E-Cigarettes to Be Prohibited on Commissioned Ships Starting April 30 4 l 24 l 2017
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
As a new requirement imposed by the U.S. Navy, effective April 30, 2017, possession and/or use of electronic cigarettes, alternative cigarettes, personal vaporizers, or electronic nicotine delivery systems will be prohibited on all commissioned vessels.
Special Edition of Focus NNS: CVN 78 Sea Trials Sail Loft Shipbuilders finalize Indiana's (SSN 789) bow flag. The flag will be placed over the submarine's bow unit during the christening ceremony this Saturday. Photo by John Whalen
Shipbuilders Prepare to Christen Indiana (SSN 789) Shipbuilders around the yard are continuing to make final preparations for Indiana's (SSN 789) Christening Ceremony this Saturday, April 29. Seamstress Christine Mitchell (X32), along with other shipbuilders working in the company's Sail Loft Shop have been working aroundthe-clock to complete Indiana's bow flag that will be placed over the submarine's bow unit during the ceremony. "Every flag takes time and combined experience, to bring it all together," said Mitchell. "When I look at this bow flag, it makes me feel very proud to be a part of such a special day." Vice President Mike Pence, who's home state is Indiana, will be the keynote speaker for the event. Other government officials will also give remarks. Ship's Sponsor Diane Donald, wife of Retired Navy Admiral Kirkland Donald, will perform the traditional honor of breaking a bottle of American sparkling wine across the ship's bow during the christening ceremony. The SSN 789 Ship Store will be onsite at the christening ceremony selling a variety of items including the ship coin, baseball caps, polos, T-shirts, sweatshirts, command patches and more. NNS logo items will also be available for purchase. Items from both stores can be purchased by cash and/or credit card. Saturday's ceremony will be broadcast live via webcast (www.huntingtoningalls.com/ssn789) starting at 11 a.m. Use #SSN789 on social media sites to follow the event and congratulate the shipbuilders. Watch a video featuring SSN 789's bow flag coming together. The Virginia-Class Submarine Program also held a coloring contest prior to the ship's christening for children of VCS employees. Turn to p. 3 to find out the winners and view their winning artwork.
Tune in for a special edition of Focus NNS highlighting Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) builder's sea trials. The edition features shipbuilders, sailors and tests conducted during the seven days the carrier was at sea.
NNS to Host Workers' Memorial Event on Friday All employees are invited to attend the company's first Workers' Memorial Event at The Rock at noon on Friday, April 28. The ceremony will include remarks by NNS President Matt Mulherin and Vice President of Trades Operations Ray Bagley. Following remarks, there will be a wreath laying ceremony and a moment of silence. Workers' Memorial Day is a day to honor workers who have died and/or who have been injured on the job, to acknowledge the suffering experienced by families and communities and to recommit to the fight for a safe and healthful workplace for all workers.