Newsletter: June/July 2009 Newsletter

The next meeting of the VSRA General Membership is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2009  at 12:00 Noon, at the Renaissance Hotel, Portsmouth.  Our guest speaker will be CAPT Chris Nygard, LCSRON Commander.

Captain Lewis Christopher Nygard, was born in Bay City, Texas. Upon graduation from Texas A & M University with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, he was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy May 1982.

Captain Nygard now serves as Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Class Squadron at Naval Station San Diego, CA. The LCS Squadron is responsible for the Fleet Introduction of these new ships as well as for the training of the ship and mission package crews.

His sea tours included USS O’BRIEN (DDG 975), USS HARRY W. HILL (DD 986), USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), USS CHAMPION (MCM 4), and USS CURTS (FFG 38).  Ashore, he served as Action Officer in Command and Control, Communications and Computers (C4) Directorate, (J6), Joint Staff and Executive Assistant to the Vice Director, Joint Staff; head of Engineering Assessments for the Pacific Fleet Surface Force Afloat Training Group, Pacific Fleet; JTF Naval Element Commander, Joint Task Force Guantanamo; and Commanding Officer, Regional Support Organization, Pacific Northwest in Naval Station Everett, Washington.

Captain Nygard received a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California in 1988, and graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 1995. His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (two awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards).

A total of 93 members and guests were in attendance.

 

Membership:   Leigh Kennedy reported that 1 new member had been voted in by the VSRA Board of Directors.  The members welcomed in: Naval Architect & Marine Engineering (NAAME) Services, LLC (Virginia Beach).

 

The guest speaker, Mr. Dale Baugh, Director CVN21 I.L.S. and Life Cycle Support, Northrop Grumman informed guests about the new CVN21 class of ship that will bring us into the 21^st century.  Some points included:

 

·         There are Significant design changes, and technology advances for the CVN21 “Next Generation Aircraft Carrier Review”

·         5 Biggest Advancements on the CVN21 class: 

1.) New Propulsion/1100 Ton AC Electric Plant (comparison:  200 Cars, or 50 F14’s aircraft at Full power)

2.) Enhanced Self Defense/ Improved Weapon Handling & Maintenance (remote monitoring of unmanned spaces)

3.) Integrated Island, Enhanced Flight Deck (weapons’ elevators go up to the 02 Level; 2 hanger bay design)

4.) Plasma Arc Waste Destruction (cruise ships successfully use it on each voyage)

5.) Flexible Infrastructure (no hot work needed; improved lightweight materials)

·         Timeline of CVN 78:  CVN21 Program was approved in March of 1996; the shipyard invested $200 million in capital improvements including updating crane to 1100 ton lifting capacity; 70% of material ordered; ¾ steel ordered; on August 11, 2005 the first cutting started; keel laying will be Nov 2009; launching will be July 2013; and delivery will occur Sept 2015

·         Nimitz Class Vs CVN21 Class:  25% increase Service Life weight & stability allowances over Nimitz; Manpower reduction-threshold is 500 billets, objective is 900 billets

·         Ship construction & ROVR Technology: With Rapidly Operational Virtual Reality goggles Northrop Grumman employees can see a 3D image of a ship interior before construction,  and also allow employees to operate virtual sailors to ensure ship devices are the appropriate size

 

With no further business before the membership, the meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. 

By: Chris Abel

 

On Wednesday, May 20, 2009, the VSRA Human Resources Committee presented its second annual HR Seminar. This year’s seminar, held at Troutman Sanders’ Virginia Beach office, built on the solid foundation laid by last year’s inaugural event. This year, 49 attendees from 27 different member companies came to hear speakers provide some valuable insights on a variety of employment-related topics. Dr. Timothy Lee from Taylor-Made Diagnostics started off the day with his presentation on Workplace Drug Testing. Next, Greg Kinnerly, of Strategic Employee Benefit Services of Virginia, spoke on Generational Issues in Employee Benefits. Oliver Davis from the U.S. Department of Labor then spoke about the new Family and Medical Leave Act regulations. Finally, Chris Abel of Troutman Sanders addressed the Latest Developments in Employment Law. In addition to those four presentations, attendees also got to hear VSRA President Mal Branch provide the latest news on developments in the ship repair industry, and everyone had the opportunity to network with their fellow HR professionals over lunch. Based on the feedback forms completed by this year’s attendees, the half-day program was very well received—well enough, in fact, that the Association’s HR Committee is already looking ahead to setting the bar even higher for next year’s program.

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 held at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center on 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 VSRA.  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 had 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 his 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."

This year, the survey contained nine questions. We received 79 responses from 50 members companies. The breakdown was as follows:

•         79 responses were submitted by members of 50 Companies.

–        14 Large Ship Repairers

–        19 Ship Repairers

–        20 Subcontractors

–        23 Supplier/Service/Other

–        3 Unidentified

•         79 Responses

–        33% Executives

–        18% Managers

–        12% Security

–        9% Quality Assurance

–        9% Miscellaneous

–        8% Business Development

–        5% Contracts

–        3% Human Resources

–        3% No Response to This Question

 

The most valuable VSRA events were:

•         81% General Membership Meetings

•         67% Training Courses

•         60% Safety Seminar

 

The most beneficial areas of the VSRA website are:

•         89% News

•         86% Newsletter

•         83% Calendar

 

Recommended improvements to the website included:

·         21 Responded it is good as is

·         5 Respondents Requested Links to

·         TCC, Other Societies, Navy Knowledge Database, NAVSEA Standard Items, Specifications

·         3 Respondents requested more entries in the Resources/Publications areas

 

How beneficial is the newsletter information?

·         22.6% Very Beneficial

·         54.7% Beneficial

·         22.6% Somewhat Beneficial

·         26 People (33%) Skipped the Question

 

The most beneficial/interesting newsletter articles are:

·         47% Recap of Previous Month’s Meeting

·         45% List of New Members

·         45% Upcoming Seminars

·         44% Committee Update

Ideas for potential news articles in the newsletter included:

·         4 Responses Fleet Maintenance Budget/Navy Funding Information

·         4 Responses Maritime Issue Voting Record of Area Representatives/Legislative Issues

·         3 Responses Policies for Access to Navy and Private Shipyard Facilities

Additional comments included:

·         Compliments to the Committee

·         Push for Single Badging System in Port

·         Address IDIQ as Well as MSMO

The Communications Committee thanks everyone who participated in the survey!

What:           Job Board only for ship repair jobs.

 

Where:          www.virginiashiprepair.org/jobs.asp

                     To access the Job Board, click on the “Workforce / Training” tab. Then click on “What’s Hot in Ship Repair Jobs”.

 

Who:            Virginia Ship Repair Foundation

                     e-mail MCarrera@virginiashiprepair.org

 

How Much: $15.00 for a 30-day posting

 

Why:

 

Join us at the beautiful and challenging Bayville Golf Club in Virginia each, a short distance just off Shore Drive where a spacious 268-acre former daily farmland, open to capricious winds and salt air of the nearby Chesapeake Bay.

 

 

Tournament Schedule 

       10:00-12:30  Registration and Practice Range

       11:00 a.m.  Lunch

       12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start

       “After Golf” Social – Prizes and Awards Presentation

       Beverage carts, photos, snacks, goody bags, raffles

 

The specifics of the sponsorship packages will be available on the APPLICATION FORM when it is posted on Monday, June 15th.

 

 

Registration begins Monday, June 15th.  All reservations are FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVE, so don't wait to apply.  We had a waiting list last year.

For specific questions, please contact:

 

Leigh Kennedy directly at 757-215-2550 or e-mail lkennedy@earl-ind.com

Josephine Anderson at 757-233-7034 or janderson@virginiashiprepair.org

From www.wikipedia.com

A sounding line or lead line is a length of thin rope with a plummet generally of lead, at its end. No matter what metal the plummet is made of, it's still referred to as "the lead." Sounding lines were widely used in navigation until the development of echo sounding.

It is easy to measure a length of line or rope as a rough number of fathoms by repeatedly stretching the rope between the two outstretched arms. Water depths have traditionally been measured this way using a weighted sounding line. The word fathom can be used as a verb to describe this process.

At sea, in order to avoid repeatedly hauling in and measuring the wet line by stretching it out with one's arms, it became traditional to tie marks at intervals along the line. These marks were made of leather, calico, serge and other materials, and so shaped and attached that it was possible to "read" them on sight by day or at night by the feel of each one. The marks were at every second or third fathom, in a traditional order: at 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17, and 20 fathoms. The "leadsman" called out the depth as he read it off the line. If the depth was at a mark he would call "by the mark" followed by the number, if the depth was between two marks, he would call "by the deep" followed by the estimated number.

Location is sponsored by Norfolk Workforce Development Center

Times have changed, and what used to work to motivate employees and keep them engaged isn’t as effective anymore.  The expectations workers have from their leadership has shifted across Generations.  Complicating the issue is the fact that never before have companies had four Generations working together at the same time. 

 

This half-day seminar is for executives, managers and professionals who have not attended the Supervisor courses, but desire this information to help them plan better strategies for younger workers coming into ship repair.

 

The seminar exposes some of the unique advantages each Generation brings to the table and how they can leverage differences to create stronger teams and a more motivated workforce. 

COST: $75.00 VSRA members; $150.00 Non VSRA members

 

DATE:  Monday, June 29, 2009 

 

SPEAKER:  Michelle Carrera, Ph.D./ABD SPHR

 

TIME:  8:15am– 11:30am   REGISTRATION:  8:00am

 

LOCATION: Norfolk Workforce Development Center

201 E. Little Creek Road (Room 202) Norfolk, VA 23505

To register online sign up today at

 

Or call the VSRA Office at 757-233-7034  

Communications Committee

The committee met May 11 to review the draft newsletter and discuss the presentation of the 2009 survey results to the Board of Directors. 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

At the May meeting, the committee was briefed on the status of the Standards of Conduct training, cost accounting training, and contract administration training. Ron Ritter briefed the committee on the MSMO Industry Day. Ron Ritter and Joe Yurso briefed the committee on the JINII meeting, which will be held in San Diego. 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 Resources Committee

At the May meeting, about the committee discussed the status of the HR Seminar being held May 20 at the Virginia Beach office of Troutman Sanders. National Maritime Day is May 22. The VSRA Job Board is operational. Web-based training is in the works for the VSRA website. 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

At the May meeting, Ken Edwards asked everyone to keep the audit database updated with their information.   The Electronic Departure from Specification has been delayed due to a lack of funding. Effective July 5, the QA Code for MARMC and NNSY will be 212.5 vice 221. The SSRAC Conference is being held July 21-24, 2009 in Jacksonville, FL. 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

At the May meeting, James Sammons reported that Signal Accident Investigation Training would be conducted on June 23, 2009. The next VSRA/OSHA partnership meeting will be held 11-12:00 on July 9 at UCC. 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

At the May meeting, the committee discussed the Naval Pass and ID Office procedure and what to do if something goes wrong. Everyone requesting a Common Access Card (CAC) must be listed in Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS). In order to be issued a badge, a person must bring a copy of their I-9 and original supporting documentation. 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:

 

First Aid/CPR/AED/Emergency First Responder ½-Day Refresher Training

Location sponsored by United Coatings Corp.

COST: $85.00 VSRA members; $125.00 Non VSRA members

SESSION 1 DATES: Sept 17, Oct 21, Nov 5, and Dec 3 2009, 7:30 am – 11:30 am

LOCATION: Tecnico Corp., Chesapeake, VA

SESSION 2 DATES: June 25, 2009 from 7:30 am – 11:30 am

LOCATION: BAE Systems, Norfolk Ship Repair, Bldg 205

 

First Aid/CPR/AED/Emergency First Responder Certification

COST: $105.00 VSRA members; $150.00 Non VSRA members

DATE: June 24, 2009

LOCATION:  BAE Systems, Bldg 205

DATE: September 16, 2009

LOCATION: United Coatings Corp

DATE: Oct 20, 2009

LOCATION: Tecnico Corp.

DATE: Nov 4, 2009

LOCATION:  BAE Systems, Bldg 205

DATE: Dec 2, 2009

LOCATION: Tecnico Corp.

 

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

COST: $325.00 VSRA members; $465.00 Non VSRA members

DATE: August 6-7, 2009, 7:30am - 3:30pm

LOCATION: Tecnico Corporation, Chesapeake, VA

DATE: October 15-16, 2009, 7:30am - 3:30pm

LOCATION: Earl Industries, 3128 Victory Blvd Portsmouth VA 23702

 

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: June 5, 2009, 7:30am - 3:30pm

LOCATION: Earl Industries, Victory Blvd, Portsmouth, VA.

 

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

Course approved by NAVSEA

COST: $225.00 VSRA members; $280.00 Non VSRA members

DATE: June 17-18, 2009, 8:00am - 4:00pm

LOCATION: BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Bldg 205

 

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

COST: $175.00 VSRA members; $225.00 Non VSRA members

DATE: June 23-25, 2009 8:00am-4:30pm both days

LOCATION: Earl Industries, Victory Blvd, Portsmouth, VA

DATE: September 30-October 1, 2009 8:00am-4:30pm both days

LOCATION: ODU/ VATPDC Bldg 4111 Norfolk

DATE: December 2-3, 2009, 8:00am-4:30pm both days

LOCATION: BAE Systems, Norfolk Ship Repair Bldg 205

 

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: July 6-10, 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

COST: $650.00 VSRA Members; $795.00 Non-VSRA Members

DATE: September 28-October 2 8:00am – 4:00pm

LOCATION: Earl Industries, Victory Blvd Portsmouth

DATE: November 16-20 8:00am – 4:00pm

LOCATION: United Coatings Corp, Portsmouth

 

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

COST: $350.00 VSRA Members; $425.00 Non-VSRA Members

DATE: September 15-18, 2009 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

LOCATION: Earl Industries, Victory Blvd Portsmouth

 

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.