Feb. 8, 2021

Doctors Urge Shipbuilders to Get COVID-19 Vaccine 2 l 8 l 2021

Newport News Shipbuilding Medical Director Dr. Steven Apostoles and Dr. Vijay Subramaniam have a message to share with the NNS community – get your COVID-19 vaccine. Now that the Moderna vaccine is available at NNS, all shipbuilders will be offered the shots. Both physicians agree the benefits outweigh any side effects.

A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

“I’m more frightened to get COVID than I am over the vaccine,” said Apostoles. “This is our opportunity to fight COVID. Do it for yourself, your family and your fellow shipbuilders. Think it through, look at the science, get the shot.”

Newport News Shipbuilding began administering COVID-19 vaccines to employees last week. Photo by Matt Hildreth

A Shot at Normalcy

Dr. Subramaniam advised that the shot is effective and no one is immune from the disease. “I’ve seen 40-year-old body builders in wheelchairs because they were so beaten up by COVID. There are cases of people experiencing memory issues as well as chronic heart and lung problems. It’s better to prevent it than have to treat it,” he said.

Other considerations Apostoles and Subramaniam pointed out include:

“I’ve lost family members and I wish they had a chance at the vaccine because they could still be here right now,” Campbell said. “At first, my family was against getting the vaccine, but the more and more it ratcheted up we sat down and talked about it. If the opportunity came for any of us to get the shot, we agreed that we would do it.”

• Establishing “herd immunity” is the only way to get the numbers under control. The more people vaccinated, the faster life can return to “normal.”

Herd immunity is when a portion of a community has built up a resistance to a disease and the spread of that disease to the remainder of the population greatly decreases. Vaccine side effects are the same across all genders and races. The vaccine is just as effective in one race as another.

The HII Family Health Center (QuadMed) medical staff is onsite to administer the vaccine and can provide general information.

• Reported vaccine side effects are minimal – soreness at the site, some fatigue and/or low-grade fever.

More than 300 shipbuilders received their first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine last week at the old Apprentice School gym (Bldg. 601), located off Marshall Avenue.

Artis Perry (K47), Emily Tavai (O20) and Michael Campbell (O43) were among the first shipbuilders to receive the vaccine. All three said the reason they chose to vaccinate was to help protect the health and safety of others.

“The first vaccination is imperative,” said Nicole Joy, QuadMed’s client operations manager. “This is our answer to herd immunity and getting back to normal. Getting the economy back on track, people back to work, children back to school, this is the way to do it. We know this from our leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

• Risk of getting sick or hospitalized from the coronavirus is significantly higher in African Americans and Hispanics.

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United Way Campaign Continues Newport News Shipbuilding’s 2021 United Way campaign continues through Feb. 19.

Dozens of local organizations that impact the health, education and financial stability of residents across the area benefit from United Way contributions.

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Doctors Urge Shipbuilders to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

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The vaccine is strongly encouraged but not mandatory for shipbuilders. Given the high demand on the vaccine, shipbuilders are advised to get it from their healthcare provider if offered there first. Also, in order for the Moderna vaccine to be most effective, two doses are needed. It is important that shipbuilders use the same vaccine manufacturer for both the first and second doses.

Shipbuilders are encouraged to discuss their medical concerns with their healthcare providers.

A list of frequently asked questions regarding NNS’ vaccination process is available at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411 or email COVIDCAG@hii-nns.com.

Charlotte Hardy was among the shipbuilders to receive the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at NNS last week. Photo by Matt Hildreth

United Way Campaign Continues

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“With COVID-19 negatively affecting so many in our community, our neighbors who never thought they would be in a position to need help have encountered challenges too significant to overcome on their own,” said Judy Fundak (K18). “Those who were already struggling now have an even greater need, but you can make a difference.”

Giving online through the NNS Gives application (nns.yourcause.com) makes giving easier than ever before and provides greater transparency and access. Visit www.uwvp.org/nnsfundraising to participate in yardwide fundraising opportunities. For more information about the campaign, contact your United Way department coordinator or Katie Schubert (K18) at 380-2416 or via email.

ACCESS TAX ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FOR 2020 CONTRIBUTIONS VIA NNS GIVES Shipbuilders who made contributions through the NNS Gives platform in 2020 can generate their tax acknowledgment letter by following these steps: • • • • •

Select “Give” from the top toolbar.

Select “My Giving.”

Select “Donation History.”

Export Summary (Donation Summary 2020).

Right click and save as PDF.

For questions, email nns-support@yourcause.com.

A Shot at Normalcy Newport News Shipbuilding is receiving limited doses from the state and employees will be notified when it’s their turn to be vaccinated. Availability of COVID-19 vaccines may change daily. If appointments need to be rescheduled, employees will be contacted directly.

Transportation is provided to and from appointments if needed. Shuttles are operating on a continuous loop from Bldg. 601 to pickup locations outside the following NNS gates: • 35th Street

• 50th Street

• 42nd Street

• North Yard (Main Gate)

Watch a video highlighting employees who chose to get the vaccine on MyNNS or on the NNS to Go app.

Shipbuilders Mark Columbia Milestone Shipbuilders marked a milestone on Dec. 23 when they successfully overturned the first Columbia (SSBN 826) stern unit in the first use of NNS’ second commissioned APCO Segment Assembly Machine (SAM) fixture. The automated cylindrical fixture in the Joint Manufacturing and Assembly Facility (JMAF) can rise and overturn 180 degrees making work safer and more efficient.

O63 Foreman Kevin Williams Jr. said the team had used a similar fixture to “flip” much smaller units for Virginia-class submarines, but this was a first for the Columbia class.

“Columbia is bigger, so we were dealing with something way more massive in diameter than we ever had before,” he said. “We definitely had different variables.”

Teamwork between first- and second-shift crews – a total of about 20 shipbuilders – made the successful overturn possible. Prior to the “flip,” Williams said his crew had welded the outside of the unit, now they’re able to do the same on the inside.

Williams said he was proud of all the shipbuilders involved and the culture they have worked to build moving forward. “To do something for the first time and not hesitate and do it with confidence like you’ve done it before says a lot about what we’ve been developing for the past two years,” he said. “Five years from now, they’ll do what we just did, and it’ll be a walk in the park.”

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New Master’s Program for Shipbuilders Newport News Shipbuilding partnered with Old Dominion University to create a Master of Engineering in mechanical engineering cohort starting in fall 2021. Unlike previous cohorts, NNS employees who are granted admission (GRE has been waived) into the program by Old Dominion will take classes with other non-NNS students.

Successful completion of 10 classes is required to complete the program and earn a master’s degree. The classes are scheduled over three and a half years to integrate with tuition reimbursement requirements through EdAssist. Classes were chosen to coincide with shipbuilding, and the program includes earning a naval architecture and marine engineering graduate certificate approximately halfway through the master’s program. If needed, a math refresher class will be offered in summer 2021.

To be considered for admission into the program, interested NNS employees must have graduated from an ABET accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, marine engineering or naval architecture. There will be an information session, via WebEx, at 4:15 p.m. on March 18. For more information, or to attend the information session, contact Rob Gies or Joseph Vasold via email.

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported last week: 148

Pictured from left are awardees Stephen McGrew, Willie Clark, Kevin Ransom, Terry Savage, Douglas Boyd, Kai Smith and CFA Director Bob Schatzel. Photo by Ashley Cowan

Shipbuilders Honored for Safety Contributions Six shipbuilders recently were honored with Component Fabrication and Assembly (CFA) Director’s Safety awards for making significant positive contributions to Newport News Shipbuilding’s safety culture.

The award is a collaboration between CFA and Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) to recognize employees for achievements such as accident risk reduction, contributions to safety training, 5S leadership, accident response, risk identification, and acting a strong safety role model.

CFA Director Bob Schatzel recognized the following employees for their contributions: • Willie Clark (A572), Foundry

• Stephen McGrew (X43), Machine Shop

• Douglas Boyd (A572), Foundry

• Kevin Ransom (X42), Pipe Shop

• Terry Savage (X43), TFW Shops

• Kai Smith (X32), ESHP

Schatzel called the awardees “model employees who have a work ethic that promotes safety in all they do,” and praised the example they each set.

“In addition to their safe behaviors, they take the time to mentor their fellow shipbuilders regardless of their experience level or amount of time they have been in the organization and advise co-workers of potential risks associated with their job. When it comes to safety, they are not shy to voice their opinion nor commitment to working safe,” Schatzel said.

“These folks are an excellent representation of what a safety ambassador of CFA should work toward.”

Total cases at NNS: 2,544

REMINDER: Consistency in Allocating Costs

Total number of NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 1,735

Charging similar costs as indirect on one contract but direct on another contract is a Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) noncompliance.

See case details at

nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.

A CAS noncompliance could result in downward contract price adjustments, cash withholds and other detrimental financial impacts to the company. For this reason, it is important to be consistent in charging labor and material costs.

Government Finance Relations (O74) can provide assistance in determining the correct way to charge.

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DATEBOOK FEBRUARY 9

Join a panel of HII Family Health Center providers for a heart health virtual lunch and learn at noon. The panel will discuss tips to protect your heart in this 30-minute educational session. Register at myquadmed.com/BeWell.

FEBRUARY 9

Time to set your 2021 goals. Join NNS’ performance coaches and guest speaker Jason Sutton to hear their thoughts on goal setting. The NNS Lean Community of Practice (CoP) invites shipbuilders to attend its Chapter 1: Goal Setting event from 4:30 until 6 p.m. via Zoom. In addition to Sutton, guest speakers will include Tim Mott and Justin Wright. Register on MyNNS.

FEBRUARY 10

Join Engineering and Design from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on Gallup Q12.

Gallup research identified 12 elements that exist in every high-performing work environment. Behind each of these elements is fundamental truth about human nature on the job. Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend. No charge is provided. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.

FEBRUARY 10

Thinking about borrowing from your 401(k)? Register for SmartPath’s 401(k) webinar at noon to learn about the unique rules and risks of taking a 401(k) loan. Visit www.joinsmartpath.com/hii/classes to register and connect with a financial coach. Can’t participate in the live webinar? Don’t worry. Register anyway, and SmartPath will email you a recording of the session.

FEBRUARY 15

Fresh Start, a free, eight-week tobacco cessation program can help you quit smoking for good and save you on your medical premium. Register at myquadmed.com/BeWell.

Sessions begin Feb. 15.

FEBRUARY 16

Join the African American Shipbuilders Association employee resource group for a COVID- 19 panel discussion via Zoom from 4:30 until 6 p.m. Doctors and individuals personally impacted by the virus will discuss COVID-19’s effect on the African American community, their personal experiences with the disease, the role of history in vaccine hesitancy, and why it is important to change those perceptions for everyone’s health and well-being. The Zoom meeting ID is 858 8832 2213 and the passcode is 750196. To participate, you must have the Zoom app on your personal device, and you must not be on company property. Note: This is an after work event, no charge information will be provided. This event is open to all NNS employees. Register on MyNNS. For more information, contact Michelle Pope via email.

FEBRUARY 17

Join Engineering and Design from noon until 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Learning Session (VLS) on African American Shipbuilders Association (AASA) employee resource group (ERG). The ERG’s purpose is to increase visibility for AASA and its members by serving as the community of practice for professional development and mentorship.

Sign up on MyNNS to receive a calendar invite to attend.

No charge is provided. For questions and concerns, email E&D Connections.

Shipbuilders Share their COVID-19 Stories Learn how COVID-19 has impacted shipbuilders through the Faces of Cases campaign by visiting nns.huntingtoningalls.com/photos/faces-of-cases.

2020 L.E.A.R.N. Recognition Class Congratulations to the 2020 L.E.A.R.N. Recognition Class. Shipbuilders can be a part of a future prestigious recognition class after attending their first five L.E.A.R.N. events. The recognition class receives a certificate and acknowledgment in Currents. Will you be part of the 2021 L.E.A.R.N. Recognition class? For more information, visit the L.E.A.R.N. website on MyNNS. Shipbuilders in the 2020 Recognition Class include Katina Adams, Keith A. Amidon, Karan Bechet Benjamin, William Boyd, Briana B. Bryant, Bryan Caccavale, Jennifer Dunn, George S. Eggleston, Mohamed A. Elrahhal, Brian Fields, Tejinder K. Gill, Kelsey E. Hecker, Judy C. Hines, Nicholas J. Horne, John I. Hudson, Susan Jacobs, Katelyn M. Johnson, Charles Kim, Jeanne Kintner, Shaunte E. Lafferty, Sunny Lee, Denise Martin, Keith A. Martin, Shanda Mitchell, Tim B. Mott, Meghan Olson, Kathleen Ross, Steven M. Stern, Donald Terry, Philip Villaverde, Dinh Vo, Josephine Vu and Cenise Waites.

SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS

Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.

Job Title

Req Number

Dept.

Location

Cost Engineer 3 Designer 2 Designer 3 Entry-level Pipefitter International Trade Compliance Analyst 4 Nuclear Quality Inspector 3 Pipefitter Trainee Production Planner & Scheduler 3 Web Designer and Digital Media Specialist Welder Trainee

1620 4099 977 4787 4168 3776 4745 4840 3368 4746

O19 E83 E83 X42 O17 O96 X42 X73 O29 X18

Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Ballston Spa, NY Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News

Employees are encouraged to use MyHR or the “Current HII Employees Job Search” button at www.buildyourcareer.com to apply. The company continues to offer cash bonus awards for referrals to select positions, visit www.huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refer-a-friend for more information.

February 4, 2021 Dear Shipbuilders, I am pleased to share that we received our first 300 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine this week, and began the important work of vaccinating our shipbuilders.

The first employees to receive the vaccine include first responders and essential personnel who maintain the yard during emergencies and perform schedule-critical work. As we receive additional vaccines, we will expand this group to include employees age 60 and over. In the coming days and weeks, you will hear from some of these shipbuilders about their experiences and their decisions to get the vaccine.

Today, I’d like to share mine.

As part of our company’s emergency response group, I met the criteria to be vaccinated this week, and I received my shot on Tuesday afternoon. I did not experience any side effects, other than some soreness in my arm – similar to what I’ve experienced from a flu shot. While business continuity was an important factor in my decision to be among the first vaccinations, what mattered most to me was the need to lead by example. We expect to receive enough vaccines for our entire workforce, and although it is a personal choice, I hope my decision to get vaccinated will encourage others to do the same.

In the past six weeks, NNS has doubled its number of positive COVID-19 cases. While we are continuing our onsite testing program, facility sanitization efforts, mask wearing and social distancing, these steps alone will not stop the spread. The CDC advises that getting a vaccination is instrumental to ending the pandemic.

We expect to receive another 200 vaccines next week, and we will continue to communicate those details with you. Importantly, if you have an opportunity to receive the vaccine someplace other than NNS, we highly encourage you to do so.

Here are additional observations based on our first week of vaccine operations: • Shipbuilders waited in line for about 20 minutes to receive their vaccines, and were then observed for 15 minutes. The entire process took about 45 minutes.

• Shipbuilders are scheduled for their second dose before leaving the vaccine center.

• The HII Family Health Center (QuadMed) medical staff is onsite to administer the vaccine and can provide general information. We recommend you discuss your specific concerns with your healthcare provider in advance.

As a reminder, additional information can be found at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411. We appreciate your continued patience and flexibility with this evolving plan, and I want to personally thank the team working so hard to bring the vaccines to us in a safe and convenient way. They are outstanding examples of what it means to be part of something greater than one’s self. The vaccine provides us all that opportunity, and I hope you will consider it once it becomes available to you.

Respectfully,

Jennifer Boykin President Newport News Shipbuilding

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