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A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Ashley Cowan
Shipbuilders Attend Town Hall Trades division shipbuilders had an opportunity to hear updates and priorities straight from division leadership – and ask questions – during a Trades town hall Thursday, March 28.
NNSFORWARD Strategy. Those include accelerating time-totalent, reinventing learning and training for a changing workforce and implementing strategies to execute efficiently.
Xavier Beale, vice president of Trades, said the purpose of the town hall was to share information with and foster communication between shipbuilders and division leaders. He plans to hold town halls on a quarterly basis in locations throughout the shipyard.
“This does not involve just the leadership team,” Beale told attendees. “It’s going to require each and every one of us to lean in to be innovative, to question and challenge everything that we do every day. That questioning attitude is how we’re going to get that breakout idea to revolutionize our business.”
Attendees heard a high-level overview of work that is projected at NNS in the coming years. Beale also shared information about division initiatives and key priorities connected to the company’s
Beale also talked about Quality of Life initiatives, including continuing efforts to reclaim spaces for shipbuilders and the... CONTINUED ON PG 2
Nominations Underway The Model of Excellence (MOE) Award is presented to any individual or team demonstrating extraordinary performance that aligns with Newport News Shipbuilding’s core values, business objectives and the NNSFORWARD Strategy. Shipbuilders can submit nominations for 2019 MOE awards through April 8 to their division’s representative using form NN 9134, available in the Forms Viewer. For detailed information about the program, visit the MOE website or contact Heather Land (O29) at 688-8496.
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Shipbuilders Attend Town Hall CONTINUED FROM PG 1
...introduction of new food vendor options. He said Trades division leadership will begin weekly “deckplate walkabouts” soon to get to know shipbuilders and to help reinforce the importance of safety. “We’re going to walk around and interface with craftsmen and craftswomen to get to know them, understand the challenges and what’s going well,” Beale said. “There are a lot of competing priorities, but there’s nothing more important for the Trades leadership team than the people who are out here building ships every day.” At NNS for nine months, Bryan Mabrey (X33) was happy he attended the town hall and appreciated the walkabout idea. “I’ve learned that leadership is actually working on ways to improve things and communication between us,” he said. Mabrey said he plans to encourage others on his crew to attend future town halls. “I like this setting. I plan to be back,” he said. Denee Westbrook (X33) – also at NNS for less than one year – said she was glad to hear about employee engagement opportunities and hopes to see more improvement in communication amongst coworkers. She also plans to encourage others to attend future town halls. “How else are you going to be heard if you don’t show up to certain events?” she said.
Expectant Mother Parking Now Requires Decals Effective today, April 1, expectant mother parking spaces around Newport News Shipbuilding require a special decal. The spaces are open to employees with a valid decal on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply for an expectant mother decal, visit the MyNNS Parking & Transportation website. Decals are active for up to nine months from the date the decal is assigned to the employee. Designated spaces are posted with signage. View a map of these locations on MyNNS.
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Changes Coming for NNS' Group Rider Program Newport News Shipbuilding’s group rider parking system will undergo a fresh start this spring – changes set to take place in May will mark the first of many parking and transportation changes to be implemented this year as NNS transitions to a permanent zone-based parking system. “The Parking and Transportation team is completely revitalizing the system, starting from scratch to make necessary improvements to encourage group riding and to help with enforcement,” said Heather Criner, Transportation and Real Estate manager. “Changes will address concerns of misuse and limited group rider parking capacity – they will also grant premium parking to employees opting to use group riding as their permanent method of transportation to get to and from work. Changes to the group rider system will not impact other parking decals at this time.” With the new group rider system, each group will receive one parking permit. This means that employees listed on a group rider application will be linked to one parking permit versus multiple permits. A unique barcode will be printed on each permit and will be associated with all members of the group by their PERNR. If a member of the group needs to ride separate from the group, the employee should plan to park in an NNS lot that does not require a decal (i.e. Hidens or the satellite parking lot located at the former Daily Press facility on Warwick Boulevard), use on-street parking, or park in a privately owned lot. When applying for a group rider permit, groups will be able to select the group rider lot they would prefer to park in. This will allow the Parking and Transportation team to better align the number of parking spaces with the number of group riders per lot. Premium parking ensures that every vehicle helping to optimize parking capacity by group riding will secure a parking space. View current group rider lots at NNS by searching “gold” on MyNNS YardMaps. “Findings from the NNS Parking and Transportation study indicate that group riders at NNS currently have a 1-4 chance of finding a parking space in group rider lots,” said Dana West, Facilities engineer. “By allocating one permit to each group, we can ensure there are enough parking spaces to accommodate all groups and that spaces are located in the lot of the group’s preference. Parking spaces will not have a number or name designation, but there will be enough spaces to accommodate each group.” The new system will be implemented on Tuesday, May 28. On this date, current group rider decals will no longer be valid. All current group riders will need to apply for a new parking permit to remain eligible to park in group rider lots across the shipyard. The Parking and Transportation team is currently communicating with all current group riders to cascade this information. Employees may begin applying for a the new group rider permit by visiting the Parking and Transportation website on MyNNS. Currently, the requirement to be qualified as a group rider is two or more passengers. However, as the demand for group rider parking increases, there is an opportunity for the minimum requirement of passengers to increase to three. If this were to occur, employees would be notified in advance of any changes. All parking in group rider lots will remain on a first-come, first-served basis, however, group rider lots will be adjusted based on the feedback received during the new application process. For more information or questions, email ParkingSolutions@hii-nns.com.
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CURRENTS 3
Shipbuilders Create Fire Prevention and Protective Covering Training Simulation In an effort to reduce fires, raise awareness and educate the workforce on fire prevention, the John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) production team fabricated an “Active Fire Prevention and Protective Covering Training” room. The idea came from a similar program that has been successful on the In-Service Aircraft Carrier program. The training room mimics ship conditions with various fire hazards. Employees are brought in and given a job to perform hot work, but they must assess the work environment before they can go to work. There is a brief test, which serves as a knowledge check, and a short video on fire prevention. Shipbuilders have found the training to be a beneficial experience. X18 Makeup Foreman Kiesha Holloman has managed the effort – from setting up the training site, with X18 Trades Administration assistance, to coordinating the trainee schedule and ensuring employees are getting the most out of their experience. Holloman trained Kyle Roundy (X18), who now leads the effort on second and third shifts, to ensure all employees have a chance to experience the training. “The number of fires and fire-related incidents was growing, so we knew we needed to do something different to make a
Kiesha Holloman and John Harrell work in the training room. Photo by Ashley Cowan
change. This new mock-up training area has the look and feel of real life conditions our employees see on the deckplate every day. This training program allows our employees to take a few minutes to recognize hazardous conditions and bring back what they have learned to their work sites,” said X18 Lead General Foreman Larry Deaver. “Kiesha Holloman and Kyle Roundy have done an outstanding job running the program and making it so successful.” All foremen and construction supervisors have completed the training/ simulation. All other shipbuilders in the program are being phased through to continue to bring attention to the importance of fire prevention. “Since we started in 2008, we’ve been fortunate to have some of the most amazing people and companies that make Newport News special join forces with us to help make our community safer,” said Rob Coleman, president of the foundation. “From our very first days – when we were still developing our mission, our focus and our direction – Huntington Ingalls and Newport News Shipbuilding were there helping us lay the keel on our organization.” Coleman said the foundation “fills the gap,” supporting police department initiatives and programs that aren’t funded by the city. NNS’ support helps cover the cost of academy graduations, fallen officer ceremonies, life-saving trauma kits, body cameras and the department’s Youth Leadership Camp.
Rob Coleman, president of the Newport News Police Foundation, left, stands with NNS Security Chief John Clark, center, and Tom Cosgrove, NNS’ manager of Corporate
Newport News Police Foundation Honors NNS During its second annual Friends of the Badge Breakfast on March 19, the Newport News Police Foundation named Newport News Shipbuilding its corporate citizen of the year.
“It’s an honor to be a part of the foundation and accept this award on behalf of the company. Watching the effect of paying it forward is amazing. This award shows the foundation’s appreciation for NNS being a huge part of that process,” said NNS Security Chief John Clark, who currently serves on the Newport News Police Foundation Board. Tom Cosgrove, NNS’ manager of Corporate Citizenship and Government Relations; Derek Jenkins, corporate director of Security and Emergency Management; and Clark accepted the award.
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Shipbuilder to Chair National Committee Lynn Fraser (O48), an electrical engineer in Newport News Shipbuilding’s Crane Engineering and Quality Department, recently was elected to chair the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Standards Committee on Cranes for Nuclear Facilities. The committee meets three times per year and writes national standards for cranes for nuclear facilities. At NNS for 29 years, Fraser has served on the Committee on Cranes for Nuclear Facilities for 15 years and takes on her leadership role in June. In January, the same committee honored Fraser with its 2019 Outstanding Service Medal, which is awarded annually to one individual who stands out for their overall contribution to committee business. She was stunned by the honor. “This is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. I’m an electrical engineer, so it really was a surprise,” she said of the award. “I greatly appreciate it.” Lynn Fraser will chair the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Standards Committee on Cranes for Nuclear Facilities beginning in June.
She is now looking forward to an exciting tenure as committee chair. “There’s a number of organizations out there working to write good standards, and this is one of them,” Fraser said. “I would encourage any of the engineers here to get involved.”
"Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Wallet" Wellness Events Planned Engineering and Design is partnering with Human Resources and Administration and Huntington Ingalls Industries to offer a seven-day series of wellness events, designed to bring information about improved physical, mental and financial health to employees where they work. The “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Wallet” events will be held as pop-up booths in buildings with a major Engineering and Design presence. The events, held between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and open to all shipbuilders, will feature Corporate Benefits representatives and QuadMed staff who can speak one-on-one with employees interested in learning more about the slate of benefits programs and services the company offers. Events will be held in the following locations: Wednesday, April 3 Bldg. 160 (Second Floor EOC Conference Room) Thursday, April 4 Bldg. 4633 Friday, April 5 Bldg. 901 Lobby
Tuesday, April 9 Bldg. 600 Lobby Wednesday, April 10 Bldg. 903 Lobby Thursday, April 11 VASCIC (Third Floor)
Monday, April 8 Bldg. 902 Lobby The events will provide information about specific benefits offerings and general wellness issues like suicide awareness, nutrition and at-work exercise. “When an employee is happy and satisfied with their job, it positively affects their well-being. When an employee is healthy and feeling their best, mentally, physically and financially, they’ll feel happier and more satisfied in the workplace. In both cases, the reverse is also true. Any efforts designed to foster a culture of wellness in our organization will naturally complement our employee engagement strategy,” said Michelle Pope (E08), Engineering and Design Engagement Champion lead.
Shipbuilders Meet With Students Newport News Shipbuilding employees representing Logistics, Structural Fabrication and Assembly and Component Fabrication and Assembly talked to students about their work, safety and opportunities at the shipyard, including The Apprentice School, during a SEEKnns event at Nansemond River High School in Suffolk. Shipbuilders who participated include Gleen Barnes (O53), Keith Clark (X15), Dale Fullwood (O53), Wesley Jones (X15), Kai Smith (X32) and Ashleigh Harvell-Green (X42). All are members of safety task teams and also candidates for Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association (VPPPA) Safety and Health Achievement Awards.
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AROUND THE YARD Relay For Life Luminarias and Torches for Sale During the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life at 9 p.m. May 17 at Tabb High School, luminarias will light the track, illuminating names of those who have been affected by cancer including the honored, remembered and appreciated. Next week, Newport News Shipbuilding employees can purchase and decorate luminaria. If employees are unable to attend the event, purchasing a luminaria or a torch is a special gesture to show support. Luminaria prices range from $10 to $25. Tribute torches are $50. Checks are to be made payable to the American Cancer Society. The luminaria stations listed below will accept cash or checks. Monday, April 8 Applebee’s (Bldg. 227) Noon until 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 The Carrier Café (Bldg. 1744) Noon until 12:30 p.m. The Dive (Bldg. 4633) Noon until 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 Bldg. 902 Lobby Noon until 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11 Bldg. 600 Lobby Noon until 12:30 p.m. Bldg. 520 (6th Floor) Noon until 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 12 Bldg. 903 Lobby 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. VASCIC 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
HII Scholarship Application Deadline Approaching The deadline to apply to the Huntington Ingalls Industries Scholarship Fund for the 20192020 school year is 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 16. Individual amounts will range from $1,500 annually for a two-year college or vocational program to $3,000 per year for selected students enrolled in a four-year program. The fund also awards scholarships of up to $3,000 toward pre-K school readiness education costs. To learn more about the program and access application links, visit www.huntingtoningalls.com/scholarship.
ERGs Partnering to Celebrate National Walking Day
Pictured from left are Propeller Club Second Vice President David Batdorf (K15), Propeller Club Treasurer Willy Adams (O19) and Special Olympics Representative and retired O19 Contracts Manager Brad Comer.
Newport News Propeller Club Supports Special Olympics The Newport News Propeller Club made a donation to the Special Olympics of Newport News March 20. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
NNS Participates in ACIBC Action Days Newport News Shipbuilding relies on suppliers from 48 states for the construction and maintenance of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. During Aircraft Carrier Industrial Base Coalition (ACIBC) Action Days last week, suppliers met with members of Congress in Washington, D.C., to discuss the importance of the aircraft carrier program. Watch a video on MyNNS that illustrates the importance of NNS' suppliers.
Wednesday, April 3, is National Walking Day. Newport News Shipbuilding's employee resource groups (ERGs) are teaming up to celebrate by walking on the Noland Trail at 4:30 p.m. The ERGs are competing to see which can bring the most people. Shipbuilders are invited to come and support their favorite ERG. Participants will meet at The Mariners' Museum parking lot, located at 100 Museum Drive. After the walk, participants will gather at Tradition Brewing Co., located at 700 Thimble Shoals Blvd. The event is open to all Huntington Ingalls Industries employees, friends and family. Email HOLA@hii-nns.com for more information.
Blood Drives Planned Leading up to this year’s Workers’ Memorial Day ceremonies, Newport News Shipbuilding and the American Red Cross are hosting two in-yard blood drives in honor of James Goins. The first drive will be held from 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. April 9 in Bldg. 4931 (PCU Assembly Room). The second will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. April 22 in Bldg. 1744 (Fifth Floor Conference Room). Shipbuilders who would like to donate should fill out the Blood Drive Donation Form and return it to Judy Fundak (K18) by email or fax it to 688-7060. Look for more information regarding the 2019 Workers’ Memorial Day ceremonies in upcoming editions of Currents.
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DATEBOOK APRIL 2
April is Autism Awareness Month, and April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. Wear blue and join fellow shipbuilders on the Apprentice School Football Field at noon for the second Annual Light It Up Blue photo in support of individuals and families impacted by autism. For more information, contact Pamela Setterholm (E46) at 688-7592.
APRIL 2
Engineering and Design is hosting a Teaching, Enlightening, Aspiring (TEA) Talk featuring Xavier Beale, vice president of Trades. The event is from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. in VASCIC (2 West Dining Room). TEA Talk is a leadership development series that provides a forum for employees to hear stories from company leaders about how their personal lives have influenced their careers at NNS. No charge will be provided. To RSVP, sign up on the TEA talk website on MyNNS. For additional questions, see the event flier or contact Tanika Vasquez (E08) at 688-7916.
APRIL 5
The Apprentice Alumni Association will recognize the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1969 during the annual Apprentice Alumni banquet at the Newport News Marriott at City Center. A social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and the program commencing at 7 p.m. This year, the ticket price has been reduced to $30. Dues-paying alumni who purchase tickets will have the opportunity to receive one or two priority Oyster Roast tickets in the fall. To purchase tickets, contact your delegates, Sally Krystyn (O22) or Teagle Insurance. For more information, contact Sarah Gentry (K45) at (757) 329-2449.
APRIL 9
APRIL 10
The Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) Program is hosting a learn at lunch (bring your own lunch) event for potential candidates from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Bldg. 520-4 (O19 Conference Room). The program is open to salaried individual contributors. To sign up, email PEERProgram@hii-nns.com with your name, department, phone number and learn at lunch date.
APRIL 10
Attend an information session from 4 until 5:30 p.m. in Classroom 303 in The Apprentice School about MBA Programs for working professionals offered by William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business. Register at www.wmflexmba2.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Latasha Jarrett (O22) at 380-2005.
APRIL 11
Newport News Shipbuilding is a sponsor of this year’s “Tastefully Yours” event at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. The tasting event will feature dozens of the Peninsula’s finest restaurants. All proceeds will benefit the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. For ticket information, contact Abra McCollum (T52) at 380-2935 or visit www.hrfoodbank.org from a home computer.
APRIL 11 AND 25
The “Spear and Gear” Toastmasters Club will host a meeting from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. in Room 247 of The Apprentice School (Bldg. 1919). The event is open to all Newport News Shipbuilding employees and no RSVP is required. The event will provide a forum for employees to learn how to become more effective communicators and leaders. For more information, contact Jason Paquette (E83) at 534-2770.
The Apprentice Alumni Baseball Social will be held at War Memorial Stadium at 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Lynné Cave (X50) at 380-2381.
APRIL 13
The Progressive Club is holding its 2019 Cabin Fever Golf Tournament at Sleepy Hole Golf Club. Shotgun start is at 1 p.m. This is a four-person, captain’s choice tournament. The cost is $75 per person ($300 per team). Fees include green, cart fees and dinner. There will also be raffles and prizes. Deadline to register and pay is April 5. For more information, contact Loria Mooneyham at (757) 869-4459 or Everett Eagle at (757) 897-5245.
APRIL 15
The Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) Program is hosting an open house from 4 until 6 p.m. in Bldg. 903-7 (MDC). The event will provide an opportunity for candidates, active participants and host departments to discuss rotation opportunities, department goals and mutual expectations. No sign up is required. Visit the PEER website for more information.
APRIL 18
Celebrate Earth Day by volunteering at Christopher Newport Park, the Victory Arch or the Huntington Park beachfront. Volunteers will meet at the park next to the cul-de-sac on 26th Street (off West Avenue) at 3:30 p.m. Visit the Environmental Engineering Earth Day website for more information and to download volunteer forms. Volunteer forms should be submitted to Ebony Webb (O27) by April 16 via email or Yardmail to Department O27, Bldg. 79-1. Forms can also be faxed to 688-6007. See the March 25 edition of Currents for more details about Earth Day activities.
APRIL 23
Is retirement in your future? Attend the Retirement Readiness class from SmartPath for tips and tricks you can use today. Classes are offered at noon in Bldg. 520-6 (James River Room) and 4:30 p.m. in VASCIC (2 West Dining Area). Email BeWell@hii-co.com to register for your preferred class time or ask your foreman to register you. PTO/flex is required during scheduled work hours.
APRIL 24
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Entry-Level Structural Welder Experienced Structural Welder Industrial Control PLC Programmer SAP Basis Administrator 2 SAP Basis Administrator 3 SharePoint Application Analyst 3 IT Software Engineer Product Owner 2 Software Project Manager iDS IT Software Engineer 5 Systems Architect Engineer 2 Systems Engineer 3 iDS Systems Engineer 4 Quality Engineer/Software Engineer 3 Senior SME Engineer 5 – Ship Signatures Manager, Production Planning Scheduler 2
28469BR 28468BR 26431BR 28048BR 27465BR 25057BR 24940BR 26770BR 25377BR 28186BR 26363BR 26287BR 25661BR 27322BR 29276BR
X18 X18 E44 T54 T54 T54 E59 E44 T55 X57 E47 T55 E44 E46 X76
Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News
Employees are encouraged to use the “Current HII Employees” portal to apply. The company continues to offer cash bonus awards for referrals to select positions, visit www.huntingtoningalls.com/careers/refer-a-friend for more information.
The L.E.A.R.N. Program will host an after-work presentation on the two-ship buy with Mike Shawcross, vice president of Enterprise (CVN 80) and CVN 81 Aircraft Carrier Programs, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the VASCIC auditorium. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign-up on the L.E.A.R.N. website on MyNNS. For questions, contact Tanika Vasquez (E08) at 688-7916, Helen Dennie (O28) at 380-4831 or email LEARN@hii-nns.com.
MAY 4
The 2019 NNS Submarine Golf Classic will be held at 9 a.m. at Cypress Creek Golf Club. This is a four-person Captain’s Choice tournament. The cost is $75 per person ($300 per team). Tournament proceeds will benefit the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia. The rain date is June 1. For more information, contact J Mathews (X82) at 292-6341 or Alicia Wonders (X84) at 688-4145.