Newsletter: January/February 2009 Newsletter

We were pleased to welcome Capt. Scott Mattingly, Commanding Officer, Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, who will discuss the organizational changes at MARMC as it transitions to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.  Captain Timothy Scott Mattingly, a native of Bardstown, Kentucky, received his Bachelors of Science from Eastern Kentucky University in 1985. While still a student at the university, Captain Mattingly was accepted into the Engineering Duty Officer Option Program in 1984.

 

In September of 1985, he was commissioned as an Ensign upon completion of Officer Candidate School, in Newport, Rhode Island. After being commissioned, he began his naval career in San Diego, California, as an Engineering Division Officer onboard USS CLEVELAND (LPD-7). After attaining Surface Warfare designation, Captain Mattingly exercised his option to transfer to the Engineering Duty Officer community. In 1989, he was assigned as a student to Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and in 1991, he earned his Masters of Science degree (Weapons Science). In 1992, Captain Mattingly attended Diving and Salvage Officer Training in Panama City, Florida. He is a qualified Surface Supplied Diving Officer.

 

Since graduating from the Weapons Science Curriculum, he has completed tours of duty at the following locations: Philadelphia Naval Shipyard; USMTM Detachment Jubail, Saudi Arabia; SUPSHIP Detachment Ingleside, Texas; Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Ocean Engineering (Code 00C); Commander Naval Surface Forces (N43), San Diego, Ca; and Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, California.

In August of 2006, he was assigned as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Maintenance and Engineering (N43) on the staff of Commander Naval Surface Forces Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk, Virginia.  

 

A total of 147 members and guests were in attendance for our annual Holiday Luncheon. Due to the nature of the Holiday Luncheon, Committee reports were suspended, and committee members in attendance were asked to stand and be recognized.

 

Leigh Kennedy reported that 3 new members had been voted in by the VSRA Board of Directors.  The members welcomed in were: 1-800-Skilled.com (Virginia Beach), HyVal Industries, Inc. (Norfolk) and Kitchen Laundry & Galley Solutions, LLC (Virginia Beach).  This brings our membership total to 190 VSRA members.

 

We were pleased to welcome Congressman Randy Forbes, as our December guest speaker. He updated the membership on issues faced by Congress, as well as his Manhattan Project for energy conservation & research.  Some points included:

 

By Hunter Frischkorn

There is a lot of discussion these days about companies “Going Green”. The problem is that “Green” is undefined.   “Going Green” can mean anything from recycling office paper and soda cans to fully implementing environmental management strategies that control an operation’s reduction of environmental impact. With the recent and ongoing economic turmoil, wildly fluctuating energy costs and discussions about our country’s dependence upon foreign nations for petroleum, there is renewed interest in discussions about energy independence and sustainability. “Going Green” is taking on the connotation of being a responsible steward of natural resources and taking positive steps toward energy independence and environmental sustainability.

 

Virginia is taking positive action with respect to this movement. In December 2008, Governor Kaine announced the Renew Virginia initiative.  This initiative will include legislative and executive actions in 2009 to make Virginia a leader in energy conservation and efficiency and protecting the environment. Also in December 2008, Governor Kaine announced the Virginia DoD Eagle Award, which isa partnership between the State’s agencies under the Secretary of Natural Resources and the US Department of Defense (DoD), to “…recognize the military for its exemplary stewardship of the natural resources entrusted to its care and encourage their future safeguard.” (Gov. Kaine). More than twenty military installations in Virginia are eligible to be evaluated for these awards, the first of which are expected to be given in 2009.

 

Industry as well as federal, state and local agencies recognizes the value of managing environmental impact. Some companies are required by end users to certify that their operations are environmentally sound in order to provide goods and services. This certification can be obtained by creating a formal Environmental Management System (EMS) in conformance with International Standard ISO 14001. Many companies also choose to establish an EMS using the same principals, but seek recognition through a State program such as the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) “Virginia Environmental Excellence Program” (VEEP) or the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Performance Track” program. All of these programs provide potential tangible benefits to the users such as:

 

The bottom line is “Green” is here to stay. Environmental stewardship and sustainability with respect to natural resources is an integral part of business that can provide tangible results both socially and financially.  

Salem High School, Thursday, February 5, 2009, from 7:30am-12:00pm in the library.  1993 Sun Devil Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464

**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

http://www.cffc.navy.mil/customs.htm

 

In the days of cannon, it took as long as twenty minutes to load and fire a gun. When a ship fired her guns in salute, she rendered herself powerless for the duration. By emptying their guns, the ship's crew showed shore batteries and forts that they were no threat. Over time, this gesture became a show of respect, with both shore and ship gun batteries firing volleys.

While many people like to say the 21 gun salute was a tribute to the American Revolution, a number determined as a result of adding together the numbers 1+7+7+6, the truth is, the 21 gun salute was an effort to cut costs. The habit of firing salutes became wasteful, with ships and shore batteries firing shots for hours on end. This was particularly expensive for ships, which had a limited space to store powder (which went bad quickly in the salt air). The British admiralty first dictated the policies now in place as a practical matter to save gunpowder. The rule was simple. For every volley fired by a ship in salute, a shore battery could return up to three shots. The regulations limited ships to a total of seven shots in salute, so the 21 gun-salute became the salute used to honor only the most important dignitaries.

Today, the U.S. Navy Regulations proscribe that only those ships and stations designated by the Secretary of the Navy may fire gun salutes. A national salute of 21 guns is fired on

Additionally, ships may, with approval from the office of the Secretary of the Navy, provide gun salutes for naval officers on significant occasions, using the following protocol:

Communications Committee

The committee discussed the contents of the December/January newsletter. Last year’s survey was reviewed to update it for 2009. The committee plans to publish the survey January 2009. 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

Commander Stump, Contracting Officer for MARMC briefed the Committee on the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Command, Norfolk Naval Shipyard Consolidation. The Committee then discussed 2009 training and agreed that it would pursue the following programs: Cost accounting on two substantive subjects in detail (committee members will provide suggested topics by January 15, 2009) and Standards of Conduct with a more practical role playing type format. Mal Branch briefed the Committee that VSRA would participate in National Ship Repair Industry Conference 2009 which will be held on March 9, 10 and 11 at the Embassy Suites in Arlington, VA. March 10 is the Navy presentation day, and March 11 is the day for visits to Capitol Hill. VSRA will host a reception the evening of March 11. 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

Donnie Johnson, a tax representative from the Virginia Employment Commission was our guest speaker. Mr. Johnson shared information on ways to control costs for Unemployment. He also shared some excellent pointers to ensure reports are correct,  which will prevent a delay when received for processing. The committee reviewed the results from our last member survey for the Human Resources Seminar so that we could be prepared to discuss it at our January meeting.  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

Mike Aldridge, MARMC QA, will be going back to MARMC / NAVSEA to come up with a global solution as to whether or not benchmarks (scribe lines) on P2 weld joints are required.  Committee members were asked to insure that all audits are entered into the database and that they are closed out and/or updated.  MARMC reminded the committee that PCPs should be submitted seven (7) days prior to the start of work.  The QMB meeting for January has been cancelled. The VSRA meeting will still be held in January at the same time and same place. George Gray discussed events from the MSMO Approach Metrics Meeting held in Fort Worth Texas on December 3 & 4 2008.  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

A request for volunteers for 2009 upcoming sub-committees was made for the Safety Seminar and Safety Navsea Standard Items. No fourth quarter Safety Suggestion(s) were submitted. The committee discussed the of lack of submissions and the importance of program. The Standardized Forms Sub-committee chair requested member feedback on the completed VSRA Hot Work Form (Draft). To differentiate company forms, company logos will be used. The VSRA/OSHA Partnership end-of-the-year numbers are due 1/16/09, VSRA will forward a copy of the form to Partnership members. Early submittals will be appreciated. A presentation of “Industrial Hygiene Sampling” was conducted by Angelo Costa and Colleen Becker. 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

The process for denying a regional contractor badge as been adjusted. Milt/Gina at CNRMA will be reviewing all denials before posting any denials on the website. Anyone planning overseas travel in support of the military, should first check with MARMC to become familiar with the new travel policy in place. The electronic spreadsheet is now being used according to the prime contractor’s process.  Fleet Forces Command has approved this process, and more vessels will start using it.  A briefing by Special Agent Kevin Burke with NCIS regarding counterintelligence and espionage was given and was well received. 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.

We are pleased to offer the following courses:

 

Location sponsored by United Coatings Corp.

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: United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707

 

 

Location sponsored by United Coatings Corp.

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: United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707

 

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 Tecnico Corporation

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: Tecnico Corporation, 831 Industrial Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23324

 

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 30, Feb 6, Feb 13, Feb 20, 2009, 7:30am - 3:30pm

DATES: May 15, May 22, May 29, June 5 2009, 7:30am - 3:30pm

LOCATION: Old Dominion University/VATPDC

 

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.

 

 

Sponsored by Tecnico Corporation 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: Tecnico Corporation, 831 Industrial Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23324

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 Earl Industries

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: Earl Industries, Victory Blvd, Portsmouth, VA

 

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.

 

 

This training is certified by NAVSEA

Location sponsored by BAE Systems

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: BAE Systems, Norfolk Ship Repair

 

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 Earl Industries

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:  Earl Industries, Victory Blvd, Portsmouth, VA

 

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.

 

 

This event is tentatively scheduled for February 26. Details will be forwarded when they become available.

 

This event will take place March 9 through 11. A block of rooms will be reserved at the Embassy Suites in Arlington, Va.  The first day will be Navy Day, and Day 2 will be Hill Day.  VSRA is sponsoring the reception on the evening of Day 2.  Look for the application on the VSRA website www.virginiashiprepair.org.