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New UPDATE - 23rd Annual Golf Tournament is Full - Sponsorships Available

As of Wednesday  (8/12), golfer slots are full, but Sponsorships are Still Available for the 23rd Annual VSRF Golf Tournament, which will be held Tuesday, August 18th at Bayville Golf Club.  A Waiting List is being maintained for any cancellations.  Join us at the beautiful and challenging Bayville in Virginia Beach, a short distance off Shore Dirve, where a spacious 268 acre, former dairy farm was transformed into a magnificent golf course - open to capricious winds and salt air of the Chesapeake Bay. 

Torunament proceeds benefit the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation (VSRF), an IRS 501(c)(3) Educational Foundation - donations are tax deductible.

Tournament Schedule

  • 10:00 - 12:30     Registration and Practice Range
  • 11:00                   Lunch
  • 12:30                   Shotgun Start
  • "After Golf" Social - Prizes and Awards Presentation
  • Beverage carts, photos, snacks, goody bags, raffle

Sponsorship Packages Available - Specifics can be found on the 2009 Golf Tournament Application Form below

  • Platinum (8 GOLFERS)                     $5000
  • Gold (4 GOLFERS)                             $2500
  • Silver (2 GOLFERS)                           $1500
  • Beverage Cart                                     $  750
  • Hole Sponsor                                       $  500
  • Longest Drive                                      $  400
  • Closest-to-the-Pin                               $  400
  • Individual Golfers                                $  250

   The Golfer slots are full as of today (8/12)!  We have plenty of sponsorships available, so don't miss ths marketing opportunity for your company.  Please download the 2009 Golf Tournament Application .We are maintaining a Waiting List to fill any cancellations on a "First Come, First Served" basis.

TO REGISTER a SPONSORSHIP or get on the Waiting List,  THE APPLICATION FORM MUST BE SENT TO LEIGH KENNEDY at lkennedy@earl-ind.com  or faxed to 215-2547.  Should you have any questions, please contact Leigh at 215-2550.

Amendment to Fix Navy Ship Repair Shortfall

Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that he offered an amendment to the annual defense appropriations bill to increase funding for ship repair. Forbes’ amendment would remove $200 million from the research and development of the Presidential (VH-71) helicopter program and instead direct the funding towards the Navy’s ship repair account. The Navy has identified ship repair funds as its number two priority on a list of requests that did not get fully funded in the Fiscal Year 2010 budget.  
 
“Without proper maintenance, our ships cannot last 30 years. And if our ships do not last 30 years, we will not reach the 313-ship Navy our country needs to adequately deal with growing threats and instability around the world. There is no reason why we should spend $200 million on this over-cost helicopter program when our Navy’s second most important priority has yet to be funded,” said Forbes.
 
The VH-71 Presidential Helicopter program is intended to provide 23 new presidential helicopters to replace the current fleet of 19. In its statement of policy on the annual defense bill, the Administration said, “If the final bill were to include funds that continue the existing VH-71 program, or would prejudge the plan to re-compete the Presidential helicopter program, the President’s senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill.”
 
The bipartisan amendment was offered by Congressman Forbes, Congressman Solomon Ortiz (TX), Congressman Glenn Nye (VA), and Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA), and championed by Congressman Pete Sessions (TX). The amendment was rejected on Tuesday by the House Rules Committee. In order for amendments to be considered on the House Floor, they must be approved by the Rules Committee.

$200M Added to FY10 Defense Bill for Ship Repair

Annual Defense Policy Bill Clears Committee
Shipbuilding, Navy Transparency, and Veterans Benefits Key Issues for Readiness Ranking Member Forbes 
Washington, D.C. – The Hampton Roads region of Virginia stands poised to benefit from the work of Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) as the House Armed Services Committee completed its consideration of the annual defense policy bill last night.  During the proceedings, Forbes, who is the Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee, successfully pushed for a measure to compel the Defense department to produce an annual shipbuilding report. Forbes’ position - the minority party’s equivalent of Chairman – also left him well-positioned to strengthen the national defense components critical to economic stability in Hampton Roads. 
“For our region, defense growth is economic growth.  Hampton Roads supports approximately one third of our naval fleet and one fourth of its sailors and aircraft and, as a result, the military pumps over $10 billion into the local economy annually,” Forbes said. “I’m pleased with the work done in Committee yesterday to strengthen our naval fleet.”  
Specifically, Congressman Forbes:
* Worked for a $200 million addition to ship repair funding to cover half of the Navy's 2010 Unfunded Requirements; 
* Introduced an amendment that passed to study cost impacts of stretching carrier construction from 4 years to 5 years;
* Supported amendment to prohibit Mayport dredging before carrier homebasing is decided in the Quadrennial Defense Review;
* Supported $18.1 million for Naval Station Norfolk as proposed in the President’s Budget;
* Worked for a $20 million funding increase for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative to assist the Department in purchasing conservancy easements to protect encroachment that could threaten the longevity of OLF Fentress or NAS Oceana; and
* Supported full funding for a Virginia Class Submarine in addition to seven other ships. 
Congressman Forbes also supported a provision which would provide funding for concurrent receipt, elimination of the SBP/DIC offset, and authorization of TRICARE coverage for Reserve Component retirees under the age of 60 upon receipt of retired pay, commonly referred to as the “gray area”.  
“The history of our government is marred with examples of broken promises. Retired pay is earned over the course of a career; disability pay is compensation for a loss as a result of service. One should not offset the other.  Yesterday we took another critical step in correcting this failure,” Forbes said. 
In addition, Forbes personally worked for a $65 million increase for Impact Aid, which provides funding for schools impacted by BRAC and he supported a 3.4% pay raise for active duty military families, which was 0.5% higher than the President requested. 
As part of the mark-up of the defense policy bill, Forbes introduced several key amendments widely credited with shaping the debate.  Those amendments focused on prohibiting the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the United States, combating an unprecedented level of secrecy at the Department of Defense, and ensuring that overall defense strategy is determined by security assessments rather than budgetary requirements.  The defense policy bill will now proceed for consideration before the full House of Representatives. 

OSHA Evaluating VPP (Voluntary Protection Programs)

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced that it will address problems identified in its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) in response to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs: Improved Oversight and Controls Would Better Ensure Program Quality. The report recommends improved oversight and additional controls to ensure participating companies maintain effective workplace safety and health management systems.

OSHA also has announced that it will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its VPP and Alliance Program to determine how the agency should best allocate its resources among cooperative programs, enforcement and the agency’s other activities.

Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab said he agrees with recommendations made in the GAO report. GAO’s analysis recommended that OSHA strengthen the program’s oversight activity, documentation and other aspects of program operations and impact to ensure consistency and adherence to existing OSHA policies and procedures. VPP participation encompasses more than 2,200 worksites covering more than 800,000 workers.

“We will thoroughly review the VPP and Alliance Program to determine their effectiveness as well as review the programs’ roles in helping the agency promote the safety and health of America’s workers,” said Barab.

He noted that OSHA had not adequately addressed the findings of the GAO’s 2004 report, OSHA’s Voluntary Compliance Strategies Show Promising Results, But Should Be Fully Evaluated Before They Are Expanded. “The report noted that OSHA had not fully evaluated the effectiveness of its cooperative programs and was therefore ‘limited in its ability to make a sound decision about how best to allocate its resources,’” said Barab.  “Our evaluation of these programs in the context of OSHA’s limited resources will help ensure that OSHA will be able to reprioritize these resources in the most effective manner.”

To address the most recent GAO report’s findings and recommendations about the VPP, OSHA will review and address problems including program management and oversight policies and procedures; documentation policy for actions taken in response to fatalities and serious injuries at VPP sites; and goals and performance measures for the VPP and internal OSHA controls that ensure consistent compliance with VPP policies by the agency’s regional offices.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA’s role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach and education.  For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

MARINE SAFETY ALERT - COMPACT FLORESCENT LIGHTS

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a Marine Safety Alert concerning Compact Florescent Lights and interference with certain communications systems.  The CFL Safety Alert  is available here.

Anti-War Protest Activity in Hampton Roads - June 22 - 26

The following inforation was received from the U.S. Army at Fort Eustis and is posted for your information and action as appropriate:

The Catholic Worker Movement in Norfolk is planning an anti-war walking protest in Hampton Roads 22-26 Jun 09.  The group plans to begin protesting at Camp Peary and work their way down the Peninsula, into Suffolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach and end in Norfolk.  The initial list of protest locations/days is as follows:
        DAY 1 (June 22)
             Camp Peary
             NWS Yorktown
             Fort Eustis
        DAY 2 (June 23)
             Langley AFB
             NGNN Newport News (shipyard)
        DAY 3 (June 24)
             DoD Contractor Facilities in North Suffolk
             JFCOM Facility in North Suffolk
             NNSY Portsmouth
        DAY 4 (June 25)
             Fort Story
             NAS Oceana
             Dam Neck Annex
        DAY 5 (June 26)
             NAB Little Creek
             NAVSTA Norfolk
The group plans to conduct some form of anti-war vigil in front of all of the above facilities.  The number of individuals participating is currently unknown.  However, this protest activity has the potential to affect every DoD facility in the region.
The Catholic Workers have a history of military protests and members of this organization have been arrested several times, most recently at NAS Oceana last fall. 
Although these types of demonstrations are generally peaceful or nonviolent, they are assessed to present a potential domestic Force Protection issue.  While the protests staged by anti-war and anti-military groups/organizations are legal, the controversial nature of the protests tends to invoke counter protests and creates a hostile environment that could easily evolve into violence.
There is generally an overwhelming support provided to the US military in the local community; however the potential exists for a spontaneous, unprovoked attack against either the demonstrators or pro-US Military persons. 
Please inform your Soldiers, civilians, and family members of the potential for protests.  Instruct them to avoid these events and not to interact with these individuals in any way.  If they do come into contact with these protesters and are harassed or assaulted in any way, they should immediately report the incident to the Military Police or local police.  The single best preventive measure is to AVOID the areas where anti-war and/or similar protests are projected to or are actually taking place.  If you witness a suspicious incident in your community, at work, or while commuting you should report it to Law Enforcement immediately.
Ensure that personnel are advised that the practice of OPSEC is critical in protecting the integrity of the operations and missions, and as a result protects the lives of the Soldiers, family members, and community.

House Panel to Discuss Anti-Fouling Hull Paint

A House Transportation and Infrastructure panel this week will discuss regulating anti-fouling paint, a material that prevents algae and barnacles from growing on ships' hulls but that can be toxic to marine life.

The Senate in September ratified an international treaty banning the use of harmful chemicals in anti-fouling paints, but Congress has yet to pass legislation that would allow U.S. regulators to enforce the provision.

Stephen Johnson, U.S. EPA administrator under the Bush administration, sent a legislative proposal on the matter to Congress in February 2008. The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on Wednesday will review the proposal and ensure it aligns with the views of the Obama administration, a House Democratic aide said.

The hearing will also "address the lessons learned from the past and how [the treaty] will address the safety of hull paints in the future," according to the committee.

Officials from EPA and the Coast Guard -- the agencies that would enforce the provision -- have been invited to testify.

The accumulation of mollusks and algae on ships' hulls can have significant economic impacts, slowing vessels down and increasing their fuel consumption.

Anti-fouling paints contain pesticides that prevent the organisms from latching on, but the metallic compounds in many of the paints linger in the water, damaging the environment, killing other sealife and possibly entering the food chain, according to the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations agency that initiated the treaty.

One of the most popular anti-fouling paints contains the compound tributyltin, which has been shown to cause deformities in oysters and sex changes in whelks. The treaty prohibits the use of the compound and mandates the removal of the paints from hulls.

Ships may use alternative paints that do not contain the compound, or slippery, biocide-free nonstick coatings that prevent fouling and make the hull easier to clean when fouling occurs, IMO said.

Schedule: The hearing is Wednesday, June 10, at 2 p.m. in 2167 Rayburn.

Witnesses: TBA.

OHSA Shipyard Industry Standards Booklet

The updated Shipyard Industry Standards booklet is not available online. This new version includes sections on fire protection, HexChrom and employer payment for PPE. See OSHA's press release below. Link to the PDF version here: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA_shipyard_industry.pdf.   
OSHA News Release
May 26, 2009
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999 
WASHINGTON -- Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment, contamination issues related to Hexavalent Chromium and Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are three additions to the Shipyard Industry Standards, a revised guidance document recently published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that provides employers and workers with an overview of all safety and health standards associated with the shipyard industry. 
The standard's Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment subpart includes sections on implementing a fire safety plan, fire watches and fire response. The payment for personal protective equipment section advises employers of their obligation to provide PPE for workers at no cost to them. Hexavalent chromium has been added to the list of air contaminants whose concentrations should not exceed stated exposure levels. 
"The Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health recommended that OSHA update and republish the shipyard and longshoring industry digests," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "The revised document is now up-to-date with current standards and will continue to serve as another resource for protecting the safety and health of shipyard workers." 
Shipyard Industry Standards revises the existing Shipyard Industry Digest and incorporates new shipyard employment requirements that have been developed and finalized since the booklet was last published in 1998. It lists the guidelines for safety and health programs in the industry and incorporates topics such as management commitment; employee participation; hazard identification, assessment and control; and program evaluation. 
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

2009 Tradesmen of the Year Honored

Before an overflow crowd of over 450 attendees, the 2009 Ship Repair Tradesmen of the Year were honored during National Maritime Day ceremonies in Norfolk.  With the NOAA survey ship Thomas Jefferson as the backdrop, the festivities were held at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center on the sunny, warm day Friday, May 22nd.
This was the third year that the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation has honored a Junior and Senior tradesman.  Nineteen very worthy nominations were received for the two awards. Nominees came from one of the 193 member companies of the Virginia Ship Repair Association.  The winners were judged by a panel of industry experts on their level of professional expertise, leadership qualities, safety records, quality of work, outside recognition and community service.  The competition was stiff, the choices very difficult.
The nominees for the Junior award were workers who has less than 5 years experience, demonstrates a high degree of motivation, eagerness to learn, and the potential to become master level tradesman.  The 2009 Junior Tradesman of the Year is Jeffrey W. Daley from AMSEC LLC.  Jeffrey is a Mechanic Tradesperson II from the AMSEC Elevator Support Unit. He works in the Mid Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center and maintains shipboard aircraft elevators and cargo handling systems. He has performed superbly, especially in situations that require interface with several crews. He expertly trains active duty personnel on systems. operations. He was personally commended by Navy leadership for his exceptional work, proficiency and dependability in harsh working conditions for aircraft elevator stanchion and lock repair on the USS Enterprise, as well as Enterprise Assessment Support. During his precious free time, he volunteers with the Salvation Army and Veteran’s organizations. 
The nominees for the Senior award were trade workers with five or more years of experience who are actively engaged in their trade and stand well above their peers in expertise and mentorship, while performing at the highest level of quality in their work.  The 2009 Senior Tradesman of the Year is Robert F. Hughes. Robert is a Shipfitter Specialist from BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair where he has been employed since 1973. He began his career as an apprentice shipfitter and later supported the company’s apprentice program as an instructor. His extraordinary level of proficiency results in him routinely receiving the most challenging assignments. Recently he was the lead mechanic for the MV-22 alterations on the LHA/LHD class of helicopter carriers. He completed the first alteration on the USS Kearsarge which immediately established the benchmark for subsequent MV-22 alterations. As a result of his strong leadership, the team reduced the man hours by 20% on the USS Nassau. Not satisfied with past performance, he devised a prefabrication method that saved even more time and money on the USS Iwo Jima installation. This is but one example of his setting the standard for installations and alterations. Even more valuable is the mentorship he has consistently shown with apprentices, many of whom have risen to Supervisors and Superintendents with the knowledge he has imparted to them. Off the job, he serves his community and was the Firefighter of the Year at Station #1 in Chesapeake. His community service doesn’t’ stop there – he supports the United Way, Junior Olympics, Junior League, CHKD, Red Cross and the Louise Eggleston Center. 
Both our awardees will be further recognized in June at our Virginia Ship Repair Association monthly membership luncheon.
Our sincere congratulations go to all the nominees who were singled out from some 24,000 trades professionals.  They are truly "The Strength Behind the Fleet."
 

Congressman to Navy - Produce Shipbuilding Plan

Washington, D.C. - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that he and seven Members of the House Armed Services Committee have filed H.Res. 477, a resolution of inquiry to direct the Secretary of Defense to produce an annual shipbuilding plan as required by law. 
The legislation comes in response to the testimony of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead before the House Armed Services Committee on May 14 of this year, in which he stated that the Navy would not submit a congressionally-mandated 30-year shipbuilding report with its fiscal year 2010 budget request as it was required to do by law. Failure to submit the annual plan is unprecedented.   
"At a time when China is rapidly closing the 23-ship gap between their navy and ours, and at a time when our Navy is operating with $4.6 billion in unmet requirements, Americans would be shocked to know that the Department of Defense cannot or will not produce a key plan for the future of our naval fleet," Forbes said. "Amidst restructuring at the Department of Defense, it is unacceptable to argue our nation can rely on last year's shipbuilding plan. This year's annual report is even more critical in light of last year's shipbuilding plan which revealed a shocking 44% increase in the Navy's estimated average annual cost to implement its 30-year plan to achieve a 313-ship Navy." 
Concerns about the Navy's ability to afford its long-range shipbuilding plan, combined with fluctuating year-to-year changes in Navy shipbuilding objectives and significant cost growth have led to strong concerns among some Members about the status of Navy shipbuilding and the potential future size and capabilities of the fleet. 
Section 231 of Title 10 of the US Code requires the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual shipbuilding plan that details the long-term shipbuilding strategy of the Department of Defense as part of each year's budget request.  Congress first mandated an annual shipbuilding plan in 2003 as part of the FY2004 budget.   
H.Res. 477 has been referred to the House Armed Services Committee.  A resolution of inquiry is a rare legislative tool that seeks factual information from the executive branch. It is a privileged resolution and, as such, the committee has only 14 legislative days in which to consider the measure before it can be called before the full House. Eight Members of the House Armed Services Committee have currently cosponsored H.Res. 477.   
Congressman Forbes is Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee. For more information on his work on defense issues, visit http://forbes.house.gov/issues/defense.htm.