Newsletter: October/November 2009 Newsletter

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OCTOBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

We are pleased to welcome Rear Admiral Kevin M. Quinn
Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet as our speaker. 
Rear Admiral Quinn is a 1977 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. His operational tours included service as a Division Officer and Operations Department Head in USS Racine (LST 1191), Combat Systems Officer in USS O’Brien (DD 975), Combat Systems Officer in USS Chandler (DDG 996), Executive Officer in USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Commanding Officer in USS Barry (DDG 52), Commander of Destroyer Squadron 28, and Commander of Task Force 73/Logistics Group Western Pacific. 

Rear Adm. Quinn is a Distinguished Graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, graduating with a master's degree in information science. He also attended the Surface Warfare Officer Department Head School, graduating first in his class and receiving the City of Newport and Navy League Award. He completed his Joint Service education at the Armed Forces Staff College. 
Assignments ashore have included service as Aide to Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet; as Head of the Contingency Cell and Strike Leader Attack Training Syllabus (SLATS) instructor at the Naval Strike Warfare Center; as senior member of the Commander in Chief's Initiatives Team on the Special Staff of the CinC, U.S. Transportation Command; as Branch Head for Land Attack Warfare (N864) on the Chief of Naval Operations' staff; and as Executive Assistant to Commander, Atlantic Fleet/Commander, Fleet Forces Command.
Rear Adm. Quinn assumed command of USS Barry (DDG 52) in December 1995. Under his command, Barry received the Battenberg Cup as the best overall ship, aircraft carrier, or submarine in the Atlantic Fleet (#1 of 177 operational units); the ArizonaMemorial Trophy for best combat readiness; the Golden Anchor Award for the best retention and people programs; and the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award. Barry is the only ship ever to win all these awards in the same year. 

Rear Adm. Quinn's awards include the Legion of Merit (6), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (3), the Navy Commendation Medal (2), the Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit decorations. He is also a recipient of the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet's Shiphandler of the Year Award.

SEPTEMBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

The general membership was called to order by the VSRA Chairman, Tom Godfrey and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Joe Yurso. A total of 109 members and guests were in attendance.
 
Leigh Kennedy reported that 1 new member has been voted in by the VSRA Board of Directors. The member welcomed in is EMS Ice, Inc. (Chesapeake, VA), a Ship Repair Subcontractor. Their president is Ed Andrews.
 
Mal Branch introduced the new VSRA Administrative Specialist/Training Coordinator, Martin Erickson, to members and guests. He also recognized Laura Godfrey for assisting the association this summer on special projects.   
 
John Quarstein, guest speaker and professional historian, informed members and guests about the history of piracy in Hampton Roads from the 15th century to the Somali pirates off the African coast in 2009.
 
Following the guest speaker’s presentation, Mal Branch announced that board elections will take place at our annual meeting next month. 
 
With no further business before the membership the meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm. The next general membership meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2009 at 12:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel.

4TH ANNUAL GOVERNMENT STANDARDS OF CONDUCT SEMINAR

SPONSORED BY: VSRA Contracts Committee
COST: $50.00 VSRA Members; $125.00 Non-VSRA Members
DATE: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 8:00 am – 11:00 am, Registration begins at 7:30 am
LOCATION:  Nauticus, The Living Sea Theatre (3rd Floor)
 
This seminar will feature Mr. James A. Kelley of James A. Kelley & Associates who will answer questions after his presentation. This training provided is appropriate for all contractor employees, especially senior management, buyers, HR personnel, negotiators, foremen, program managers, and project managers.
 
The agenda includes:
Ethics and Compliance Requirements
Overpayments
False Claims
False Statements
Other Criminal and Civil Procurement-Related Statutes
E-Verify
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
 
Please register on the VSRA website www.virginiashiprepair.org for above seminars. Phone registrations are not preferred, however, can be accommodated. For questions/help registering please call our office at 757-233-7034.

OTHER MEETINGS OF INTEREST

10/21/09 ASNE Dinner Meeting, guest speaker RADM J. Clarke Orzalli. Social 1800-1900, Dinner 1900-2030 Dinner and Program, $28 in advance, $30 at door, Springhill Suites, Newtown Rd.Virginia Beach, VA.  To make reservations, go to http://www.asne-tw.org/ and click on Events.
 
11/18/09 ASNE Dinner Meeting, guest speaker Capt. Fred Sommer, USCG, CO USCGC Healy, “Emerging Arctic”, Social 1800-1900, Dinner 1900-2030 Dinner and Program, $28 in advance, $30 at door, Springhill Suites, Newtown Rd.Virginia Beach, VA. To make reservations, go to http://www.asne-tw.org/ and click on Events.
 
2009 CDCA—TASC Symposium
The Charleston Defense Contractors Association announces its Third Annual Government and Industry Conference; "C5ISR Innovations, Initiatives and Technology Insertion in Support of Global Netcentric Operations" The Conference will be held entirely at the North Charleston Convention Center from December 1 - 4, 2009. To learn about sponsorship levels, go to
http://www.charlestondca.org/home/default.aspx?nid=2221&snid=2222. Registration for our 2009 Conference will be opening soon, so go to http://www.charlestondca.org/ for further details!

VSRA 2009 GOLF TOURNAMENT RESULTS

If you missed the 23rd Annual VSRF Golf Tournament this year, you really missed a great time - starting with the play over the water on the first tee throughout the entire day!  As expected, all golfer slots sold out.  The impeccable service provided by Bayville and the quality of the food was superb, not to mention the golf course was in great condition.  Congratulations to our winners:
 
First Place: Ben Knick, Mike Popke, Steve Walker, and Tom Taylor of L-3 Communications/PacOrd
 
Second Place:   Bryan Genzler, Ned Dickinson, Nelson Adcock, Steve Sonkin of IMS Environmental
 
Third Place: Al Malubag, Hal Jones, Ken Blair, Lynn Larson of VSE Corporation
 
High Score: Charlie Snead, Darius Whitfield, Kerby Snead, David Michael
Of Walashek Industrial & Marine, Inc
 
Closest to Pin Winners: Mike Crouse of Auxiliary Systems and Randy Formyduval of NAG Marine
 
Long Drive Winners: Tommy Felch of Riggins Company and David Staley of VT Milcom
                                                                                                    
With your continued support and level of sponsorship of this great event, we were able to execute a successful tournament, which will assist in our mission of providing workforce training, development, and career outreach to the ship repair industry.  Again, thank you for making this the “in demand” tournament year after year.  Mark your calendar and save the date for next year - August 17, 2010.
 
This tournament would not have been possible without the hard work of many volunteers and the generosity of numerous sponsors.   Many thanks to Leigh Kennedy, Chairperson and her many volunteers. 
 
We’d also like to thank our many sponsors:
Platinum: BAE Systems and Earl Industries, LLC
 
Gold: Auxiliary Systems, BB&T, East Coast Repair and Fabrication, L-3/PacOrd, Marine Hydraulics International, Metro Machine Corp., and VSE Corporation
 
Silver: McPhillips, Roberts & Deans; Riggins Company and Rolls-Royce Naval Marine
 
Hole Sponsors: 1800Skilled.com, Applied Technical Services, C&M Industries, Colonna’s Shipyard, Epsilon Systems Solutions, Horizon Services, IMS Environmental Services, Integrity Staffing, QED Systems, Tecnico Corp., Troutman Sanders, Valkyrie Enterprises, VT Milcom, Walashek Industrial & Marine, and WR Systems
 
Beverage Cart: Naval Automation Group, Scaffolding Solutions, Taylor Made Diagnostics, and TradeTeam USA
 
Closest to the Pin: International Flooring and JoKell
 
Long Drive: Crofton Diving and Vandeventer Black 
 
Additional Sponsors: Atwood Auxiliary LLC, Fincantieri Marine Systems, Munter’s, NSC Technologies, Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel, Signature Classics, Sunbelt Supply, and TowneBank
 
This year, we had some terrific raffle items and door prize drawings. Congratulations to the lucky ones!  
Fred Bryant of Integrity Staffing Services - iPod Touch
Shawn Flanagan of TradeTeam USA - Renaissance Hotel Stay
David Hartley of Integrity Staffing Services - Airfare for Two to San Juan, PR
David Michael of Walashek - 24” Vizio
Steve Pitt of Auxiliary Systems - 42” Vizio
Mark Skolarus of Analytic Stress - Portable DVD Player
Tom Taylor of L3/PacOrd - 50/50 Drawing ($750) 
Chris Vorwald of Applied Technical Services - $100 Gift Cert to Dicks Sporting Goods

H1N1 FLU PREPARATIONS

By: Hunter Frischkorn
With flu season just around the corner and a new form of the swine flu - Novel HINI -continuing to cause serious public concern, we are reminded to:  cover our noses and mouths; wash our hands; avoid touching our eyes, nose and mouth and stay at home if we are sick.  
 
While these are necessary precautions, they are also considerate social behaviors we should practice on an everyday basis. The truth is far fewer people practice these minimal hygienic habits than we like to admit.  People travel extensively, and constant contact with germs and bacteria is a reality to some degree.
 
So, what has your company done to prepare for a swine flu outbreak or another possible pandemic outbreak?  How would your organization continue operations? 
 
Below is a short list of preparatory and operational considerations:
  • Develop a Crisis Management Program which provides effective communication and coordination as well as command and control during an incident.  
  • The Program should include a Crisis Management Leadership Team as well as a Crisis Management Support Team.
  • Executive Staff should be briefed and up to speed on the program.
  • A Business Team reflecting the different departments should be chosen.
  • Determine which staff might be able to work from satellite locations.
  • And, as always, continue to educate your staff on good hygiene, and request they monitor and follow the recommendations of  the World Health  Organization (www.who.int) and Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov).

BAE SYSTEMS NORFOLK SHIP REPAIR RECEIVES OHSAS 18001 CERTIFICATION

BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair (NSR) achieved a key milestone this summer – they received their Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) 18001 certification. The shipyard was audited in August by The Lloyds Register, which resulted in zero findings and an 18001 certification. In an active and intense line of business such as ship repair, this is a remarkable achievement.
 
Norfolk Ship Repair is the first shipyard on the Elizabeth River waterfront to receive its certification. “Our number one priority is the health and safety of our employees,” said Dan Welch, Vice President and General Manager of NSR. “This OHSAS certification reaffirms that we’re on the right track.”
 
BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair satisfied the 32 codes of practice. In most cases, there are at least a few findings, but NSR completed the audit without an issue.
 
The OHSAS 18001 certification specifies requirements for a safety management system and manages the occupational, health and safety risks improving performance. The requirements of the audit states: “the organization shall identify the OH&S hazards and risks associated with changes in the organization, the OH&S management system, or its activities, prior to the introduction of such changes.”
 
“I’m proud to say that this achievement was made possible through the hard work and commitment of our employees and our management team,“ said Welch.

FLEET MAINTENANCE AND MODERNIZATION SYMPOSIUM 2009

The annual American Society of Naval Engineers Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium (FMMS 2009) was held at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, CA September 29 and 30, 2009.   This symposium followed up on the successful Fleet Maintenance Symposium held in Virginia Beach in 2007.
 
RADM Orzalli discussed four areas of emphasis. The Navy and industry need to work together to reduce the ownership cost of the fleet, accurately define requirements and resource them to get the projected service life of our ships, recognize the capacity of the crews and reduce the impact on sailor of the decisions we make, and have an agile and effective modernization program. 70-80% of today’s active ships need to be on line in 2020 if we are to achieve the 313 ship Navy. This means there must be an efficient and effective approach to maintenance and modernization of the current fleet.
 
VADM McCoy discussed his five areas of emphasis: improve Naval Shipyard performance on 688 class availabilities, improve surface ship material condition, build an affordable future fleet, attack costly and cumbersome work practices, and improve energy conservation. All shipyards need to improve efficiency. The Navy is committed to modernization to extend the service life of the active fleet. SSLCM, assessments, and the realignment of the Regional Maintenance Centers under NAVSEA 04 will greatly assist this effort. The Navy is also committed to the MSMO concept for maintenance and modernization.
 
RADM Kevin Quinn told the audience the operational tempo is 30% higher then it was ten years ago. Four initiatives will help the active ships meet their projected service life: SSLCM, ABS study, proper manning and training, and Team Ships reorganization. The SSLCM will document the surface ship maintenance requirements and assist in the effort of identifying and quantifying the maintenance requirements. The ABS pilot study that was accomplished on four ships compares a ship’s true age to its actual age. This program will be extended to include all docking availabilities in FY 2010. The navy recognizes that training has been cut and restructured to the detriment of the crews. Ships are not manned to their design specifications. A study chaired by VADM Balisle, USN (Ret.) will address these issues. A member of SSLCM will be assigned to each CLASSRON. These initiatives will help the ships meet their service life.
 
The CLASSRON panel was very informative. They discussed the problems specific to their ship classes, as well as those that cross classes. A SSLCM representative has been assigned to each CLASSRON to assist communication with SEA 21. A sample of the challenges the CLASSRONs face includes: The LCS class is new, and the ships have minimal manning. The LHA/LHD/LPD-4 ships have steam systems that have to be supported another thirty years. The LSD/LPD-17 ships have the highest operational tempo in the Navy. The DDG ships are the largest class and have superstructure corrosion concerns. The CG ships have been going through modernization, and we need to better identify requirements. The FFG ships are ending their service life and are approach decommissioning while still operating. The MCM ships have been relocated to San Diego and have unique equipment challenges. 
 
ASNE FMMS 2010 will be held September 14-15, 2010 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. For additional information, please go to http://www.asne-tw.org/asne/FMMS10/

JINII MEETING UPDATE

JINII is the Joint Industry Navy Improvement Initiative. The JINII meeting was held at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, CA October 1, 2009, the day after FMMS 2009. 
 
At this well-attended meeting, RADM Orzalli; RADM Campbell; RDML Berkey; RADM Joe Carnevale, USN (Ret.); and Mr. Bill Ryzewic discussed current items of interest to the maintenance and modernization community. Capt. Mike Stanton provided an update on the JINII Planning Sessions. RDML James McManamon provided an update on Surface Ship Life Cycle Management Activity (SSLCM) and Multi-Ship Multi-Option (MS/MO) contracts. Capt. Glen Ashe, USNR (Ret.) provided an update on the American Bureau of Shipping Hull Life Survey pilot program. Mr. Jose Gutierrez provided a brief on how the port loading models are developed. 
 
The JINII Planning Meetings will continue in 2010, and the next JINII meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 16, 2010, the day after the ASNE Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium 2010.

COMMITTEE UPDATE

At the August and September meetings, the committee reviewed the draft newsletter. 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 September meeting, a committee member mentioned that many of the economic stimulus package projects are tied to either Davis Bacon or Service Contract Act, so contractors should review the clauses carefully. Captain Stanton introduced his relief, Capt. Stephanie Douglas. Captain Stanton briefed the committee on the current surface maintenance issues. 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 August meeting, Phil Howard, Claudia Dodge, and Beth Reid with BB&T Benefit Consultants made a presentation on Health Savings Accounts and provided a legislative update and statistics on current healthcare issues. At the September meeting, three speakers from ICE briefed the committee on the new I-9 forms and discussed the most frequent errors employers make. Effective 9/8/09, all government contractors should be using the e-verify system for all new hires. 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 August meeting, Ken Edwards reported that they are still working on the VSRA Audit Database. He discussed the topics of the upcoming QMB meeting, and he reviewed the topics covered at the July SSRAC Conference. The navy is requesting input on non-value added G-Points and Standard Item 009-32 for the October JINII meeting. At the September meeting, the committee discussed updating the QA database. There was not QMB meeting this month. The Navy is looking for input on non-value-added G-points. 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 Committee
At the August meeting, the committee discussed the 2009 Safety Seminar “Today’s Safety is Tomorrow’s Reality” to be held on October 7, 2009. The VSRA/OSHA partnership is due to expire December 2009. MACOSH will meet in Newport News September 1 and 2, and Shipbuilders Council of America’s Fall Health & Safety Seminar will be September 10-11, 2009. 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 September meeting, the committee discussed access to government installations and Northrop Grumman Newport News. The new name for MARMC is Norfolk Ship Support Activity (“NSSA”). Security is now NNSY Code 1123 Private Yard Security (SSAN Support). Effective October 1, the Regional Maintenance Centers will be a part of NAVSEA 04. 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 United Coatings Corp.
COST: $85.00 VSRA members; $125.00 Non VSRA members
SESSION 1 DATES: Oct 21, Nov 5, and Dec 3 2009, 7:30 am – 11:30 am
LOCATION: TBD
 
First Aid/CPR/AED/Emergency First Responder Certification
COST: $105.00 VSRA members; $150.00 Non VSRA members
DATE: Oct 20, 2009
LOCATION: Tecnico Corp.,  831 Industrial Ave., Chesapeake, VA. 2332
DATE: Nov 4, 2009
LOCATION:   BAE Systems, Bldg 205, Planning Conference Room, Norfolk, VA 23523
DATE: Dec 2, 2009
LOCATION: Tecnico Corp., 831 Industrial Ave., Chesapeake, VA. 2332
 
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.
 
 
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector Prep Course
COST: $175.00 VSRA members; $225.00 Non VSRA members
DATE: December 1-3, 2009, 8:00am-4:30pm both days
LOCATION: BAE Systems, Norfolk Ship Repair Bldg 205 Planning Conference Room
 
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: 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: November 16-20 8:00am – 4:00pm
LOCATION: TBD
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.
 
 
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.