6 | 27 | 2016
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
The Community Congratulates NNS on 130 Years Visit the 130th Anniversary website to watch new congratulatory video messages. New videos are added to the website each week.
During a celebration at Booker T. Washington Middle School, GEMS mentors Alison Twilley (E16), center left, and April Hauser (E16), center right, demonstrate how their team built a functional light bulb with basic materials. Photo by Chris Oxley
Celebrating GEMS
NNS Hosts Second Annual Military Immersion Program On June 13, Talent Acquisition and Production and Maintenance Skills Training welcomed military career counselors to the shipyard for the second annual Military Immersion Program. The counselors, who are active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces, represented the Navy, Marines and Army. The program offers counselors invaluable shipyard knowledge and hands-on experience, so that they have a better understanding of the career opportunities that are available to military veterans. “It was an absolute honor and privilege to have the opportunity to once again host the Military Immersion Program,” said George Smith (O20), Talent Acquisition representative and military outreach specialist. “Newport News Shipbuilding strives to hire the best of the best, and many of those military veterans who are in the process of transitioning out of the service already have the desired skill set and work ethic to successfully transition seamlessly into our organization at a variety of levels.” During the four-day program, the counselors were able to participate in hands-on training with craftsmen and craftswomen, meet with senior leaders and divisions, take tours and learn about the career application process at NNS. Training Manager Jerry Eng (O26/E85) who coordinated the program said, “We are honored to host this event for the brave men and women who have given so much to safeguard our nation’s liberty and values. We could not imagine a better fit than aligning our veterans with a secondary career in shipbuilding.”
Career Pathways held year-end ceremonies for Girls with Engineering Minds in Shipbuilding (GEMS) at Booker T. Washington Middle School and Crittenden Middle School in June. The GEMS Program, which is now in its’ second year, introduces girls to careers in engineering through activities and mentoring. During this year’s ceremonies, nearly 50 students were recognized with certificates of achievement for completing the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program, and one girl from each school was recognized with a “Gem of GEMS” award for being the most active during the program. “The dedication of our Newport News Shipbuilding volunteers is what makes this program successful for the girls. The mentors express so much passion for their careers in STEM, which encourages the girls to learn more about engineering and shipbuilding,” said Stephanie White (O20), GEMS lead for Booker T. Washington Middle School. Career Pathways plans to continue GEMS into the next school year at Booker T. Washington Middle School and Crittenden Middle School. An informational meeting is scheduled for July 14 for employees that are in a STEM-related field and interested in becoming a mentor. For more information, contact Pierrette Swan (K18) at 688-2201.