Newsletter: December 2008/January 2009 Newsletter

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DECEMBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

We are pleased to welcome Congressman Randy Forbes, as our December guest speaker. He will update the membership on legislative affairs on Tuesday, December 16, 2008. This meeting is open to all VSRA members. All committee members are encouraged to attend to celebrate and be recognized for their hard work over the past year.
 
Congressman Randy Forbes represents the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia.  Elected in a special election in 2001, he is now serving his fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

On the House Armed Services Committee, Randy works to provide our military with the proper tools, facilities, and training to be the most effective military in the world.  Randy serves as Ranking Member of the Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, which oversees the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. Randy was awarded the U.S. Navy’s highest civilian honor, the Distinguished Public Service Award, for his committed service and leadership in advancing the U.S. Navy. 

Randy is also the founder of the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus, the Congressional China Caucus, and co-chair of the Navy and Marine Corps Caucus. Since taking office, Randy has sponsored legislation ranging from the prosecution of Weapons of Mass Destruction to the reformation of the military mail system. 

As a Member of the House Judiciary committee, Randy addresses significant national issues including illegal immigration, combating terrorism, balancing the federal budget and reforming healthcare. He has served as Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. He received national recognition for his work to protect communities by authoring the Alien Gang Removal Act, which provides for the immediate deportation of aliens who are found to be members of violent criminal gangs. He also sits on the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims.

Randy is the founder of the Congressional Prayer Caucus whose purpose is to recognize the vital role that prayer by individuals of all faiths has played in Congress and in America.

From 1989-2001, Randy served the Commonwealth of Virginia in the General Assembly. As a member of the House of Delegates, he served 7 years, quickly establishing himself and serving as the Floor Leader until his election to the State Senate in 1997. One year later, he became the Senate Floor Leader. He served in the State Senate for 3 1/2 years, until his election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Randy was chief patron of some of Virginia's most important legislation in the past decade ranging from state funding for school construction to the abolition of parole.

Randy graduated from Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake in 1970. He was valedictorian of his 1974 class at Randolph-Macon College. In 1977, Randy graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law.  He was born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia where he still resides with his wife Shirley. He and Shirley have been married since 1978 and have four children: Neil, Jamie, Jordan, and Justin.
 
Our guest speaker for the January General Membership meeting will be Capt. Scott Mattingly, Commanding Officer, Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center.

RECAP OF NOVEMBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

At the November meeting, Leigh Kennedy reported that two new members had been voted in by the VSRA Board of Directors.  The new members welcomed were Horizon Services LLC (Chesapeake) and Seaside Staffing (Virginia Beach). Mr. Buck Hodges, of Auxiliary Systems, former chairman of the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation Board, was recognized for his many hours, hard work and dedication while serving as Chairman. Ms. Colleen Becker, of Marine Chemist Service, took over responsibility as Chairman at the November Foundation meeting. A total of 109 members and guests were in attendance.
 
The guest speaker, Rear Admiral James P. Mc Manamon, Deputy Commander for Surface Warfare, SEA 21, Naval Sea Systems Command updated guests on the USS Bunker Hill and Gunston Hall, MSMO strategy, and a new planning activity called SSLAM. Some points included:
 
·       USS Gunston Hall at Metro Machine is doing well on week 37 and is 5% ahead of schedule. The USS Bunker Hill in CA is going as planned.
·       MSMO Strategy
1.     is challenging, however, the Navy does not want to get rid of it
2.     sometimes “execution issues” and experience come into play
3.     primary focus is the DDG workload and Spiral 2 for Norfolk
4.     Fleet responsiveness and cost improvements are key issues in the strategy
·       The new planning activity, SSLAM, is trying to capture, not take over, the elements of surface activities. It will focus on discipline of maintenance plans and corrosion control. His staff is working to bring “life of the ship” issues to the forefront of the Fleet. They are also attempting to get the metrics/Pros-Cons of paint and track it. If your company has this information, forward it to Capt. Scott Mattingly at MARMC, and he’ll make sure Admiral McManamon receives it.
·       He thanked the yards for their hard work and continued emphasis of timeliness and teamwork

!!SALE!!

In appreciation of your faithful membership in the association during 2008, we are offering an “Early Bird” discount for you.  Until January 10th, you can register your employees for vital training they need and receive in 2009 for the 2008 price.  We are offering the NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector “Prep” course, Emergency First Responder “Refresher”, Senior Supervisor Leadership, Junior Supervisor Leadership, NAVSEA Cableway, and much more! 
Course                                                            2008 Rate       2009 Rate
                                                                        VSRA Member/Non-Member
Blueprint Reading                                          $325/$399       $350/$425
March 17-20
September 15-18
Emergency First Responder Refresher       $75/$110         $85/$125
(2 sessions: 7:30am-11:30am & 12:30pm-4:30pm)
January 22 February 19 March 19
April 29 May 28 June 25
September 17 October 21 November 5
December 3
Emergency First Responder                         $105/$140       $105/$150
January 21 February 18 March 18
April 28 May 27 June 24
September 16 October 20 November 4
December 2
NAVSEA Cableway                                      $595/$745       $650/$795
March 2-6
May 18-22
September 28-October 2
November 16-20
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector Prep          $140/$175       $175/$225
February 4 & 5
April 8 & 9
June 1 & 2
September 30 & October 1
December 2 & 3
NAVEA Basic Paint Inspector                      $550/$675       $625/$795
February 9-13
April 13-17
June 8-12
October 19-23
December 7-11
Junior Supervisor Leadership                       $425/$485       $425/$495
Fridays Jan 23, Jan 30, Feb 6, Feb 13
Fridays May 15, May 22, May 29, June 5
Senior Supervisor Leadership                      N/A                 $325/$465
February 26 & 27
April 16 & 17
October 15 & 16
Standard Items FY10                                     $225/$280       $225/$280
January 28 & 29
March 4 & 5
May 27 & 28
June 17 & 18
**Please note, to receive the 2008 price, CALL the VSRA office 757-233-7034.  DO NOT register online.** All 2009 VSRA courses are listed in the Educational Opportunities article below and on the VSRA website, www.virginiashiprepair.org. On January 10, 2009, this training promotion will end, and the 2009 course rate will go into effect. NOTE: To retain your 2008 price, your employee must remain in the original course date selected. Sign up before January 10th to lock in 2008 rates!

VSRF SHIPYARD TOUR

On October 15th the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation convened a shipyard tour for workforce development agencies. The tour was hosted by BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair. The agency staff were eager to engage in future plans to create a consolidated information vehicle to keep them informed on ship repair news and occupational opportunities. VSRF is hoping that by creating a single distribution point, information will be easier to disseminate. This would make it possible to increase the level of exposure the industry has with the professionals who interact with workers every day. These connections will be very valuable when we launch our industry-focused Job Board in early 2009.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO MENTOR STUDENTS

Student outreach is a very important component of the American Society of Naval Engineers’ mission and VSRA’s future work force. If you are interested in a very rewarding experience and can donate an hour or two a month, please contact DeWitt Davis. Mentoring for SOL preparation and "homework help" is scheduled at both Bayside Middle School in Virginia Beach and Lake Taylor Middle School in Norfolk. There will be AM and PM sessions.
 
Please contact DeWitt for specific times and locations.  Phone    (757) 495-3524
E-mail    ddavis@pinn.net

DEFENSE STRATEGY SEMINAR

SPONSORED BY: VSRA in Partnership with WBB Consulting, Inc.
COST: $195 VSRA Members.  This class is not open to Non-VSRA Members
DATE: January 13, 2009
TIME: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, Registration begins at 7:30 am
LOCATION: WBB Consulting, Inc., 4429 Bonney Road, Suite 400, Virginia Beach
                       
Come learn the impact of the Defense Budget, and get an inside look at how the federal legislative and appropriation processes work. This event is for VSRA members only. Click here for Event Details & Registration
http://www.virginiashiprepair.org/confdetails.asp?ID=2624

CAREER DAY SCHEDULE

VSRA School Career Day Schedule 2008-2009
Salem High School, Thursday, February 5, 2009, from 7:30am-12:00pm in the library.  1993 Sun Devil Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Career Connection, Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at The Advanced Technology Center.  Their address is 1800 College Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA 23453.  Time and more details TBA.
**If you are interested in attending any of the above Career Days, please contact Ann Howell or Josephine Anderson to sign up.  The VSRA office number is 757-233-7034, or email at info@VirginiaShipRepair.org

SCA NEWS BRIEF

Every Friday, the VSRA website, www.virginiashiprepair.org, is updated with the weekly SCA Weekly Round-Up.  This very interesting and useful newsletter from SCA is available for viewing for only one week, until the next update is posted. Please take a minute to read these updates weekly on the VSRA home page under “Industry News Feed”.

NAUTICAL MEANING - DEAD HORSE

http://www.cffc.navy.mil/customs.htm
 
When a Sailor pays off a debt to the command (advance pay, overpayments, etc...), they say they've paid off a Dead Horse. The saying comes from a tradition of British sailors. British seamen, apt to be ashore and unemployed for considerable periods of time between voyages, generally preferred to live in boarding houses near the piers while waiting for sailing ships to take on crews.

During these periods of unrestricted liberty, many ran out of money, so innkeepers carried them on credit until hired out for another voyage. When a seaman was booked on a ship, he was customarily advanced a month's wages, if needed, to pay off his boarding house debt. Then, while paying back the ship's master, he worked for nothing but "salt horse" the first several weeks aboard.

Salt horse was the staple diet of early sailors, and it wasn't exactly tasty cuisine. Consisting of a low quality beef that had been heavily salted, the salt horse was tough to chew and even harder to digest. When the debt had been repaid, the salt horse was said to be dead, and it was a time for great celebration among the crew. Usually, an effigy of a horse was constructed from odds and ends, set afire and then cast afloat to the cheers and hilarity of the ex-debtors.

COMMITTEE UPDATE

Communications Committee
The committee discussed the contents of the November/December newsletter. Last year’s survey was reviewed to update it for 2009. The committee will develop the survey at the December meeting. The committee meets the second Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the QED conference room at 4646 N. Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 235455.
 
Contracts Committee
The committee reviewed the very successful October Standards of Conduct Seminar and discussed possible enhancements for the 2009 seminar. The committee discussed the MARMC reorganization into the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The committee was briefed on the Super Hot Wash and the new initiative for assessments. The committee meets the first Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Troutman Sanders conference room, 150 Main Street, 16th Floor, Norfolk, VA 23510.
 
Human Resource Committee
The December speaker will be from the Virginia Employment Commission. William Thorpe and George Rouse from the OFCCP were the guest speakers and announced 49 compliance letters were sent out in October and anticipated another group being sent out in February. The letters are randomly sent through their ACM system. They offer webinars through their DOL website, www.dol.gov/esa/ofccp/. The G-5 program, a program for employing veterans and applicants with disabilities, was introduced. The committee meets the first Wednesday of the month at 11:00 a.m. in the Troutman Sanders Conference Room, 150 Main Street, 16th Floor, Norfolk, VA 23510.
 
Quality Assurance Committee
The committee was instructed on how to use the VSRA Q.A. Audit Database. The new system will allow the Q.A. personnel to view audit details, contact information, schedule audits, view audits in progress, and review the audit schedule. The committee is working on updating the database with previous audit information. The Super Hot Wash was held at the Virginia Advanced Carrier and Integration Center in Newport News October 28-30. The committee meets the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in the Q.E.D. Systems, Inc. Conference Room, 4646 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
 
Safety and Environmental Committee
The committee voted to recommend to the Board of Directors to reestablish the VSRA Environmental Committee as a stand-alone committee. The VSRA Safety Seminar was a great success and received a grade of 4.3 out of 5.0 from the attendees. The Safety Seminar subcommittee will convene in January to prepare for the 2009 seminar. New committee members are needed for the 2009 Safety Seminar committee. Come out and get involved in the important decisions of this committee for next year’s seminar! The Standardized Forms subcommittee is developing a standard VSRA Hot Work form. The committee discussed the OSHA 5400 courses, a SERMC requirement to test for crystalline silica in high solid paint removal, the prohibition on the use of brass and black oxide coated fasteners, ground fault interrupters, and the requirement to remove four inches of paint from both sides of a hot work area prior to commencing hot work. The committee meets the second Thursday of the Month at 9:00 a.m. in the United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707.
 
Security Committee
Mr. Dave Shutter walked the committee through the process of completing the electronic Contractor Visit Request and discussed access procedures and problems for government facilities. After the presentation, the committee toured MARMC Building LF-18.    The committee meets the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the United Coatings Corp. Conference Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

We are pleased to offer the following courses:
 
First Aid/CPR/AED/Emergency First Responder ½-Day Refresher Training
Location sponsored by TBA
COST: $85.00 VSRA members; $125.00 Non VSRA members
SESSION 1 DATES: January 22, February 19, March 19, April 29, May 28, June 25, Sept 17, Oct 21, Nov 5, and Dec 3 2009, 7:30 am – 11:30 am
SESSION 2 DATES: January 22, February 19, March 19, April 29, May 28, June 25, Sept 17, Oct 21, Nov 5, and Dec 3 2009, 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
LOCATION: TBA
 
 
First Aid/CPR/AED/Emergency First Responder Certification
Location sponsored by TBA
COST: $105.00 VSRA members; $150.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: January 21, February 18, March 18, April 28, May 27, June 24, September 16, Oct 20, Nov 4, Dec 2 2009, 7:30am - 4:30pm
LOCATION: TBA
Emergency First Responders ~ OSHA Approved/Internationally Accepted
*This certification is OSHA-approved/internationally accepted and is a step beyond the Red Cross certification and is more oriented to industrial environments.* This course provides comprehensive instruction in CPR and First Aid, as well as Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, emergency oxygen administration and conscious choking management skills. Upon successful completion of this course, attendees receive a Certification Card.
 
 
Senior Supervisor’s Leadership Course
Location sponsored by TBA
COST: $325.00 VSRA members; $465.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: February 26-27, April 16-17, October 15-16, 2009, 7:30am - 3:30pm
LOCATION: TBA
 
This course is designed for supervisors with more than five years of experience. Course learning centers on leadership demands, behavioral management, tracking professional goals, and developing stronger workers through career development and goal setting. The course delivers 16+ hours of lecture, video, hand-on activities, the Kouzes & Posner Leadership Challenge System and text-based assignments over a two-day period. Students spend four hours developing leadership communication patterns using job safety analysis, inspection and investigation scenarios to apply what they learned to real world examples.
 
 
Junior Supervisor’s Leadership and Safety Course
Location sponsored by Old Dominion University
COST: $425.00 VSRA members; $495.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: Jan 23, Jan 30, Feb 6, Feb 13 2009, 7:30am - 3:30pm
DATES: May 15, May 22, May 29, June 5 2009, 7:30am - 3:30pm
LOCATION: Old Dominion University
 
This course weaves Leadership and Management applications throughout the National Safety Council course.  Supervisors will learn about the labor market, their own leadership and management strengths and how to effect change on the waterfront.  Passing students receive the National Safety Council Supervisors Certification. This course will be for 4 weeks, only on Friday.  The course dates are Jan 23, Jan 30, Feb 6, and Feb 13 2009.  This course is for supervisors with 5 years or less experience.
 
 
NAVSEA Standard Items FY10 Training
Sponsored by TBA and course approved by NAVSEA
Location sponsored by TBA
COST: $225.00 VSRA members; $280.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: January 28-29, March 4-5, May 27-28, June 17-18, 2009, 8:00am - 4:00pm
LOCATION: TBA
Standard Items Update uses on-line capabilities along with text copy to overview Standard Items and hone-in on pertinent changes for 2000-2010. After a general overview, the instructor covers the material MOST relevant to the students in class. Little time is wasted in covering areas that students don't need. So, every class is different, but they meet all needs of the students and companies who send them! There are only 15 slots for this course, so please don't delay in signing up those employees who need this training!
 
 
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector Prep Course
Location sponsored by TBA
COST: $175.00 VSRA members; $225.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: February 4-5, April 8-9, June 1-2, September 30-October 1, December 2-3, 2009, 8:00am-4:30pm both days
LOCATION: TBA
This course will review coating documents such as SSPC PA-2, NSTM Chapter 631 and NSTM Chapter 634 for non-skid and others. It will also provide a thorough review of SI 009-32 and applicable sections of 009-04. Recent changes to the NAVSEA NBPI Exam have resulted in lower pass rates. In order to better prepare your workers, VSRA is offering a 1-1/2-day pre-course specifically to address exam standards and increase inspector-level knowledge. Each attendee will receive a current copy of NAVSEA Standard Items 009-32 and 009-04.
 
 
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector Training (NBPI)
Sponsored by VSRA and course approved by NAVSEA
Location sponsored by MARMC
COST: $625.00 VSRA members; $795.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: February 9-13, April 13-17, June 8-12, October 19-23, December 7-11, 2009, 7:00am - 5:00pm
LOCATION: MARMC Building LF-18, Norfolk Naval Base
Attendance is limited to 20 applicants. A score of 80% or higher is required to be eligible for the certification. Students passing the exam will receive a four-year certification and a laminated wallet card from SSPC. Test results will come directly from SSPC. 
 
Due to changes with the SSPC, all documents related to this course need to be submitted to the SSPC representative, Jeannine Bodack. Her email address is: bodack@sspc.org, phone: 877-281-7772 x 2204, fax: 412-281-9995. These documents must be submitted two weeks before the first day of class. Please go to the SSPC website http://www.sspc.org/training/nbpi_prereq.html to view the current required documents.
 
 
NAVSEA Cableway Training and Certification Training
This training is certified by NAVSEA
Location sponsored by TBA
COST: $650.00 VSRA Members; $795.00 Non-VSRA Members
DATE: March 2-6, May 18-22, September 28-October 2, November 16-20, 2009, 8:00am – 4:00pm
LOCATION: TBA
 
Attendance is limited to 20 applicants. This course delivers 35+ hours of lecture, video, hands-on lab work and text-based assignments over a five day period. A score of 70% or higher on the comprehensive exam is required for successful completion. The course covers all NAVSEA requirements and skill sets in depth. Upon successful completion of this course, the attendee will receive a NAVSEA Cableway Certification Card.
 
 
Blueprint Reading and Technical Drawing Orientation
Location sponsored by TBA
COST: $350.00 VSRA Members; $425.00 Non-VSRA Members
DATE: March 17-20, September 15-18, 2009, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
LOCATION:  TBA
This course is directed to rising welders and shipfitters, or workers who need a familiarity with blueprint terminology, symbols and design features specific to ships. The course provides 28 hours of instruction with take-home activities, 3 quizzes and a final exam.  Attendees will receive critical drawing analysis experience, as well as hands-on blueprint activities.  For a complete course outline please contact the VSRA office.
 
 
Please register on the VSRA website www.virginiashiprepair.org for above seminars. Online registrations are preferred; however, phone reservations can be accommodated. For questions/help registering please call our office at 757-233-7034.
 
**Please note, you must be logged in to receive the discounted VSRA price for seminars.**
 
Refund & Cancellation Policy: VSRA offers courses at a greatly reduced rate to our members. Cancellations must be made within 4 business days of the course date to receive full credit contingent on slots being filled. Late cancellations will be given a 50% credit towards future training or 100% if open slot is filled. No-shows WILL BE CHARGED the course fee, and no refunds will be made. Substitutions are welcome; however, please contact the VSRA office as soon as possible. If VSRA has to reschedule or cancel a course, we will work with your company to place employees in a future training course.