6 | 23 | 2014
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Front row (L to R): Randy Harris, Russell Johnson, Jason Peck, Scott Markwith, Kenneth Freeman, Demetri Washington, Gene Weaver, Landon Scott. Second row (L to R): Jasper McMickle, Romel Ward, Christopher Aultman, Satchel Powell, Vernon Eason, Cliff Clifton, Samuel Harris, Luis Bonilla, Troy Watson. Back row (L to R): Jimmy Barger, Willie Jones, Roy Townsen, Christopher Evans, Jeffery Watson, John Gregory. Photo by Chris Oxley
Shipbuilders Skateboard Around Obstacles on CVN 72 Catapult Overhaul On June 12, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) X11 and X18 shipbuilders from all three shifts were recognized during a luncheon for their work on overhauling the ship’s catapults. CVN 72’s catapults were more corroded than previous aircraft carriers coming in for overhaul. The bottom 22 inches of the catapult trough walls needed to be cut out and replaced. The shipbuilders met the challenge with ingenuity, including creating a skateboard conveyor that could safely transport the 320-pound steel plates down the catapult without having to remove the shed and schedule cranes for the
Currents Gets a New Look
work. The simple contraption saved time and reduced risk of injury. All four catapults were finished on schedule except for catapult “number four,” which was completed one month ahead of schedule. During the luncheon, on CVN 72’s flight deck, John Gregory (X11), general foreman overseeing the catapult work, praised the team, “These guys stepped up to a high-risk job, and made it look easy.”
The Communications team has redesigned Currents in an effort to create additional space for articles. If you or your department would like Currents to cover an event in your division, contact Lauren Ward (O29) at 380-4622 or send and email to Currents@hii-nns.com.
Coming Soon! NNS Town Hall Compilation Video During May and June, Newport News Shipbuilding President Matt Mulherin embarked on a tour to discuss the state of the shipyard with NNS’ more than 23,700 shipbuilders. This week, the Communications Division will publish a compilation video of all 10 stops on the tour. Continue to check Yardnet this week to watch the video.