Yardlines

A Publication of Newport News Shipbuilding October 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Ford Reaches New Cable Milestone

Lincoln Gets a New Old Anchor

John Warner (SSN 785) is Christened

Phot

o by

Chr

is O

xley

As the stage lights darkened Sept. 6, the audience of more than 7,000 guests cheered as the five principal members of the John Warner (SSN 785) christening party took their place for the traditional smashing of a bottle of sparkling wine across the submarine’s bow. Ship’s Sponsor Jeanne Warner was accompanied by her husband and ship’s namesake, Senator John Warner, Newport News Shipbuilding President Matt Mulherin, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Pre-Commissioning Unit SSN 785 Commanding Officer, Commander Dan Caldwell, on the bottle-break platform.

After the shipyard whistle sounded, Jeanne Warner had the honor of christening SSN 785, the 12th Virginia-class submarine (VCS) and the only ship in the class named for an individual. “Each time I see her,” she said, “I am overwhelmed with pride and emotion and admiration because I know that the USS John Warner will, like her namesake, do what is best for America – protect us and our freedom for many years to come.”

The christening festivities began earlier in the day with food and music. Guests were able to walk on to the floating dry dock to get a rare look at the 377-foot-long submarine. And, after remarks by several speakers, the event ended under a moonlit sky with fireworks and a colorful light show.

“By far, this has been the most exciting and best christening I’ve ever attended at the shipyard,” said Performance Coach Leon Reynolds. “I’m glad I was able to bring my son to see what we build every day.”

Continued on next page

aMagicalEvening

John Warner (SSN 785)Christened

Introducing his wife as the sponsor, Senator Warner underscored the importance the submarine marks for the entire nation. “We are here tonight to not just honor Jeanne and John Warner,” he said. “We’re honoring America – America’s strength, America’s commitment toward peace and stability in the world. That’s what this magnificent vessel, hopefully, will do for its entire 35 years.”

VCS shipbuilder Ashley Bryant, who sang the national anthem during the ceremony, said, “The tribute to Senator Warner was worthy of such an honorable and kind gentleman. I’m forever grateful and humbled for the opportunity to be part of such a special event.”

Mulherin celebrated the many shipbuilders who worked together to make the event possible. “Tonight I am extremely honored to be here representing 23,500 shipbuilders of Newport News,” he said. “Shipbuilders who work with integrity, shipbuilders who understand the importance of quality, shipbuilders who sign their name to each weld, each piece of pipe, and each and every inch of steel. And shipbuilders who can proudly say this submarine was made in America.”

During his keynote address, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced that SSN 785 will be homeported in Norfolk. “The vessel that we christen today is the most advanced ship in the world, its technology unmatched,”

he said. “American technological innovation and manufacturing skill have always been some of our most powerful advantages. They are represented in the John Warner by the more than 1,000 ship workers who have worked directly on her here, and by thousands and thousands more across this country.”

John Warner was launched into the James River Sept. 10 and moved to the shipyard’s submarine pier for final outfitting. The fast-attack submarine is on schedule to be delivered to the Navy in 2015. I By Gina Chew-Holman

To see video highlights or watch the full replay of the christening ceremony, visit www.warnerchristening.com.

As part of the Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) for USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), the carrier’s two 30-ton anchors were removed, sandblasted of old paint and inspected, which revealed a crack in one anchor. A decision had to be made whether to repair or replace the anchor.

“Repairing and recertifying the anchor would take time and impacted the undocking schedule,” said Newport News Shipbuilding Construction Director Dave Fletcher. “Without the anchor and anchor chain aboard, 300,000 extra pounds of weight would have to be lifted to the flight deck to balance the ship for undocking. After undocking, the extra weight would have to be removed and a new anchor and chain installed, adding time and cost.” However, another solution was available.

Down river at Pier 2 was the USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Built at NNS in the 1960s, she arrived at the yard in June 2013 for inactivation, after more than 50 years of service. Part of the inactivation process was to remove her anchors and store them for possible future use. “They were thinking of displaying them at an Enterprise museum,” said Fletcher. The anchors, cast in 1962, are identical to Lincoln’s anchors. Superintendent Gray Milteer said, “NNS production and engineering teams met

with the Navy and made the decision not to repair the Lincoln’s anchor, but to replace it with one we’d removed from Enterprise.”

Switching aircraft carrier anchors from a retired ship to a new one isn’t unusual. The carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) has the original anchors from the decommissioned NNS-built aircraft carrier Ranger (CV 61).

“The timing of having Enterprise here made it easier for everybody. It took a lot of communication and coordination among various NNS trades and the Navy to retrieve the Enterprise anchor, blast it, inspect it, paint it and install it aboard the Lincoln before undocking,” Milteer said.

“The work touched a lot of departments in the yard,” said Fletcher. “We came together and achieved a flawless, long-lasting solution. And a part of Enterprise stays in the game.” I By Mike Dillard

A rigger helps steady the 30-ton anchor from Enterprise as it is lifted into place aboard Abraham Lincoln in Dry Dock 11 September 25. Photo by Ricky Thompson

Nuclear Pipefitting Foreman Callon Thompkins (center) discusses with team members Adam Teague (left) and Tyler Johnson improvements to a device that filters and cleans contaminated water. The improved filter is one of 79 ideas Thompkins has submitted through the Opportunity for Improvement Program in 2014. Photo by John Whalen 

The business of building ships for the Navy is complex and comes with many challenges. Today, more than ever, leaders at NNS look to its more than 23,500 shipbuilders for innovative solutions that have positive impacts on the shipyard’s core commitments.

Enter the Opportunity for Improvement program. Launched in 1999, the program encourages shipbuilders to take greater ownership of their work by submitting suggestions, new processes or better ways to accomplish their goals.

“This program gives shipbuilders a voice and greater ownership in the work they do,” said OFI Program Administrator Woody Flythe.

The OFI program awards shipbuilders with gift cards for all implemented suggestions, and conducts a quarterly drawing for prizes to encourage shipbuilders to submit their ideas.

Callon Thompkins, a nuclear pipefitting foreman who has responsibility for replacing nuclear valves on carriers in the Refueling and Complex Overhaul program, has submitted 79 OFIs this year. He encourages his team to take a proactive approach and to stay alert to potential improvements they can make through the program – like refining a process to better accommodate radiological work in confined spaces.

“I look at every step of a process I’m involved with. Once I see something I don’t feel is necessary, or something that can be added to the process to improve it, I submit an OFI,” said Thompkins.

Especially in times of tightening budgets, Production Planner Kevin Spivey understands the importance of reducing costs. Spivey has been a shipbuilder for

AlwaysRoomforImprovement

27 years and has submitted numerous OFIs since the program launched. One of his favorite submissions introduced an efficient and user-friendly process for locating valves and other ship components during construction scheduling, saving shipbuilders valuable time.

Before his suggestion, only shipbuilders with access to the database could easily find label plates, which organized components by compartment, size, type, color, and associated design and engineering specifications. Now, anyone in the yard with access to a computer is able to view the same information on Yardnet.

“There’s always room for improvement. Any time we can strengthen a process or reduce costs, that’s a win for us

and our customer,” said Spivey. “The OFI program is a valuable tool for shipbuilders.”

This year, the program has received more than 3,000 suggestions, and more than 1,000 have already been implemented.

“When employees know their voice is heard and valued, it fosters engagement and enables excellence,” said Flythe. I By Jeremy Bustin

For submission forms or for more information about the OFI program, visit the program’s website on Yardnet.

The Family that Dines Together...

Shipbuilders installing torpedo tube guide cans on Virginia-class submarines say it’s not just working in tight spaces that makes them close. Getting together regularly for Sunday dinner has had a big impact on the crew’s relationships and team success.

“We’ve extended our relationships beyond the workplace, “said Charles Butler, a member of the machinery installation team. “Our spouses, children and friends are an important part of our Sunday dinners. They hear us speak about the people we work with so often, it’s only natural that we include them.”

Virgil White added, “Getting to know everyone on a personal level helps a lot. We genuinely care about each other.”

Crew members Freddie Dupont and Josh Parker usually take charge of organizing meetings at local restaurants and occasionally at a crew member’s home.

“I had no idea the crew was getting together so frequently outside of work. The close bonds they’ve formed is reflected in their work, high engagement scores and excellent safety record,” said Foreman Alan Leroux. “Sept. 17 marked a new accomplishment. The team has worked 500 days without an accident.”

A new torpedo tube installation strategy is also helping the crew add to its list of accomplishments.

“Alan’s crew embraced the new build strategy and beat all expectations. Through teamwork, the crew reduced the boring and installation process by more than three weeks. It required good communication between team members to ensure they didn’t interfere with each other during boring operations and to prevent injuries,” said Superintendent Scott Whitmore.

Whitmore also credits as a big part of their success the use of new tooling, and the team taking ownership of the tight schedule they were on to complete Section 1 of the submarines. “They completed the installation of the torpedo tube guide cans in record time by shaving over a month off the previous installation. This is enabling the Section 1 team to complete all work and final close the area with SUPSHIP before delivery of the module to Electric Boat, which is a first for the VCS program,” Whitmore said.

“These guys are like my brothers,” said Lykeshia Osborne. “I always wanted a large family. I just didn’t expect to find one here at the shipyard.” | By Gina Chew-Holman

Submarine shipbuilders (L to R) Joshua Parker, Jeff Fose, Charles Butler, Tony Wood, Virgil White and Lykeshia Osborne demonstrate the tight bond that helps enable their team’s success. Photo by Ricky Thompson

As of September, the electricians on Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) have installed 8.5 million feet of cable – enough to run from Newport News to Denver, Colorado. The ship now holds more cable than any previous aircraft carrier. By the time they finish installing the last 1.1 million feet, the total length would reach deep into the Rocky Mountains – more than 1,800 miles of cable.

“We really started pulling cable on this ship in 2011,” said Ryan Hollowell, an electrician general foreman. At peak, more than 800 electricians were involved with cable installation on CVN 78. “It took a huge team effort to get here,” said Hollowell.

It took several years and approximately 350 engineers and designers to develop the cable architecture for the next-generation aircraft carrier. Many systems that were steam-powered or hydraulic on the Nimitz-class will be powered by electricity on the Ford-class, from weapons elevators to water heaters. Even the amount of lighting and air conditioning is increased. To feed the extra demand, Gerald R. Ford has a distribution system with a 250 percent increase in electrical capacity and 2.5 million feet of additional cable.

“That’s a lot more cable to fit into the ship,” said Matt Edelen, an electrician foreman. “Plus, we had to install it

Newport News

Rocky Mountains

FROM

TO THE

Left to right: Electricians Isaac Aaron, Andrew Banks and Richard Baird handle a thick cable on Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). The ship now holds 8.5 million feet of installed cable – enough to stretch from Newport News to Denver, Colorado. Photo by John Whalen

all in the same amount of time as the last carrier we built.”

Not only are the electricians pulling more cable, they’re doing it more safely. A total of 3.5 million pounds of cable is being installed throughout the ship, with some cables weighing up to 6 pounds per foot. To lighten the load, rollers and Teflon pads were added to the wire racks to reduce friction while pulling cable. The electricians have also learned safer techniques for lifting, bending and pulling, and now start their day with a stretching routine. The ergonomic and safety initiatives have been a huge success, resulting in 46 percent fewer injuries compared to 2013.

“When you’re pulling cable day in and day out, you have to focus on staying motivated and doing things right,” said Edgar McKinney, an electrician foreman on CVN 78. “It’s not about how you start. It’s about how you finish.” | By Peter Stern

“Why me?” is a question Crane Operator Clementine Tate often asks herself.

On February 25, 2013, doctors found a lump in one of Tate’s breasts during a routine annual mammogram screening. “They did a biopsy on my tissue, and when the results came back they showed I had stage four breast cancer,” she said. “I was in disbelief. I was devastated.”

Two weeks after Tate’s mastectomy, she was back to climbing 98 steps, four times a day, up to her office on top of one of the shipyard’s 100-ton gantry cranes. “I wanted to stay busy, and I was determined to not let cancer control my life,” said the longtime shipbuilder.

Tate tells a familiar story of those diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common form of cancer among American women, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“You have to take it one day at a time, keep your faith, stay positive and remember that whatever you’re going through, someone else is going through the same thing and might have it worse,” said Tate.

Breast cancer survivors Brenda Barrow, administrative support, and Robin Truman, engineering technician, agree that keeping a positive attitude was helpful during their fight.

“My supervisor and team kept me optimistic during my treatments and, most of all, kept me laughing,” said Truman, who has been cancer-free since 2010. “It was a good feeling to know that my ‘work family’ cared so much about me and my health.”

Barrow has been cancer-free since June 2014. “My colleagues gave me a signed card upon my return to work,” she said. “Other people from around the yard called to tell me they were thinking about me. I really appreciated everything everyone did for me.”

So when Newport News Shipbuilding announced in August that shipbuilders could show support for cancer awareness by purchasing a pink shipyard-approved hard hat, Barrow, Truman and Tate were ecstatic.

“To me, the pink hard hat isn’t only about raising awareness and research for breast cancer, it’s to raise awareness for all cancers,” said Truman. “Most shipbuilders have been affected by cancer in some way or another. I think it’s a great way for shipbuilders to show their support for a good cause.”

The three shipbuilders believe that pink hard hats in the workplace will help generate more discussions about cancer. “A lot of times, people don’t want to talk about what they or someone in their family is going through,” said Tate. “The more these topics are exposed and people can open up and talk about them, the better.”

NNS will donate more than $50,000 collected from pink hard hat sales to the ACS later this year.

While Barrow and Truman remain hopeful that their cancer will not return, Tate continues her battle and vows to never stop fighting. “People tell me there’s no cure, but that doesn’t stop me,” she said. “I’m a shipyard woman. I’m tough. I might bend, but I won’t break.” I By Lauren Ward

Shipbuilders (L to R) Robin Truman, Clementine Tate and Brenda Barrow display their strength and support for breast cancer awareness by wearing pink hard hats in the yard. Photo by Chris Oxley

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

NNS is working with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to release an NNS license plate in late 2015. NNS must receive a minimum of 450 applications for the initiative to be considered for approval by the state. Please do not contact the DMV. All questions should be directed to Jeremy Bustin at 380-4384.

• Please DO NOT send money or credit card information

• Applications can be downloaded by visiting www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/pdf/vsa10.pdf or by visiting the Communications office in Building 520

• Please write “Newport News Shipbuilding” on the Special Interest line of the application

• Please fill out all information on application, sign and submit to:

Jeremy BustinNewport News Shipbuilding Communications

4101 Washington Ave.Newport News, VA 23607

• The design only allows up to six characters (this includes spaces)

• Shipbuilders, retirees, and families and friends are able to pre-order license plates through Newport News Shipbuilding

*Conceptual design by NNS subject to changes pending approval by DMV

Be the

first

to get

an N

NS

licens

e plat

e

FAQsI am disabled. Is the license plate available for me? Yes. Please select the “Disabled” option on the application.

Is an NNS license plate a security risk? No. NNS Security has evaluated this initiative and has approved the license plate.

Will the license plate be available via the DMV website? The NNS license plate can only be ordered through NNS during the pre-approvals stage.

How much money do I need to send? No money is required at this time.

When will I receive my license plate? The license plate is expected to be released in late 2015 (pending DMV and state approvals).

All other questions may be directed toJeremy Bustin at 757-380-4384 or via email to jeremy.bustin@hii-nns.com.

Applications Due December 1

Preserving a Piece of History

Making a Difference Newport News Shipbuilding Telecommunications Technician Aaron Ward spends his weekends volunteering at the Nauticus Maritime Museum in Norfolk, Virginia. He helps to maintain the Iowa-class battleship USS Wisconsin.

Awarded six battle stars during her time in the fleet, Wisconsin is one of the largest battleships ever built for the U.S. Navy. In 2009, she was permanently dedicated as a museum ship and, to keep her in good shape, volunteers perform a variety of tasks, from surface preparation for the missile launchers to changing light bulbs and painting.

Wisconsin’s service during World War II, the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm, was a factor in Ward’s decision to volunteer. “I was visiting the museum and I noticed there was just something about that ship – the wood decks, enormous gun barrels and the machine oil

Aaron Ward volunteers on weekends to help maintain USS Wisconsin, a ship museum located in Norfolk, Virginia. Photo by Chris Oxley

smell. That day, I made a choice to be a part of history.”

Ward is one of several individuals from the Hampton Roads community who dedicate their weekends to keeping Wisconsin, or “Wisky,” afloat. Helping to maintain Wisconsin has enhanced his appreciation for naval history and shipbuilding. “I respect what our guys do on the waterfront even more because I’m able to see firsthand what their work brings to life.”

Ward believes Wisconsin’s presence in the community makes a difference. “It pays homage to the sailors who served on her, it keeps you in touch with America’s history, and people are able to see that she is a living embodiment of our freedoms,” he said. “It’s an indescribable feeling knowing I help preserve a breathtaking piece of history.” I By Ashley Key

Randy WoodfinCharlie R. Parker Bill Pauls IIILeslie “Big O” OwensHiram L. Morton III Joann S. Panuska

Eddie Artis40 years

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George E. Archer II Marie M. AustinGeoff M. AllenGary W. Alford Morris “Zulu” Barnes

Long ServiceMASTER SHIPBUILDERS

Jim Clemons Bob DruryKelly BrownVaughn A. Boyd Milton “Milt” FaulksSonny Berkley

John “Cheese” Harrell Joseph “BooBoo” HarrellSamuel J. GreeneLarry A. Godwin Michael L. HeckstallAl Getts

Bob Lynn Howard L. MartinTyrone LewisBarry “B.J.” Jones Ricky M. MillerEddie Hogge

SEPTEMBER

*Compared to figures

from August 2013

-13%

Year-to-Date Injuries

897+10%

Year-to-DateInjuries with

Lost Time354

NNSSafetyReport

+8%

Year-to-Date Lost

Work Days14,455

Long ServiceMASTER SHIPBUILDERS SEPTEMBER

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, 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. Contributing writer: Ashley Key. 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.

RetirementsAUGUST

Albert L. Askew X11Gene E. Bowers X42Ruby Braswell O46Robert A. Cox X33

Steven M. Elledge X18William E. Forbes Jr. O19Derwin T. Harrison X87Harold D. Hartel A572

Matthew C. Hilton O46Richard T. Holley X33Bruce D. Jackson X42Ross O. Johnson X42

Samuel Jordan O43Emanuel Lawrence Jr. E25James B. Leber X87Larry R. Lewis X42

Robert W. Mills T55Roy O. Nicholson III E42Robert H. Owens E42Stephen T. Phillips E68

William M. Shepherd X87Boyd C. Soles Jr. E85George W. Vaughan X36Edward A. Wright O55

50 YEARS Edward J. Artis X33James A. Clemons X87Joann S. Panuska E60 45 YEARS Marie M. Austin E13Robert T. Berkley O43Bernard D. Bolen E45James C. Byrum E01Al Getts X57Howard L. Martin O48 40 YEARS Gary W. Alford X11Geoffrey M. Allen O57George E. Archer II X18Peggy M. Arnold E89Morris D. Barnes X11Vaughn A. Boyd X11McKelly Brown X42Jay L. Clark Jr. O53Robert G. Drury E20Milton R. Faulks X36Larry A. Godwin X11Samuel J. Greene X36John C. Harrell X11Joseph N. Harrell X43Michael L. Heckstall E88John E. Hogge O22Craig W. Huber X70Barry J. Jones X36Rudolph M. Kenner O54Paul W. Knopfle E04Russell T. Lewis O43

Robert W. Lynn X82Ricky M. Miller X36Hiram L. Morton III O43Leslie W. Owens X32Charlie R. Parker X36William R. Pauls III O39James R. Woodfin O87William T. Zattiero O15 35 YEARS Michael A. Acosta X43Michael G. Alford E84Lee M. Anderson O68Ricky L. Atkins M53Susan M. Banning T54Terry T. Bond O43Rosemary J. Boone O67Andrew C. Boone Jr. O38Carol L. Butler X33Michael W. Bynum X33James R. Bynum Jr. X43Frank Caine III X18Diane K. Davis X33Donald M. Deans X32Earl L. Dickerson X43Ricky N. Eason X42Karl E. Emond O43William B. Evans E51Lamona T. Godwin O46Mark H. Grant X33David W. Gratto T54Robert L. Green X42Frederick N. Guild X36Chris G. Hadsell O46Vickie A. Hall X89

Bettie T. Howard O19Sheilah D. Hunter O15John W. Jablonski X59Rush J. Johnson Jr. X10Michael E. Kane E82Rufus M. Langston X88Charles M. Lassiter X33Mark A. Lewis E51Leonard Leyden E88Gary L. Miller X70Robert A. Miller M53Clyde A. Mitchell X31William W. Naramore X73William O. Newell X36Ray L. Newsome X31Vincent J. Nickens X36Dennis J. Nodurft X18Walter L. Nowell Jr. X31Jun P. Paler M53Bruce E. Payton E45Ann L. Pharr N308Daniel Phipps Jr. X31Rex A. Pierce X70Richard M. Pierce O39David W. Rappold X31John C. Sale AMSECWilliam D. Scarlett Jr. X73Mario J. Sclarandis O27Steve A. Simmons X42Raymond A. Smith X36Joseph W. Stout O98Glen E. Taylor X42Jennifer M. Taylor AMSECLeander L. Thomas X36Edward M. Thompson X42

George R. Vailati III T54David B. Venable E12Jeffrey B. Warren X31George E. White A572William A. Williams III E60Kelvin C. Wilson O46Rickey L. Wilson X33Willie M. Wilson X11Charles A. Wright X31George M. Wynn X42 30 YEARS Sheila L. Boone-Murphy E09Bradley R. Breyer E83Robert D. Campbell X82Roy K. Chappell X59David A. Chavis M30Eric E. Claiborne X75Delton R. Collett X18William E. Crawford X87Robert W. Davis O58Jackie W. Diggs Jr. X32Edward L. Douglas E25William L. Forrest X36Richard L. Gabel Jr. E13Chris M. Goush O55Walter C. Gresham O46Minoru Hayes E07Ronald F. Henn E83Steven R. Hoppe E46Arthur K. Horn Jr. X31Darnell O. Howard X42Pamela Kester T54Paul J. Kowalski O53John A. Lamb II O62

Deborah R. Lawrence O09Douglas L. Lawrence III T54Alan W. Leroux X82Kenneth L. Marr Jr. X91George F. Marrow Jr. O54Jeffrey C. Marsh O39Tyrone Moore O53Yong S. Richardson X82Bryon A. Rivers O46Irma G. Roberts X53Steven D. Robertson X70Jerry D. Shelton O68William T. Sherman E13Charles A. Simmons O46William F. Smith E01Ethel R. Spady O63David S. Stabler II N306Joseph G. Stevens E15Steven D. Tassias X84Daniel M. Van Mameren E26Lynn M. Vance K73Garth W. Wallis N313Renee C. Young E83Thomas L. Zwerner E24 25 YEARS John W. Adam IV K93Anthony B. Adams E83Alvin B. Allen III E46James T. Badner O39Stanley Balson O44Shirley R. Boyd E41James R. Brennan E63Barbara A. Brown O77Virginia E. Buskee O27

Mark S. Cass X43Jay D. Christopher E22Robert J. Ciemniecki O98Ricky T. Collins AMSECAllen B. Custis E70Erika S. Ferbee O04Terry J. Fleury E84Kevin S. Francis E21Jonathan M. Fuller E82John S. Graham E75Edward J. Gunteski E02Donald E. Hatter E61Isa D. Hill O31Eddie L. Holden E15James R. Hyde E82Jeffrey D. Jernigan E88Chona D. Kelly X89Leslie S. Kuykendall O14Catherine M. Lawrence X36Connie S. Minton K07Gary R. Misco AMSECThomas S. Nichol II E81Kevin M. Raha E82Flora J. Randall E38Terry J. Robbins E18Lauri L. Sundberg E49Darlene F. Woodall O95 20 YEARS Robert C. Comeaux X73Tansy L. Perkins X59

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USS North Dakota (SSN 784) was delivered to the Navy August 29 – under budget and earlier than its contractual delivery date. The delivery is the 11th Virginia-class submarine built cooperatively by Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat to join the fleet.

North Dakota’s crew of more than 130 sailors will operate one of the most technologically advanced ships in the world. The submarine, the first of the block III Virginia-class submarines (VCS), includes a redesigned bow and two newly designed Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs), each capable of launching six missiles. The VPTs, replace the 12 individual missile tubes that comprised the Vertical Launch System (VLS) in previous submarines. Photo courtesy Electric Boat

USS NORTH DAKOTA (SSN 784)

JOINS THESILENT SERVICE

October 2014