12 l 7 l 2020
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Team Effort Shipbuilders and sailors worked together to clean up the flight deck of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) during the ship’s first-ever foreign object debris (FOD) walk down in November. During an FOD walk down, crew members walk the flight deck and pick up foreign objects that could pose a safety hazard during flight operations. “This is an event that is part of our daily routine on an operational aircraft carrier,” said Capt. Todd Marzano, Kennedy’s commanding officer. “We actually do it several times a day to ensure there are no foreign objects on the flight deck because that could ultimately lead to disaster.” While aircraft aren’t taking off from or landing on Kennedy’s flight deck just yet, the walk down was still significant – for safety, ship cleanliness and teambuilding between the Navy and Newport News Shipbuilding. Photo by Matt Hildreth
CONTINUED ON PG 2
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12 | 7 | 2020
Reinventing Training for New Hires and Navigators The Learning Organization is reinventing training at Newport News Shipbuilding. Some of the latest innovations impact orientation for salaried new hires, as well as training for the navigators who help guide them. For salaried new hires, the days of sitting in a classroom for an in-person orientation are over. They’re still required to come in for a brief session on security, but the longer orientation session is now virtual and can be completed from their work location or even from home.
“It’s more convenient. They can dial in from anywhere,” said Gina Chew-Holman (K28), who leads new employee orientation. “We’ve had to make adjustments based on how people are working now and to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19. We cover all the same topics from benefits to values to parking.” Training for the navigators who mentor and help new and transferring employees get settled into their new positions also has gone digital. Shipbuilders can access the training – which also replaces an in-person
class – via the Learning Exchange (LX) by searching “navigator training.” “They can complete the training on their own time,” Chew-Holman said. “It has all the elements that we had in the in-person class, and they should enjoy it.” To learn more about New Hire Orientation and Navigator, check out the Learning Organization’s Learning Central website on MyNNS.
Team Effort CONTINUED FROM PG 1
“We’re working hard to build a real team between us and ship’s force, and this is just another example of something we do as one team,” said Mike Butler, program director for Kennedy. “We’re doing this together. Everybody’s got a bag and we’re all chipping in to make it happen.” During the walk down, shipbuilders and sailors focused on small debris that weighed less than 5 pounds and could fit easily into bags. There also were areas to discard scrap metal and wood. Apprentice Craft Instructor Hunter Atkins said the walk down was a great opportunity to show new apprentices the importance of cleanliness during ship construction. “Having my employees get the chance to listen to the leadership of the Navy and explain the importance of cleanliness meant a lot since we discuss it at shift check every day,” he said. “Having Newport News Shipbuilding and the Navy work together to get flight deck clean and safe is very critical to show how it will take both parties to achieve building CVN 79. We will make sure that we are contributing every chance we
Shipbuilders and sailors work together to clean CVN 79’s flight deck. Photo by Matt Hildreth
get to make the shipyard a cleaner and safer environment for all.” Navy officials also were pleased with the joint effort. “Today is a historic event because we’re doing it for the first time,” Marzano said. “It’s very fitting that the first time is a teaming effort between NNS and ship’s force to enhance our culture of cleanliness.”
Shipbuilder Steering the Way
Pictured from left are D. Keith Meadows, Andy Knopp and Julia Jones.
Andy Knopp (N960) was recognized with a level one One-the-Spot Ethics award for coming to the aid of a motorist who was experiencing a medical emergency.
As Knopp approached the driver’s side window, he found the driver was unresponsive, breathing erratically and clenching a cell phone.
Knopp was at a stop sign behind several vehicles when he noticed the lead vehicle was not turning even though traffic was clear. Several vehicles ahead of Knopp went around the vehicle, but he decided to stop and see if something was wrong.
Knopp immediately called 911, and paramedics arrived on scene within minutes. Julia Jones, vice president of Manufacturing and Facilities, met with Knopp to present his award and thank him for his actions.
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Shipbuilder Nominated for Tradesperson of the Year Nicholas Wobser (X18), a welder at Newport News Shipbuilding, represented the company as a nominee for the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation’s Senior Tradesperson of the Year Award. The Tradesperson of the Year awards recognize excellence in the shipbuilding, ship repair and related maritime industry workforce. Two awards are given out each year – a senior award for a tradesperson with more than five years of experience and a junior award for a tradesperson with less than five years of experience.
Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year Announced Newport News Shipbuilding’s Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) champions are fully engaged shipbuilders who work to remove obstacles and provide awareness and education for fellow employees. Champions take action throughout their various departments and divisions to drive the company forward and support its core values. They also work to promote the NNSFORWARD Strategy for continuous improvement in the company’s workforce and business operations. Approximately 350 ED&I champions are spread across NNS’ various business units. Each champion lead nominated a person from their team for NNS ED&I champion of the year. These champions consistently went above and beyond their role as advocates for a continuously improving people-focused culture. Adrienne Spillane (E13), a member of the Submarine Engineering team from the Engineering and Design Division, has been named NNS’ ED&I champion of the year for 2020. “Adrienne consistently goes above and beyond to support the Submarine Engineering (SUBE) Division and the entire Engineering and Design ED&I team through action planning
support and facilitation, involvement and promotion of community outreach initiatives, and her positive attitude,” said Michelle Pope, the ED&I champion lead who nominated Spillane. Spillane leads the SUBE ED&I team’s SharePoint and is also the SharePoint co-lead for the entire Engineering and Design ED&I team. She correlates the peer recognition submissions and contest winners into a well-crafted, informative and celebratory writeup. Spillane also co-led a virtual learning session on unconscious bias for her entire division and one on the simple approach to engagement action planning for managers in her division. Other nominees for champion of the year were: Christina Hayden (K51), Sherri Thompson (O20), Taylor Chamberlain (E91), Molly Landon (E89), Sheila Carter (K69), Quinn Williams (O18), Francis Dunn (X44), David Callahan (E46), Andrew Hampton (E35), Mark Hucks (E15), Ashley Saba (O41), Richard Schwartz (E42), Emily Collins (E47) and Leslie Schmidt (E37). For additional information about ED&I Champions, email EngageNNS@hii-nns.com.
NNS President Speaks at L.E.A.R.N. Event L.E.A.R.N. partnered with the Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) for a virtual event with Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin on Nov. 12. Approximately 170 shipbuilders participated in the WebEx to hear the presentation, ask questions and network. Boykin spoke about the challenges faced in 2020 and establishing the Crisis Action Group (CAG) to support COVID-related efforts including social distancing, liberal leave and working remote. Despite challenges, Boykin said shipbuilders were able to leverage their diversity to forge ahead and accomplish great things, including the virtual christening of Montana (SSN 794), the 18th NNSsponsored Habitat for Humanity home and the graduation of The
Apprentice School’s 100th class. “I am always encouraged by the opportunities our upper management team provides to keep us informed and to hear directly from co-workers of all levels. I am convinced they really care about us, and they believe we and our contributions are individually important. Having spent 10 years of my 33 year career away from NNS in three smaller companies, my most recent experience here has been the best,” said Greg Pike (E37), who participated in the event. For more information, visit the employee resource group website on MyNNS. Email topics for future L.E.A.R.N. events to LEARN@hii-nns.com.
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12 | 7 | 2020 Jones is a 2020 graduate of Nash Central High School where he graduated with a 3.5 GPA. Jones was active in his community, putting in over 150 hours of service. He participated in Upward Bound, which helped him prepare him for his apprenticeship. Jones also played basketball and served as team captain for his senior year.
Pictured from left are Joe Sabol, Jessica Walker, Isaiah Jones and Stan Best.
Apprentice School Foundation Awards Scholarship The Apprentice School Foundation awarded its third 2020 scholarship to Isaiah “Zay” Jones, who started his apprenticeship on Oct. 5. A Rocky Mount, North Carolina, native,
The Apprentice School Foundation provides a tax-deductible opportunity for alumni, friends and community partners of The Apprentice School to help fund scholarships, historic preservation and community service projects that carry on the school’s legacy. The foundation awards four scholarships annually. Visit The Apprentice School Foundation’s website (www.tasfd.org) for more information.
Recognizing First-Time Quality October is National Quality Month and for over a decade, the Virginia-Class Submarine and In-Service Aircraft Carrier (ISCVN) programs have recognized craftsmen and craftswomen in October who exemplify first-time quality in their daily work. This year, the recognition was expanded to include the John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) and Submarine Fleet Support programs. One shipbuilder from each of these programs was recognized as the Quality Craftsman of the Month during October. In addition, one shipbuilder was recognized as the Waterfront Trades – Programs Quality Craftsman of the Month. Patrick Piper (X42), who represented the Virginia-Class Submarine Program, was recognized as the Waterfront Trades – Programs Quality Craftsman of the Month. Other shipbuilders recognized during the month include Latyia Hope (X18) from the ISCVN Program, James Mertens (X42) from the CVN 79 Program and Brian Diggs (X32) from the Submarine Fleet Support Program.
Pictured from left are X42 Lead General Foreman Tony Velez, Patrick Piper (X42) and X42 Foreman Richard Mattheisen.
NNS Issues New Guidance for Working From Home As a result of recent surges in COVID-19 cases across the country and region, Newport News Shipbuilding employees who are currently working from home must continue to work remotely for the foreseeable future. Employees who are not currently working from home but who believe they can do so must work with their management teams to evaluate remote options. Management teams will work with part-time remote workers to evaluate full-time remote options. Employees who have not done so should complete their flexible work arrangement forms in MyHR.
Employees should coordinate any IT needs with supervisors. “Despite the evolving nature of the virus, one thing has remained constant: social distancing, wearing masks and maintaining good personal hygiene helps to stop the spread of COVID-19,” Susan Jacobs, vice president of Human Resources and Administration, wrote in a message to employees Monday, Dec. 7. “Minimizing our onsite workforce to the greatest extent possible provides another layer of protection to keep all of our employees and their families safe.” Visit the NNS website to read Jacobs’ full message.
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AROUND THE YARD Shipbuilders Show their Holiday Spirit Unable to celebrate the holidays in traditional fashion, Newport News shipbuilders have focused their innovative spirit on finding workarounds to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19. NNS has prohibited in-person gatherings that normally mark the holiday season, retirements and other milestones due to the danger posed by shared food and the need to maintain social distance. Faced with this new challenge in an already difficult year, shipbuilders were invited to submit alternative ways to celebrate. The Crisis Action Group (CAG) looked at more than 25 ideas from employees and chose several to highlight for consideration in the days ahead. Zoom Whether it is meeting for a virtual holiday lunch, recognizing honorees or holding group activities, Zoom can bring people together, at least virtually. Ted Lemon (O52), Patricia Rios (X57) and Brooke Slade (X44) contributed ideas. Keep in mind that Zoom meetings are not allowed on NNS property for security reasons.
Drive-Thru Recognition Organizing a drive-thru holiday party could allow employees to pick up a pizza, box of donuts or other items. Employees being honored could get a drive-by salute from their fellow shipbuilders, complete with honking horns. Employees submitting ideas in this category included J.B. Perrine (N358) and Kimberly Artis (X44). Shipbuilders organizing such an event are asked to steer clear of NNS property. The Virtual Tree, Santa, Stocking, etc. A virtual tree or trees can allow employees in a department to post digital ornaments to recognize the service of others. Having a “virtual stocking” with the option to choose a particular gift card is another possibility. Thanks to Preston Lane (E56) and J.B. Perrine (N358) for these suggested alternatives. Secret Santa or Snowman A time-tested idea can have a virtual twist: Groups can draw names and send special treats through the mail for those who want to participate and share their home address. Thanks to Diane Schultz (O34) for that thought.
Connect Virtually for Cooking Demonstrations
Ethics Awards Announced
Newport News Shipbuilding teams or even families looking for a way to connect virtually and have fun can sign up for Aramark’s VRTL Eats service.
The following shipbuilders were recently honored with Level Two On-the-Spot Ethics awards: Sonya T. Boone (O53), Scottie R. Blount (X33), Michael L. Wallace (O46), Angelia Turner (O53), Brian J. Fritzinger (O51), Roy E. Brandy Jr. (X67), Robert G. Davis Jr. (X67), William J. Boyd Jr. (X67), Anthony Vincent Meno (X43), Trangthao T. Nguyen (O14), Tony Wilkerson (K47), Wilbert H. Cousins (X31), Carl A. Christensen (O31), Andrew R. German (O31), Greg W. Meland (O31), Thomas “Tom” W. Ruzic (E30), David J. Wilkins (X01), Jerry H. Dye (X69), Cecilia A. Addison (E82), Richard “Ricky” Ashworth (M30), Daniel White (X47) and Jessika L. Foster (O53).
The virtual cooking experience is a safe way to connect during the holidays. Each experience is personalized with cooking demonstrations by an executive chef who will walk step by step through a recipe and delivered ingredient box. If you are looking for a way to kick off the holiday season by providing an offering to your department or employees, visit the NNS Food Service Operations website on MyNNS or email vrtleats@aramark.com.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported last week: 97 Total cases at NNS: 1,233 Total number of NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 808 See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
To nominate a fellow employee, submit form C-941 to the Ethics Office, Dept. O18.
NOTICE: New Virginia Law On Jan. 1, 2021, it will become illegal to hold a handheld personal communications device such as a smartphone while driving a moving motor vehicle on Virginia highways. Visit the Virginia Legislative Information System website to learn more about the law and exceptions.
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DATEBOOK THROUGH DECEMBER 18
Newport News Shipbuilding’s Engagement Office is hosting the final virtual Enable Our Workforce expo of the year. Themed “Shipbuilder University,” the expo allows shipbuilders to explore NNS’ footprint and see how each division impacts the overall business. To participate or to find more information, visit the Engagement website on MyNNS.
DECEMBER 8
Join Talent Acquisition and FitNNS for a professional development event about acing a virtual interview from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. With current safety protocols, a lot of interviews are moving to phone, Skype, Zoom or WebEx rather than traditional in-person interviews. Learn how these interviews may be different than what you’re used to and skills/tips to succeed. All shipbuilders are welcome. Email FitNNS@hii-nns.com or Cailee Helmick (E86) to register. The meeting ID is 893 5801 4258 and the passcode is 965005.
DECEMBER 9
The L.E.A.R.N. Program and Generational Integration Focus Team (GIFT) will host an after-work presentation with HII President and CEO Mike Petters from 4 until 5 p.m. via WebEx. The event is open to all employees by reservation only. Sign up on the L.E.A.R.N. website on MyNNS. For questions, contact Tanika Vasquez (E08) at 688-7916, Chris Porro (E70) at 534-0332, or email LEARN@hii-nns.com. No charge is provided.
DECEMBER 10
The Spear and Gear Toastmasters Club will host a club meeting that will showcase members prepared speeches and member evaluations. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in table topics. If interested in attending and learning more email the club at SpearandGearToastmastersClub@gmail.com.
Tugboats Capt. Ambrose and Charleston are moored pierside during a cloudy sunset. Photo by Matt Hildreth
DECEMBER 9
Wondering how to improve your credit score? Attend SmartPath’s webinar at noon to learn how credit scores work and ways you can boost your credit. Register at www.joinsmartpath.com/hii/classes. If you can’t participate in the live webinar, register anyway, and SmartPath will email you a recording of the session.
Check Out Hot Shots Hot shots is a collection of photos taken around Newport News Shipbuilding by staff photographers. View the December edition on the NNS website or on the NNS to Go app.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Designer 4 Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Mechanical 3 Engineer Quality 3 iDS IT Software Engineer 3 iDS IT Systems Engineer 2 IT Systems Engineer 5 Manufacturing Engineer 3 Structured Threat Analyst 5
2692 2433 2949 3970 3694 2439 2400 1782 2962 3790
E70 E83 O05 E26 O05 T53 T53 T53 O05 T51
Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News
PMSA LOOKING FOR MEMBERSHIP LEAD
The Project Management Shipbuilder Association (PMSA) is looking for a membership lead to maintain PMSA membership data and execute recruitment, retention and outreach programs. Shipbuilders interested in the position should visit the PMSA website on MyNNS for more details.
Employees are encouraged to use MyHR or the “Current HII Employees Job Search” button at www.buildyourcareer.com to apply. The company continues to offer cash bonus awards for referrals to select positions, visit www.huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refer-a-friend for more information.
Editor: Nicholas Langhorne
Contributing writer: Hugh Lessig Currents@hii-nns.com Currents is published every Monday for employees of Newport News Shipbuilding. To submit a story, visit nns.huntingtoningalls.com/currents.
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LONG SERVICE MASTER SHIPBUILDERS
NOVEMBER
Allen Crocker 40 years
Gary Delape 40 years
Tony Dianna 40 years
Douglas Harsh 40 years
Robert Johnson 40 years
Lon McReynolds 40 years
Carol Mick 40 years
Kevin Mishoe 40 years
John Murphy 40 years
Jimmy Nixon 40 years
Timothy Perkins 40 years
Dave Person 40 years
Thomas Reap 40 years
F.Q. Rollins 40 years
Liz Taylor 40 years
Yvonne Weiss 40 years
Jamice Westfall 40 years
H.R. Whaley 40 years
Jimmy Woodell 40 years
LONG SERVICE 45 YEARS Peter D’Amico X64 Donald Morrison M53 Matthew Owens Jr. X47 James Riggs X43 Michael Roach O64 Ronald Sams O43 Reuben Stephenson X11 40 YEARS Richard Crocker Brad Dean Gary Delape Anthony Dianna
X43 X71 O43 O39
Robert Drees Kendal Felix Douglas Harsh Curtis Hedgepeth David Hooper Robert Johnson Jr. Ricky Jones Lon Mcreynolds Carol Mick William Mingee IV Kevin Mishoe Lagena Moore John Murphy James Nixon II
NOVEMBER X43 T56 O39 O46 M53 X31 X36 X01 O64 X42 O46 O53 X42 X43
Timothy Perkins David Person Thomas Reap Brian Roberts Patrick Robinson Forrest Rollins Kirk Springfield Elizabeth Taylor Yvonne Weiss Jamice Westfall Herman Whaley Jr. James Woodell
O43 K45 K48 X31 X09 E85 X43 K45 O15 E14 X43 X36
35 YEARS William Best Marie Hicks David Horne Aaron Marshall Gregory Merryman Tammy Rossi John Spanagel Jr. Michael Sprouse
O22 O53 O61 E83 O46 E32 E26 O53
30 YEARS Christopher Adkins O39 Antoine Braxton K23 Sharon Callahan X51
Grace Hayes Charlene Jones Danny Stapleton Thomas Thornhill
K26 X32 X22 N366
25 YEARS Charles Berry
X21
20 YEARS Paula Bean Michael Burton Michael Caton Alan Cormier Mark Corson
E85 O67 E64 X09 O75
RETIREMENTS Pearline Bagley Cynthia Blackburn Steven Burton David Cogdill
X15 E83 O39 X44
40 Years Ago
James Daniels Virgilio Daus Robert Donnelly Kirby Eley
Natasha Diaz Timothy Dolan John Duncan James Kulick Jajuan Mathews Perry Narain Rex Parker Enos Saunders Jr. Scott Silvis Charles Thompson Robert Tucker Tammy Wagner
O22 E25 E84 E84 K46 X47 O35 X42 E79 T54 E92 E42
OCTOBER O19 E26 E13 X11
Rose Godwin O63 Frederick Greene X36 Robert Hite X36 Mary Jacquette E79
Douglas Jones O43 Donald Mccann X76 Wilbert Meekins X32 Teri Mitchell N364
This November 1980 aerial photo shows work taking place in Dry Dock 12. NNS photo archive
Luther Peacock Gerry Salati Robert Snyder Nancy Urquhart
E22 M53 E56 E85
Richard Vereen Leonard Waters Robert Wilson Constance Yates
X36 X18 M53 X33