin Floyd, X82
Derek Johnson, K46
Gerald Johnson, X82
Julie Lane, X82
Keith Lovick, O93
Nicholas Mann, X82
Ja’Juan Mathews, K46
Patrina Matthews, K46
Charles McElrath, K46
Heather Ray, X80
Floyd Shelton, X82
Ernestine Thompson, E25
Brian Treat, K46
Anthony Velez, K46
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The COS reimagines how work is planned and completed, breaking down tasks into manageable sprints that are measured closely and reassessed for continuous improvement. The VCS team adjusted its business model to adopt the COS, which required changes to the program’s leadership culture and management operations. Throughout the process, the VCS leadership team encouraged an environment of collaboration, clarity, continuous learning and performance transparency by focusing on data-driven decisions and behaviors. This COS journey produced immediate business performance improvements and a positive culture change that is paving the way for other NNS programs.
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Not Pictured: Jon Michael Bowman, X80, Patrick Buskee, X84, Jeffrey Leckrone, K46, Kael Murphy, X82, Larry Smith, K46, Malik Whitaker, X80
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAM COLLABORATES TO ACHIEVE FIRSTTIME QUALITY ON SUBMARINE HULL TILE INSTALLATION
During the drive toward float-off of USS Montana (SSN 794), quality issues plagued tile installations on the hull’s exterior, an issue on Virginia-class submarines that can lead to extensive rework and significant cost and schedule impacts.
Alexandria Barrow, K46
Alexandra Busker, E33
Martin Carille, E33
Haley Cook, E33
Marcus Harrell, X32
Brandan Hudgins, E33
Richard Jackson, K46
Daniel Knoll, K46
Brandon Leandado, E33
James Lewis, X32
Michael Talusan, E33
Allen Valencia, E33
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Committed to quality work, a team of trades and engineers found a solution by using an itemized process checklist and studying trending quality data. Working all three shifts seven days a week and collaborating on lessons learned and best practices, the team achieved flawless execution and significant improvements to first-time quality, cost and schedule that are already benefiting New Jersey (SSN 796) and Massachusetts (SSN 798) construction timelines.
The multi-functional team’s work embodies the art of the possible when shipbuilders come together, modeling the way for other programs.
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Not Pictured: Mariana Cintron-Garcia, E33, Marcus Dozier, E33, Tyrone Harrison, X32, Darrell Hicks, X32, Jenro Lambaiso, E33, Tai Pham, X32, Michael Lopez, X32, William Ryan-Johnson, E33, Rapheal Singletary, K46, Taylor Tant, X32, John Zimmerman Jr., E33
SHIPBUILDERS ACHIEVE RECORD QUALITY ON USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) REFURBISHMENT EFFORT
To see the benefits of knowledge sharing, look no further than the blast and repair process performed on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), currently undergoing her refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Robert Banks Jr., X11
Montrell Barbine, K45
Lawrence Blowe, X33
Mikal Bremby, X11
Jeremy Collins, X11
Carlos Condor, X33
Elmer Conner, X11
Thomas Cragg, X70
Bryant Davis, X33
John Gregory, X70
Michael Koch, X11
Joshua Lampe, X33
Michael Marchal, X11
Michael McQueen, X33
Levar Moore, X33
Breon Nixon, X33
Joseph O’Malley, X33
Winfred Pettit III, X33
Alek Rethamel, K45
Quierra Ricks, X33
Ryan Schumacher, X11
Carlton Twine Jr., X33
Tykinsten Wood, X33
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Utilizing improved blast equipment and lessons learned from the USS George Washington (CVN 73), the blast and repair team performed the same blast and repair effort in a fraction of the scheduled time. The team performed the extremely difficult work with first-time quality while experiencing no safety issues. This highly engaged team quickly learned how to execute this improved process, and performed the work working a single shift to avoid splitting the team up between two shifts.
Thanks to their efforts, the work was performed safely with first-time quality two months ahead of schedule, and at a cost savings of over 30%, delivering on the company’s commitment to the U.S. Navy.
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Not Pictured: Malik Roundtree, X33, Dayna Twyne, K60
SHIPBUILDERS OVERCOME CRITICAL MATERIAL CONSTRAINT TO SUPPORT VIRGINIA-CLASS CONSTRUCTION
One key component of Virginia-class submarine construction is the rudder yoke casting. Complex to produce, this large steel casting is necessary for fabricating the submarine’s rudders, essential pieces of the boat’s stern. This work has been completed by a thirdparty supplier starting with Block V, but when the supplier faced scheduling delays, shipbuilders developed an innovative plan to complete the work themselves.
Richard Bollinger Jr., O38
Courtney Francis, X18
Daniel Gular, X84
Marcus Johnson, K46
Derrick Kamman, M10
Bobby Kidd, A572
Kendall Ridenour, K46
Curtis Scott, X18
Robert Stanton Jr., A572
John Waddy, K46
Chad White, O38
Lamont Williams, O38
Michael Wilson, X18
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To finish the casting in-house, shipbuilders created a temporary footprint outside the shipyard’s submarine outfitting facilities. The work required various forms of non-destructive testing, extensive grinding and weld repairs to ensure the casting met strict quality requirements. While these efforts are traditionally completed in a foundry, due to footprint constraints nonfoundry personnel adapted and overcame to complete the casting outdoors.
Working together, the team recovered more than 10 months of schedule risk by completing the casting at the shipyard. This timing ensured the rudder yoke and rudders were fabricated to mitigate further schedule delays. Taking lessons learned from this project, Newport News Shipbuilding is partnering with the supplier to find greater cycle-time improvements.
Not Pictured:
James Adams, X18
David Bundy, X11
Kenneth Burgess, O53
Steven Gergel, K46
Joel Grenald, X18
Dominick Pottker, X11
Monia Reid, X11
Joseph Speight Jr., O93
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INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO INTEGRATING POST DELIVERY WORK FOR JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVN 79) CONSTRUCTION
One of the final steps for testing a new ship is its post shakedown availability (PSA) following delivery to the U.S. Navy. Yet with rising national defense threats, the Navy needs ships as mission ready as possible when they are delivered – meaning more work needs to be accomplished before the PSA. To best meet the Navy’s needs,
John Bayse, X01
Garrett Blanchette, X01
David Brabrand, O19
Ryan Duffy, O75
Seth Fitch, E20
Jack Fowler, X76
Chris Gibson, X44
Taneca Goode, E49
Julie Halsey, O59
Nubia Jones, O59
Eric Laurenzo, O19
Jonathan Morris, O19
Eric Neese, O19
Pedro Padilla, O59
Candace Selby, O59
Kareem Solomon, O19
Jeffrey Tatum, E20
Christopher White, O85
Leha Worley, O85
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this cross-functional team partnered with the Navy to review work that would have been performed post-delivery and incorporated it into the pre-delivery schedule for the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79).
The team researched potential work items and collaborated with the Navy to assess and select the critical work items for Newport News Shipbuilding to complete before Kennedy joins the fleet. This effort required working around the clock to scope and develop plans to complete each work item. As a result, the aircraft carrier’s construction, compartment completion and testing will include more critical work to make the ship as mission ready as possible upon delivery.
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Not Pictured: Thomas Clouatre, E49 Michelle Kirby, E49
SECURE CLOUD-BASED ENVIRONMENT OPENS DOORS FOR SHIPYARDS AND THE NAVY
Collaboration and digital data sharing between Newport News Shipbuilding and the U.S. Navy can be cumbersome due to the necessary security precautions required. With innovation in mind, a team of NNS engineers and IT professionals worked diligently for more than three years to develop a secure, cloud-based
Carla Coleman, E92
AliciaD’AuroraHarmon,E92
Cody Griffith, E92
Philip Jennings II, E92
Bryan Kral, O55
Gregory Pothast, T53
Robert Raines, T56
James Tatarka II, E79
William Weidner, T54
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environment to better partner with the Navy. The result? COMET: Collaboration Multi-Platform Environment.
Built from the ground up by shipbuilders in collaboration with third-party business partners, COMET allows the Navy to view shipyard model files and data throughout the lifecycle of Ford-class aircraft carriers. Armed with a vision of going paperless while supporting multiple government shipyards, the team made history in 2023 when COMET became the first cloud environment approved to contain U-NNPI information. Today, COMET supports more than 100 government users and has the potential to benefit future ship programs.
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Not Pictured: Mark Debbink, E92, Todd Imbriaco, T53, Joshua Kirkpatrick, T53, Stephen Philipps, T56, Kenneth Reeves, T51, Kristi Rose, O05, Brian Sawyer, T53, Carla Seaborn, N352, Joseph Whitfield, T53
HONORING HISTORY: CREATING A MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE FOR MULTIPLE SHIP’S SPONSORS
In November 2022, Newport News Shipbuilding hosted the ceremonial keel laying for Virginia-class submarine Arkansas (SSN 800), the first submarine event in NNS history to feature multiple sponsors. The sponsors are the six surviving women of the Little Rock Nine, and NNS honored two of the men who also made
Melody Brauchle, K22
Stephanie Cherry, O29
Antonio Drummond, O43
Ericha Forest, O29
Gerald Hough, O15
Brian Jackson, X18
Richard Kerlin, O43
Rhonda King, X36
Heather Land, O29
Jessica Lawson, K96
Brandon Leggett, X18
Patrick Murray, O15
John Neal, X36
Phoebe Richards, O29
Kendall Ridenour, K46
Janine Stoddard, O15
Yvonne Weiss, O15
Billy Williams, X18
Phyllis Young, X18
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history as the first African Americans to integrate Little Rock, Arkansas’ Central High School at the height of desegregation.
While shipbuilders from across NNS lent their expertise and talents to bring the keel laying to life, a select group of shipbuilders demonstrated special care and attention to detail to ensure that all of the guests of honor were able to participate regardless of their age or mobility. Little Rock Nine member Elizabeth Eckford said the keel laying was their “best experience because of [the team’s] very thorough preparation.” Eckford’s praise is monumental considering the 50+ years of national and international events that have honored the Little Rock Nine.
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SHIPBUILDERS COLLABORATE ON GROUNDBREAKING SHIPBOARD FIRE DRILL
Shipbuilders completed extensive planning and practice to develop and execute the first-ever major shipboard fire drill at Newport News Shipbuilding, achieving a satisfactory assessment from the Navy as a result. Orchestrating a shipboard fire drill requires multiple levels of support from the shipyard, the Navy and local city fire departments. Led by a team of dedicated shipbuilders, these groups spent eight months completing table-top exercises,
Christopher Annette, O15
Jordan Banton, O56
Brandon Barcus, O15
James Barnette II, X70
Teresa Benefield, E85
Eric Elson, E25
Casey Games, X73
Martin Gerald, E85
Trevor Hall, X73
Joshua Hollifield, E85
David Macerelli , X70
Emmett Mathews Jr., O15
David Neese, E25
Curtis Otto, O15
Brandon Owen, O15
Bryce Rilee, E82
Leonard Rossi, E85
Ashley Saba, O41
Stephanie Snesrud, E25
Larry Trantham, O67
Christopher Wilcox, O15
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briefings and various outreach and training events to prepare for the major fire drill aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Throughout this planning, the team established several new processes to enhance the shipyard’s drill response performance, including improvements to communication plans and staging for firefighters responding to the drill.
The major fire drill involved participation from seven localities and four government agencies alongside NNS and Navy first responders. This overwhelming response received positive feedback from the Navy. Because shipboard fires are so dangerous and difficult to combat, the team’s collaboration and hands-on training made strides to reduce risk for the shipyard, the Navy and Hampton Roads.
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Not Pictured: Madeline Bradshaw, E82, Andrew Smith, O40, Phillip Stickle, E82, Michael Symonds, O15
THOROUGH PLANNING AND DESIGN RESULT IN SUCCESSFUL JET BLAST DEFLECTOR INSTALLATION ON USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78)
To support the Navy’s urgent need to deploy USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), a team of Newport News Shipbuilding engineers came together to design a Jet Blast Deflector (JBD) Emergency Lowering System that was determined necessary for CVN 78 late in her construction schedule.
Gabriella Bishop, E11
David Brelsford, E25
Joshua Bruns , E32
Carl Carrow, E25
Garrett Colby, E24
Craig Florschuetz, E24
Robert Garrison IV, E25
Tyler Gimbert, E24
Jeffrey Luck, E56
Derrick Madden, E24
Anthony Maurer, E24
Michael McClenney, E24
Richard Phillips, E56
John Ralls, E02
Charles Smith, E24
Cody Steele, E24
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With the compressed schedule in mind, the team worked around the clock to fully design, assemble and operate a full-scale mock-up of the complex, electromechanical system in a laboratory environment to mitigate any risk and ensure operability. The team also leveraged innovative manufacturing methods to decrease manufacturing time.
CVN 78 would not have deployed without the team’s tireless, “can do” approach to complete this critical work, and the new system will now be incorporated into all Ford-class aircraft carriers. Furthermore, this success renewed Navy confidence in NNS’ ability to resolve even the most complex technical challenges.
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Not Pictured: Paul Campbell, E24, Robert Coulter II, E24, Howard Goodrich, E44, Jacob Haynes, E24, Stephen Hollowood, E24, Steven Plum, E24, Keith Shaw, E49, Jody Thornburg Jr., E24
TIGER TEAM DEVELOPS
SAFETY-FOCUSED PLAN TO REMOVE DEBRIS
During refueling operations, an aircraft carrier’s reactors are visually inspected before the ship returns to service. Unlike all previous aircraft carrier refueling and complex overhauls, debris was detected in part of a reactor on USS George Washington (CVN 73) that required removal.
Joshua Abels, E82
Brian Butler, X43
Douglas Claytor, X43
Marc Dubois, O39
Alexander Fenton, E82
Kimberly Gibson, X73
Davis Giles, E82
Austin Gregory, X43
Ryan Hennessy, E82
Wanda Knight, E85
William Leary, X43
Dennis Lee Jr., O39
Michael Ligon, X43
David Lovette, X43
Nicholas Manuk, E85
Tyler McLawhorn, X43
Andre Reid, E85
Derek Ruffing, X43
Marcus Santarsiero, E81
Robert Sipes, X73
Nicholas Tice, X73
Jasmine Wilcox, E85
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Because the retrieval effort was a first and involved significant risk of radiation exposure, a team of shipbuilders called the “Loss of Cleanliness Tiger Team” spent weeks modeling the scenario to determine a safe and effective retrieval process. Ultimately, the team safely and successfully removed all of the debris through a series of access holes.
The team’s diversity and demonstrated leadership allowed for quick learning and increased readiness to perform shipboard operations in a timely manner. Thanks to their innovation and critical thinking, this accomplishment allowed CVN 73 to return to the fleet at full capacity.
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Not Pictured: Alex Jones, X43, Robert Tripp, X43
TRANSFORMATIVE APPROACH TO REFURBISHING NIMITZ-CLASS AIRCRAFT CARRIER RADIOLOGICAL TANKS
Historically, Overboard Discharge Tank (ODT) refurbishment requires shipbuilders to be in confined spaces for long durations while wearing multiple layers of protective gear. A team of shipbuilders suggested that ODT refurbishment did not warrant the same level of protections and instead, hampers shipbuilders’ ability to do quality work. They set out to prove it.
Robert Bricker, E81
Brandon Byrum, E81
Michael Davidson, E85
Daniel Hoyos Failach, E81
George Hamilton, E81
George Huggett III, E85
Cassidy Jax, E81
Joshua Joyner, E81
Jeramy Miles, E81
Lamont Moody, E85
Russell Stallings, E85
Bernard Williams, E85
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The team re-engineered the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) ODT refurbishment and challenged long-held practices, envisioning how the work could be performed without unnecessary radiological controls. Overly conservative limitations were eliminated where possible, and the plan was approved by all stakeholders, including Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
The result was the most successful ODT refurbishment NNS has performed in the last two decades, saving both cost and schedule without any incidents of personnel contamination. More importantly, it was a huge win from an NNS employee quality of life perspective.
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Not Pictured: Sidney Harmon, E85 Ricky Johnson, E85
40 MODELS OF set the bar what it Newport News Our “
EXCELLENCE for means to be
Boykin
a shipbuilder.
-Jennifer
“
