Yardlines

IN THIS ISSUE 2014 Safety Song Winner Announced Dry Dock Work Completed for USS Abraham Lincoln

Yardlines

Photo by Dar Deerfield-Mook

Washington (SSN 787) Keel Laying Ceremony

A Publication of Newport News Shipbuilding

November/December 2014

Keel Laid for Submarine Hono

(L to R) Newport News Shipbuilding President Matt Mulherin, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Ship’s Sponsor Elisabeth Mabus admire the keel authentication plate displayed by welder and Washington state native Dustin Utecht during the Nov. 22 Washington (SSN 787) Keel Laying Ceremony. Photo by John Whalen

oring the Evergreen State Washington native and Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice Dustin Utecht took center stage November 22 to weld Ship’s Sponsor Elisabeth Mabus’ initials onto a metal plate during the keel-laying ceremony for the submarine Washington (SSN 787).

A keel laying, or keel authentication, is a Navy tradition marking the ceremonial start of a ship’s construction.

“I’m really honored to be a part of this tradition,” said Elisabeth Mabus, the daughter of Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. “It’s the people who build and man these ships who make our Navy great.” The keel authentication plate bearing the sponsor’s initials will be permanently affixed to the Virginia-class submarine (VCS) as a symbol of her relationship with the ship, its shipbuilders and crew.

Utecht, one of 4,000 shipbuilders building Washington, said, “It’s an honor and an incredible feeling knowing that the keel plate I welded will be a permanent part of the ship, and that every step and process of building this ship is going to keep America safe.”

Also representing the submarine’s namesake state was flower girl Abby Matthews. The Gig Harbor, Washington, fourth-grader is the niece of NNS Facilities Maintenance Manager Rhonda King.

Shaina Baker, a painter in the VCS program, performed the national anthem, which was followed by the invocation delivered by Electronics Technician First Class Karl Stewart, a member of the Washington (SSN 787) crew.

“Each submarine we build is a reflection of the hard work and innovation of our more than 23,000 shipbuilders, and it is most appropriate that this submarine is named for Washington, a state that thrives on innovation,” said NNS President Matt Mulherin. “When SSN 787 is complete, she will be the most innovative and most technologically advanced submarine in the world, and today is the first step in her journey to get there.”

After the ceremony, Secretary Mabus said, “You don’t get many days like this as a secretary or as a parent.”

The boat’s pre-commissioning unit commanding officer, Commander Jason Schneider, and more than 100 members of the submarine’s crew and their families, along with shipbuilders and their families, enjoyed the rare opportunity to walk through and take photos inside the bow unit of the submarine they will soon take to sea.

Washington is the 14th VCS submarine being built by the NNS and Electric Boat team. The submarine is scheduled to be christened in the fall of 2015 and delivered to the Navy in 2016. | By Gina Chew-Holman View photographs and a replay of the keel-laying ceremony at www.huntingtoningalls.com/ssn787.

incol L N MOVES OUT OF DRY DOCK

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) has rediscovered her sea legs.

After 19 months of refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) work inside and outside of the aircraft carrier, Lincoln was moved Nov. 3 from her keel blocks in Dry Dock 11 into the James River to Outfitting Berth 1.

The move is a source of abundant pride for shipbuilders like Robert “Stick” Matschke, a hull and tank superintendent on the project. “You get a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction for everyone on the team,” he said. “Knowing what the team has just accomplished; there are only a handful of people in the world who can say they have done this.”

The undocking signals the completion of extensive repair and construction work, including the preservation of hundreds of tanks and the replacement of thousands of valves, pumps and piping components. The entire hull was repainted, the propeller shafts were updated, and Lincoln now sports refurbished propellers and an anchor that once belonged to USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

Ashley Wells had oversight of the coating process for the nuclear and non-nuclear sea chests to prepare for the undocking – a first for her as a new foreman. “There have been challenges to face and obstacles to overcome, but in the end they were all great experiences to help me become a better foreman.”

On Nov. 3, about 500 shipbuilders assisted with the undocking of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Tugboats towed the aircraft carrier to an outfitting berth at Newport News Shipbuilding, where her mid-life refueling and complex overhaul will be completed. Photo by Ricky Thompson

Not uncommon to RCOH work are challenges unique to each ship, and growth work not originally planned.

On CVN 72, both rudders required refurbishing, and the side plates for all four catapults were replaced. The team developed new processes to get the job done, several of which are best practices and the model for future RCOH work.

Work on Lincoln at her new home continues. Major components will be installed and tested to ensure the electronics, combat and propulsion systems are working before the carrier is redelivered to the Navy in 2016.

These final months will also be dedicated to modernizing

the ship’s living quarters for the sailors as they move aboard. Once completed, Lincoln will be equipped to operate in the U.S. Navy fleet for the second half of her 50-year expected service life.

Dave Fletcher, CVN 72 topside construction director, said shipbuilder engagement and sailor ownership on Lincoln is the best he has seen in his 35-year career. “Newport News Shipbuilding is the best in the world at what we do.

When Abraham Lincoln redelivers in 2016, the Navy will again realize we do what we say we will do. We prove it every day.” | By Christie Miller

NORTH YARD

STAGING CREW

HAS THE RIGHT STUFF

Two things that get high marks from the North Yard’s second shift staging crew are – having the materials and tools they need to do their work, and access to training to build their skills and ensure they are working safely.

This 17-member team of stagers and riggers get requests to build staging for the Ring Module Shop, Structural Fabrication and Assembly, Component Fabrication and Assembly, the Covered Modular Outfitting Facility, and the Blast and Coat Facility, just to name a few.

“One of the things I like about this job is every day there’s a new project and something different. But no matter what we do, we strive to make what we build as safe as possible because other shipbuilders have to use the staging, just like us,” said Justin Buist.

To ensure the team has the right tools for the right job, a Connex storage box is kept full with chainsaws, reciprocating saws, stud guns and other types

of equipment. They also store bolts, clamps, wire and enough staging materials for one month.

includes learning to be cost-conscious and accountable for material and tools.

“Ordering the right amount of material cuts down on man hours because the employees know where to find material, and it’s always stocked,” said Jean Thompson, the team’s foreman.

“Knowing the cost of the tools and materials I use each day has definitely made me more responsible for keeping up with my tools and making sure they are in good working order,” said Kevin Dickerson.

“When a new person joins our team, I personally get that individual’s tool box and all the necessary tools to do the work he or she has been tasked with. I also don’t wait 120 days to start their training. Scheduling training classes immediately makes the individual feel that someone cares about them and they become stronger team members,” Thompson said.

Paying attention to cost has also led the team to recycle materials whenever they can.

Buist achieved 18 certifications in his first 10 months of being on the team. Training for new team members also

Dickerson, who is also a Naval Reservist, said what he enjoys most about this job is the teamwork. “Because of our training, everyone knows everyone’s job and the procedures. This makes us a much stronger team.” | By Gina Chew-Holman (L to R): Second shift staging builders Kevin Dickerson, Justin Buist, Alexander Sanchez, and Terril Powell enjoy having all the material and tools they need to do their job. Photo by John Whalen

How Technology Development is bringing deckplate ideas to life

Say “research and development” and many think of top-secret labs staffed with people wearing white lab coats experimenting with futuristic technologies. While Newport News Shipbuilding is researching future technologies, much of its research and development looks different. It includes steel-toe boots, hard hats, and a growing list of smaller projects inspired by ideas straight from the deckplate.

“A few years ago, we invited engineers to come on the flight deck of CVN 71 to look at ideas for a better drill,” said Cliff Edwards, who was a general foreman on the CVN 71 refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH). About 15,000 holes needed to be drilled while overhauling the catapults, and a more efficient and durable drill could reduce risk of injury and cost. Two and half years later, the new custom drill is now in the final testing phase.

Five years ago, the research and development division, now called Technology Development (TechDev), was more focused on long-term

research and development – typically five-tosix-year projects. Then, in 2011, they began allotting more resources to projects focused on improving manufacturing and processes, using existing technologies to provide quick solutions.

This year, more than 30 percent of TechDev’s budget is dedicated to small projects with quick turnarounds, and demand is growing.

For Edwards, the drill project was the beginning of a beautiful friendship between Machinery Installation and TechDev. Today, in a new role, Edwards is one of TechDev’s most loyal customers, leading projects related to machinery installation in new carrier construction.

Bradley Herron, a TechDev engineer who has worked on six projects with Edwards, works with every major shipbuilding program. “Right now, we have ongoing projects with new carrier construction, RCOH and submarine construction,” said Herron. “The vast majority of our projects are a lot quicker and smaller than the drill project.”

Machinery Installation Foreman Jim Butler now has the lead for RCOH projects, and Foreman Pat Brown leads on the Virginia-Class Submarine (VCS) Program.

“We had an idea for an adjustable torque wrench adaptor so we could torque things in really tight spaces,” said Brown, who turned to Tammy Rossi, a TechDev engineer, with the idea. “Tammy came right down to see our need firsthand, and within a few days we had a cost estimate and were moving toward a prototype.”

Rossi is working on several projects across different programs, including several VCS projects. “We’re here to enable their ideas,” she said. “We just partner with the people doing the work.”

The real beauty of the relationship is that many ideas come straight from those doing the hands-on work. “A lot of our shipbuilders’ ideas are given wings through this partnership,” said Edwards. “It show our opinions really count.” | By Peter Stern

Outside Machinist Jarrod “Moose” Saunders tests a new drill in one of the catapults on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), a project that TechDev helped make a reality. Photo by Ricky Thompson

On-Site

Assistance for Aches and Pains Not sure why you’re having a particular muscle or joint pain? Well, the shipyard now has a Preventive Care Program and two specialists who will meet one-on-one with employees to evaluate and try to relieve the pain.

Since the program’s start in January, Preventive Care Specialists Donna Abbott and Chrissie Riese have worked with more than 350 shipbuilders to help improve or resolve painful symptoms.

To be referred to the program, an employee with mild physical symptoms that have developed over time must express interest to his or her foreman or manager. A specialist will then observe an employee at work and recommend stretches, exercises and job techniques that the employee can do on their own.

“The sooner we know about a symptom, the faster we can come up with a blueprint to ease pain and prevent a potential injury,” said Abbott.

Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Marine Painter Ashley Evans was referred to the program last summer by her foreman.

“I was experiencing knee issues, especially toward the end of my shifts,” she said. “After my initial screening, Chrissie met me the following day at my workspace to shadow me.”

Riese said, “It’s helpful to survey the shipbuilders’ workspaces to see how they work in that environment.

A lot of times, we can correct postures and coach them with tips on stretches and exercises they can do to ease or eliminate pain.”

While observing Evans, Riese immediately noticed that she was continuously trekking up and down seven decks on the carrier, equivalent to approximately 150 stairs.

“Chrissie was able to give me exercises that I could do prior to my shift, during lunch or at home to help with my knee issues,” Evans said. “The exercises she gave me were things I could do using items that I already have – so I didn’t have to go out and buy anything, which was nice.”

Abbott said, “The stronger and more flexible you are, the better your work habits, the more frequently you move, the less likely you are to sustain an injury.”

After working with an employee for a period of time, if symptoms persist, the specialists refer the employee to Newport News Shipbuilding’s Clinic for treatment.

This program is completely voluntary and available to employees on all three shifts.

It’s important to Abbott and Riese that employees understand why they’re making specific recommendations. “We’re all on the same team,” said Abbott. “We want to bring onboard all the resources we have to enable them to be able to have the highest quality of life possible.” I By Lauren Ward

Preventive Care Program Specialist Chrissie Riese recommends exercises Marine Painter Ashley Evans can do to aleviate knee pain. Photo by John Whalen

I Wanna

BE Safe

Shipfitter Derek Wilson has been assembling hatches and working on aircraft carriers for more than 14 years, but in his free time he is equally motivated by listening to, playing and creating music. Wilson, the winner of the 2014 Safety Song Contest, has been creating music for more than 24 years and has worked with some of the industry’s top producers. With his talent and experience, the shipyard’s Safety Song Contest seems like an obvious outlet to showcase his talent. But winning the contest and the $1,000 prize wasn’t his goal. In fact, Wilson’s catchy hip-hop-style tune, “I Wanna Be Safe,” almost didn’t enter the contest at all.

Sarah Gentry, a foreman in the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Inactivation Program, said Wilson asked her how he could start producing music and beats for shipyard training videos.

“I told him that I would make a few phone calls, but that the Safety Song Contest could be a good springboard,” she said.

Wilson became interested in producing beats shortly after he started playing the drums at 10

years old. Winning a beat-making contest at Hampton University opened the door for him to follow his musical dreams. He was invited to Atlanta to work with record labels, producers and hip-hop artists, but the father of four wasn’t ready to make the necessary move to pursue the opportunities.

“My family always comes first. Work and my music – that’s always second,” he said.

When he began writing his safety song, Wilson wanted to focus first on the beat and then on the lyrics. “I wanted the song to relate to everyone so that they could cling to the lyrics and remember them while they are working.

For example, I wrote the line, ‘Before you light your torch, 60-second drop test,’ for all the welders. I hope it’s in their mind when they go to hook up their torches.”

Whether he’s working on Enterprise or producing music, the shipfitter takes great pride in his work and appreciates the opportunity to explore his talents.

“Safety is so important here, and it’s great that upper management lets you voice your talent and demonstrate our commitment to safety. And, of course, this is what I love to do.” I By Jeremy Bustin In January, watch Derek Wilson’s music video for “I Wanna Be Safe” at www.huntingtoningalls.com/safetysong.

Shipfitter Derek Wilson, the winner of the shipyard’s 2014 Safety Song Contest for his song “I Wanna Be Safe” has worked with music producers Teddy Riley of the R&B group Blackstreet, and Timbaland, who has produced for such artists as Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliott, OneRepublic and Jay-Z. Photo by John Whalen

HALF CENTU In 1964, five young people started new jobs at the shipyard. Little did they know that their new jobs were the beginning of 50-year careers. In October, James Keemer, Napoleon Lee, Junie Routten, Danny Smith, and Philip Fetter were recognized as new members of the Manufacturing Division’s “Half Century Club,” achieving 50 continuous years at Newport News Shipbuilding. The club is currently nine members strong.

Keemer, the son of North Carolina farmers, has worked all over the shipyard and remembers when the North Yard was being created. “It took a long time,” recalled Keemer. As a second-shift shipfitter, he has worked on almost every ship built at NNS since he arrived, including the entire Los Angeles-class of submarines.

One ship name, however, stands out among the others.

“I remember working on my first carrier, John F. Kennedy (CVA 67), up on the smokestacks. Now, I’m finishing my career in the North Yard building the inner bottoms for the next Kennedy (CVN 79).”

Routten, a Hampton native, came from a family of Hampton fishermen. When he started at NNS, he worked as an electrician onboard the ships before ending up in the Machine Shop, where he has stayed. “We come from a generation in the Machine Shop where nothing was automated,” said Routten. “Everything was done by hand, and it had to look pretty.”

Smith started in the Machine Shop right out of high school, but his memories of the shipyard date back to his childhood. His father worked at the shipyard, starting right before World War II. As a child, he remembers touring the ocean liner SS United States and the aircraft carrier USS Forestal. “The shipyard has been real good to me and this community,” said Smith. “In the last 10 years, things have changed a lot. It’s a lot safer than it used to be.”

Lee joined the shipyard as a steel fabricator, starting at $2.01 per hour. Fifty years later, he is still fabricating steel.

“My favorite part of working here is the people,” said Lee, who is preparing to retire. “I had one superintendent who would come around and talk with us, man-to-man, like he was one of the guys. I’ll always remember that. I’m going to miss the people.” I By Peter Stern New inductees to the Manufacturing Half Century Club (L to R) Daniel Smith, Irving “Junie” Routten Jr, Napolean Lee. Photo by Ricky Thompson

URY

NAVY VETERAN STILL SERVES

Today, instead of putting on a Navy uniform, George Morris III dons a hard hat – and instead of operating a submarine, he builds an aircraft carrier.

said. “I had to teach myself how to remember things and relearn how to walk, write and perform everyday activities.”

“The Navy was my life,” the Navy veteran said. “For the 10 years I served, I loved my crew aboard USS San Juan (SSN 751), I loved helping people, protecting our country and being part of a mission bigger than myself.”

His condition forced him to leave the Navy and, in 2000, the New Jersey native moved back to the East Coast to be closer to family and friends. Then he was hired by Newport News Shipbuilding five years later.

On May 26, 1999, Morris awoke from a coma in a quiet room at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. Confused, tired and physically weak, the Navy submarine electrician had contracted encephalitis, an infection of the brain.

“I wanted a job where I could still serve and give back to our country, and the shipyard seemed like the perfect place,” he said.

The infection would leave him with a memory disorder and epilepsy. “The earliest days were the hardest,” he

As part of the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Defueling Team, Morris works second shift as a nuclear quality inspector.

“I work with the trades to ensure processes are being followed correctly.”

Appreciation for shipbuilders on

ACTIVE DUTY The 23,500 shipbuilders of Newport News are proud of those serving in military services at home or abroad. We salute, in particular, those shipbuilders in the reserves answering the call with courage and honor outside the shipyard’s gates.

Newport News Shipbuilding offers season’s greetings to the seven members of our team serving on active duty. We ask all shipbuilders, during holiday gatherings to acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices being made by the men and women serving our country away from home.

Dacqui A. X32 Olga B. X33 Rory C. O43 Steven G. X43 Coleman H. X36 H. Keith Q. E81 Morris says that his job is very satisfying, “It’s great to know that we’re building the best ships in the world and I’m a part of that process.”

Even though the shipbuilder has been seizure-free for the past 14 years, he still has challenges.

“Determination has been my key to overcoming any issues that have arisen,” he said. “After overcoming encephalitis, I vowed to never let my disability limit me, and I feel like I’ve done that. Though I’m not actively serving on submarines anymore, I’m still serving our country – as a shipbuilder right here in Newport News.” | By Lauren Ward

Retired U.S. Navy Submarine Electrician George Morris III is one of 4,872 veterans employed by Huntington Ingalls Industries. Photo by Ricky Thompson

Jeremain S. X36 Full names not provided for privacy

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Debu Was

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Earlier this year, Newport News Shipbuilding engineers and designers planning for USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) mid-life refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) visited Japan to perform a shipcheck while the aircraft carrier was in dry dock at Naval Station Yokosuka. When the ship arrives at NNS in 2017, CVN 73 will be the sixth Nimitz-class carrier to undergo a RCOH. Using 3-D laser technology for the first time in a production environment, NNS shipcheck teams equipped with two laser scanners examined 300 CVN 73 compartments, scanned pictures and compiled ship data. Until now, dimensional drawings and data collection captured during advance planning shipchecks were done manually.

This “off-the-shelf” commercial technology was initially tested with funding provided by NNS Independent Research & Development and Navy Research & Development (ManTech). After adapting the technology to support shipcheck inspections, new processes were developed to prototype on CVN 73.

“Everyone worked their piece of the puzzle. We looked at the electrical, power distribution, HVAC, piping and other vital ship systems,” said Fernando Gaines, the lead lighting engineer who is working on his third Nimitzclass RCOH. “Our goal is to be better prepared for Washington’s RCOH by applying lessons learned from previous RCOHs and implementing process improvements to trim costs. Using this new laser scanning technology to capture shipboard reality will help us meet our goals.”

The shipcheck teams found the new technology provided more dimensional and visual information in less time, which allowed them to develop more accurate designs and planning products.

“One of the advantages of using the laser scan technology during the shipcheck has been the ability of the teams to immediately process the data so they could refine their shipcheck plans and also determine exactly what data was needed or missing,“ said Frank DeLar, technical lead for the CVN Reality Capture project.

DeLar also explained that reality capture processes can improve the safety of shipcheck teams by reducing the number of shipcheck personnel. It also saves costs and time interrupting ship force during in-service availabilities.

“I’m excited about this new process and I believe it will take our shipcheck to a new level. We will be able to offer something to our customer that no one in modern-day shipbuilding can do,” said Woody Woods, the lead designer for the power distribution system.

Designer Anna Hornsby, responsible for developing drawings to modify and upgrade the non-nuclear piping systems, said, “When we don’t have access to the ship, this tool will give us visibility to the existing systems. Having the electronic data is like having eyes on the ship.”

To complete the three-year CVN 73 RCOH planning process, additional inspection trips will be made to Yokosuka. During the next trip, shipcheck teams will use four laser scanners to examine 600 additional compartments. | By Gina Chew-Holman The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Photo by U.S. Navy

Diet, Exercise and a Positive Attitude Keep Diabetes in Check Ask Nadine Bryant how she lost 86 pounds and she’s quick to tell you: exercise, a healthy diet, plenty of water and a positive attitude.

Five years ago, Bryant, who works in Logistics and Materials Handling at Newport News Shipbuilding, wasn’t that confident. She discovered she had a high blood sugar level during a free HealthWaves screening. Fearing it was diabetes, she burst into tears telling HealthWaves Coordinator Terry Holbert that she didn’t want to be sick and relying on medicine.

“He calmed me down and explained that I could get healthy and to see my doctor,” said Bryant.

The American Diabetes Association says that more than 1.7 million Americans, like Bryant, have Type 2 diabetes.

It occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, causing blood sugar levels to rise and resulting in fatigue, faintness or dizziness. The condition is often stabilized with prescription drugs, a balanced diet and physical activity.

That’s the remedy Bryant’s physician prescribed.

In addition to taking her meds, Bryant switched to a low-carb, no-sugar diet and said, “So long to sodas, juice and chips.” She joined the YMCA to work out and had Holbert check her glucose levels daily.

Within four months of starting her new regimen, Bryant’s weight and blood sugar levels began to go down. Her attitude quickly began to rise.

“When I saw the difference, it was like ‘Wow’ This is all you have to do?’” she said.

Today, Bryant checks her own blood sugar levels daily; dines on chicken or fish and fresh veggies; and stops by the Y right after work. Her doctor said when she loses another 15 pounds she’ll be able to stop the medication.

“It’s really paying off,” said Bryant. “It has improved my lifestyle and my job performance. But you have to be disciplined and motivate yourself.”

And a positive attitude? Bryant said, “That helps, too.”

Benefits & Wellness

Making a Difference

Striking a Chord in Men’s Spirits

This summer, a group of Newport News shipbuilders put down their weld torches and calculators to pick up guitars, microphones and drum sticks.

Led by 52-year music veteran Tom Jenkins, band members Sam Brandon, Cleve Melton, Dan McPeters, Mike Saunders, Rob Shamblin and friend Chuck Struse Sr. rocked out at the Iron Sharpens Iron Gathering of Men conference on Oct. 25 in Yorktown, Virginia. This conference takes place in cities throughout the country, bringing hundreds of men together for the day. The oneday conference’s goal is to strengthen men of all ages through worship, workshops and seminars.

“It’s important right now for men to have friendship among their peers,” said McPeters, guitarist and vocalist.

“A lot of men feel alone or disconnected, and it’s good that events like this bring men together to be strong fathers, good husbands and upstanding people where they work and volunteer.”

The band’s contemporary Christian music, including original songs written by Jenkins, promotes virtues and positive habits that the band hopes to strengthen in conference attendees and in themselves.

“In the shipyard, we have tools – computers, grinders, welding rods – that need to be replenished, restored, maintained,” said Jenkins, who plays guitar and sings lead vocals. “We have to put this same effort in to our relationships with others.”

Through each song, the band inspires others to live upstanding lives as men and leaders in the community.

Melton, the band’s rhythm guitarist added, “Giving is better than receiving. When we play music we’re giving something. The seeds are planted to make you a better person.”| By Phoebe Doty (L to R): Shipbuilders Tom Jenkins, Charles Struse Sr., Mike Saunders, Rob Shamblin, Daniel McPeters, Sam Brandon and Cleve Melton rehearse for their Oct. 24 performance at the Gathering of Men Conference. Photo by John Whalen

Yardlines is published 10 times a year for the employees of Newport News Shipbuilding.

This issue of Yardlines was produced by: Jeremy Bustin, Gina Chew-Holman, Troy Cooper, Phoebe Doty, Mike Dillard, Christie Miller, Eugene Phillips, LaMar Smith, Peter Stern, Susan Sumner, Lauren Ward and Kimberly Zayakosky.

Photographs by: Chris Oxley, Ricky Thompson and John Whalen. Editor: Gina Chew-Holman Send comments, questions and story ideas to gina.chewholman@hii-nns.com or call 757-380-2627.

To stop receiving Yardlines, go to nns.huntingtoningalls.com/Yardlines to unsubscribe.

Look for more news at nns.huntingtoningalls.com.

Long Service MASTER SHIPBUILDERS

OCTOBER

Thurlow Bailey 40 years

Bobby B. Brandt 40 years

Thomas R. Butler 40 years

Gary R. Carraway 50 years

Eugene E. Dent 40 years

Vincent W. Fuller 40 years

Judy Hester 45 years

Charles T. Joyce 40 years

Richard Joyner 40 years

Ernie Koehler 45 years

Dallas M. Layden 40 years

Charles D. “Moon” Mullins 40 years

Cornell Parker 40 years

Earl Peterson Jr. 45 years

Warren “Poopsie” Powell 50 years

George A. “Swamp” Taylor 40 years

Howard S. Turner 40 years

James Vinson 40 years

Paul Knopfle* 40 years

* Paul Knopfle celebrated his 40 year anniversary in September.

Linda Williams 40 years 50 YEARS Warren A. Powell O53 45 YEARS James E. Allen O15 Philip W. Fetter M53 Judy A. Hester O22 Ern A. Koehler Jr. O45 Earl Peterson Jr. X42 40 YEARS Thurlow D. Bailey X36 Gerale R. Baker X33 Glenn G. Banks X82 Bobby B. Brandt X18 Thomas R. Butler X31 Gary R. Carraway N940 Eugene E. Dent X32 Vincent W. Fuller X18 Randy A. Hogan X42 Charles T. Joyce X89 Richard Joyner X36 Dallas M. Layden X42 Jerry W. Marshall O64 Roger L. Minton X67

Charles D. Mullins X31 Cornell Parker X32 George A. Taylor Jr. O39 Frankie W. Thurston X18 Howard S. Turner X42 James C. Vinson X33 Linda Williams X33 35 YEARS Deborah A. Anthony X43 Audrey D. Bailey X18 Bruce P. Bailey O43 Kenneth S. Baines M53 Louis A. Banks Jr. X43 Joni G. Barbera X88 Alphonso Barnes Jr. X43 Lawrence E. Bell X33 Willis J. Blow X18 Melvin L. Boone X42 Larry T. Boykin M53 Donald S. Brinkley II E88 Sharon E. Brooks X32 Michael D. Bumbleburg O43 Kathleen A. Butler E89

Willie D. Campbell E81 Jeffrey K. Carawan O24 Dorothy A. Carter O53 Francine Carter X33 Ladevra V. Cary O14 Donald R. Corbin X43 Francine J. Cypress O14 Otis L. Cypress Jr. O68 Eugene Davis X43 Dennis T. Dedmon X32 Ronnie P. Diggs X42 Timothy F. Downey X36 Brian K. Eller X59 Jerry J. Eng O26 Christy L. Fillyaw O82 Lonnie D. Fletcher X70 James G. Fonville III O14 Herman K. Frazier X83 Linwood A. Fulgham X31 Delores Fuller X33 Michael G. Grasso O39 Stephen L. Gray X87 Lloyd E. Gregory O48 Earl A. Herbin X36 Michael R. Hicks O53

Bernice J. Holbert K74 Gladys F. Hunt X43 Rodney G. Johnson X43 Clifton W. Johnson III X43 Andre T. Jones X42 Lester V. Jones X42 Sharon L. Jones X43 Shenna R. Kates X33 David M. Knopp O68 Jeffrey A. Krohto O31 Dorothy Little O04 Nelson E. Love Jr. X87 Cynthia E. Lowe O53 Michael D. Mabus X82 Alan J. Madison X91 William C. McGlone Jr. O26 Orlando T. Melvin X32 James K. Mixon Jr. M53 Robert R. Mosby X73 Dwayne D. Myers O53 Samuel L. Nichols X42 Richard A. Norman O43 Jimmy L. Norville O57 James C. Parker X36 Robert H. Patsell X82

Gary A. Pearson X42 Ross M. Peisel O46 Donald G. Pember N940 Dorothy M. Perkerson X43 Lee M. Perry X43 David A. Pickwick O68 Major Pierce III X42 Crystal D. Pope O53 Johnny S. Price X82 Michael E. Robinson O38 Stanley L. Rymer X67 Garnell T. Scott O45 Barry D. Seltzer X70 Gene A. Shifflett M53 Brenda K. Smith X33 Mitchell T. Smith X31 Percell Smith X42 Wenzel A. Soliday X82 Sheila M. Spragley X33 Paul A. Strickland O03 Marvin L. Sykes E24 Martin L. Sylvester O67 Calvin T. Taylor X31 Frankie Taylor Jr. X82 Anne R. Tynes X43

Angelo E. Walton M40 Russell E. Weber X82 Christopher E. West X42 Kendall Whitfield X70 Arthur L. Williams X15 Joseph W. Williams X88 Barbara A. Wilson N305 Timothy N. Wood X11 Calvin K. Wright O39 30 YEARS Thomas R. Bauer T53 John T. Bayse X88 Dwayne B. Blake N306 John H. Blake E13 Paula J. Booth A572 Stephen P. Bratton E34 Ricky N. Brown E15 Jerry Caulder AMSEC Douglas O. Claytor X43 Sanders B. Collins O25 Douglas W. Crotts Jr. X89 Edward J. Devlin N930 Maria D. Domenech E83 Randall D. Durham X42

Long Service James R. Ehlers O23 Scott E. Embleton O97 James D. Fleming E13 Gregory L. Flythe X32 Dennis S. Griffin O58 Todd S. Hardy X18 Rodney S. Hartman E25 Stephen M. Hollowood E24 Jack K. Jeffers X59 Harry L. Kelly O55 Russell L. Kyte E84

Percy A. Mason Jr. O57 Michael A. Miller X31 Robert J. Novak X89 Timothy B. O’Sullivan O22 Anthony T. Oakes E62 Curtis J. Riddick X33 Christopher P. Sargent E51 Bradford D. Savage O53 James T. Sexton T55 Philip E. Shook E84 John Sidor E83

Randall R. Stowe E74 Roger Thomas X32 Max A. Tickner X59 William W. Ward E25 Kevin A. Williams E83 Harold W. Wright Jr. E88 25 YEARS John E. Avery E71 Clifton E. Blackwood E83

Haywood L. Bridgman E14 Sean A. Coons O03 Vernon E. Davis III T55 Thomas H. Ellebracht O51 Henry J. Godfrey E83 Steve A. Grubbs E62 Eric B. Hinson E17 Ronald C. Jackson E25 Raymond W. Jennings Jr. E82 Robert E. Mason Jr. K69 Brett P. Moore E83

George R. Nash X43 Chris A. Omweg E25 Steven C. Oyer X53 Jeffrey B. Pace X82 Sonya W. Poslik X74 Sandra M. Redd AMSEC Christopher S. Russell E83 Matthew P. Sawyer E83 John R. Sears III O88 Robert W. Shohan Jr. O31 Henry B. Smith III E84

MASTER SHIPBUILDERS

Paul A. St. Amand Jr. E15 Michael J. Ward E86 Ronald B. Weiss E71 Donald R. West X59 James P. Wightman Jr. X70 Michael D. Williams X36 20 YEARS Kyle L. Harrington E86 Jeffery W. Wright X10

NOVEMBER

David Austin 40 years

Ray Bagley 40 years

Dave Brown 40 years

Mickey Davis 40 years

Mike R. Foster 40 years

Nathaniel Lazarus 40 years

Carolyn Mann 45 years

Terrance “DJ Thin Man” Newby 40 years

Brenda Roberson 45 years

Tyrone “Shorttoe” Smith 40 years

Fred M. Stallings 40 years

Jimmy T. Terry 40 years

45 YEARS Carolyn B. Mann O77 Brenda L. Roberson O14

Earnest E. Bailey M40 Gladys G. Baker X33 Michael A. Balsor X70 David L. Batdorf O61 Antonio C. Bazemore X32 John W. Birckhead M20 Larry D. Brickous X42 Stephanie Brooks X31 Walter L. Brooks E82 Tyvan Campbell X82 Randall M. Carrop X42 Anthony D. Craig O46 William D. Creekmur Jr. X42 Ranger D. Crews M53 Ronald D. Dentler X18 John R. Dickson X42 William A. Dunnigan X31 McDonald Eborn X42 Michael Fitchett O53 Billy D. Ford O43 Vondra A. Gray O53 Richard F. Gunderson E25

Phillip A. Haley N940 Mary E. Hogge X59 Brenda K. Hopkins X88 Archer J. Jones Jr. O43 Kathy V. Joyner X31 John E. Klein E25 John E. Kline O43 Larry E. Lewis O53 Andrew C. Ling E68 Donna T. Little O53 Anthony T. Manners X32 Craig A. Messick X82 Lando Morrison E85 Scott J. Myers O98 Charles C. Norsk Jr. X32 Robert D. O’Keefe O39 Leora A. Patterson X71 Kenneth C. Peele O43 James R. Phaup X42 David J. Pickens X32 Wendell L. Ramey E34 Richard E. Sawyer AMSEC

Clifton Scott X82 Charles M. Short X18 Joseph T. Smith O54 Charles E. Stith Jr. X88 Dana C. Stutts E88 Willie T. Suiter X33 Loribeth R. Thomas T54 Kimberly A. Usher X67 Bradley S. Welliver E47 Jon S. Winebarger O19 Steven K. Winslow M30

Janice L. Fritz N306 Roderick M. Gardner E51 Bradford D. Guisewite E88 James O. Hopkins Jr. E88 Ralph E. Knight Jr. M53 Michael J. Manning X11 Janie E. Martin X33 John D. Miles E18 Charles A. Napier O43 Jeffrey W. Robbins E45 Robert M. Schatzel N910 Michael D. Shook O39 Douglas H. Smith E83 Raymond T. Stearns X53 Jerome L. Stokes X82 Rodney A. Ward E51 Walter A. Weidman O53

Bernard M. Chmielewski E73 Bryan P. Corning E25 Dearl W. Crawford E22 Peter A. Ferland X91 Carl T. Hamelin E84 Karen L. Hastings O19 Charles G. Holley X70 Curtis E. Hyman Jr. E84 Burt N. McFarland E12 Wanda L. Mills O63 Laurie A. Nourse AMSEC Rhonda M. Pearman O81 Craig B. Piland E81 Daniel A. Ploutz E91 Joseph W. Smith Jr. E39 Paul W. Tovey E82 Donald M. Tuculet E83

25 YEARS Shannon L. Babb E88 Roger G. Brown E13 Gaetano G. Carrubba E88

20 YEARS Helena K. Deese M40 Thomas D. Jones O43 Timothy L. Sherrange E26

40 YEARS David M. Austin X36 Ray C. Bagley K71 David A. Brown X91 Jeannette C. Cox N314 Michael G. Davis N910 Michael R. Foster E51 Richard E. Greene X42 Nathaniel Lazarus X43 Terrance R. Newby O43 Tyrone Smith X11 Freddrick M. Stallings X18 James T. Terry O38 35 YEARS William C. Aldridge Jr. M53 Thomas N. Allen X36 Jack Allen Jr. O43

30 YEARS Walton R. Bass M30 Michael D. Bernardi AMSEC Vincent J. Branch X70 Bernard L. Branon III X11 Patricia A. Cash X70 James R. Cavezza O39 Jeffrey D. Chason X32 William P. Crocker Jr. X31 Linda G. Doyle AMSEC

Retirements SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Louis C. Bagley Jr. X89 Myron A. Bailey O43 Thomas W. Barnes X89 Willard S. Barnes Jr. X43 James C. Bush X36 Larry Davis X36

David T. Diggs E13 Barbara H. Dodson T55 Joseph T. Elias Jr. X70 Daniel Y. Elmakis X53 Ronnie C. Ferrell X70 Marian Harris X42

Jimmy D. Hawley O48 Roy C. Hilborn E85 Larry L. Horne E82 Betty V. Johnson O46 David L. Jones X18 Curtis W. Kemp Jr. O68

Jimmie V. King E83 Richard S. Knight O39 Thomas H. Phillips O15 Ben A. Potter X42 Calvin W. Robinson O54 Claude O. Spratley X18

Loretta M. Steele O46 Roland C. Turner X33 Harold D. Tynes X11 Wilson Warren X36 Pamella H. Weathers E83 Paul W. Weathers E69

Herman K. West Jr. K74 Michael A. Whitaker O58 James T. Yacobi O58

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Yardlines is printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based inks.

NNS Safety Report

November/December 2014

LADY BUILDERS CELEBRATE 20TH ANNIVERSARY

*Compared to figures from October 2013

Year-to-Date Injuries 1,170

-10%

+12% Year-to-Date Injuries with Lost Time 461

+11% Year-to-Date Lost Work Days 22,107

On Nov. 23, a crowd of 500 packed the new Apprentice School gymnasium to watch the Lady Builders play Christopher Newport University. The game marked the 20th anniversary of the Lady Builders basketball program. During halftime, members of the 1995-1996 first Lady Builders team were honored. Also on hand were more than 30 former Lady Builders and coaches to celebrate the program’s milestone. CNU defeated the Lady Builders 88-86. Visit www.gobuilders.com for additional information about the Lady Builders and other Apprentice School athletic teams. Photo by Chris Oxley