9 l 26 l 2022
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Photo by Lexi Whitehead
Have Your Say During Survey Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual engagement survey, which measures how well employees are connected to NNS’ mission, is underway. Employees have until Oct. 7 to complete the survey. The survey is facilitated through Gallup and results guide leaders’ understanding of how they are performing as a team – as well as what areas could be improved. Employees with company computer access will receive an email from Gallup with a link to the survey. Employees without company computer access will take the survey
at a designated time with their crew during work hours. A list of frequently asked questions is available on MyNNS. In addition to the engagement survey, hourly employees have the opportunity to participate in a stay survey, which consists of 10 questions focused on employee retention and attracting new talent to NNS. Earlier this year, salaried employees had the opportunity to participate in this survey. Feedback will help NNS create a work environment that inspires people to be their best.
A Big Job: NNS Security Keeps Shipbuilders Safe Last week was National Security Officer Appreciation Week. Newport News Shipbuilding’s Security force works to ensure the safety of all personnel within the facility and to protect company and U.S. Navy assets. “Security in a facility like this is critical,” said Edward O’Donnell (O15), who has been a security officer at NNS for more than seven years. “There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that we take care of that most people in the yard probably don’t see.” One of those lesser-known tasks is performing monthly inspections on the hundreds of shipboard fire extinguishers at NNS. While the NNS Fire Department has responsibility for fire extinguishers
in buildings and within dry docks, Security handles shipboard extinguishers. Lt. Jeff Bradley (O15) manages the three-person team that conducts the inspections in addition to their other security-related duties. “It’s a big job and a big responsibility,” he said. “We take fire protection very seriously. The mission of my team is to instill a sense of confidence. We want employees to know that if they come upon a fire, the equipment that is there for their protection is going to work.” CONTINUED ON PG 2