Newsletter: August/September 2010 Newsletter

Our guest speaker for the September General Membership Meeting, to be held Tuesday September 14, 2010 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, will be Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations.

 

Admiral Roughead is a 1973 graduate of the United States Naval Academy.

Among his six operational commands, Admiral Roughead was the first officer to command both classes of Aegis ships, having commanded USS Barry (DDG 52)and USS Port Royal (CG 73).

As a flag officer, he commanded Cruiser Destroyer Group 2, the George Washington Battle Group; and U.S. 2nd Fleet/NATO Striking Fleet Atlantic and Naval Forces North Fleet East.

Ashore, he served as Commandant, United States Naval Academy, the Department of the Navy’s Chief of Legislative Affairs, and as Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Command.

Admiral Roughead is one of only two officers to have commanded the fleets in the Pacific and Atlantic, commanding the U.S. Pacific Fleet and Joint Task Force 519, as well as U.S. Fleet Forces Command, where he was responsible for ensuring Navy forces were trained, ready, equipped and prepared to operate around the world, where and when needed.

Admiral Roughead's awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and service awards.

Admiral Roughead became the 29th Chief of Naval Operations Sep. 29, 2007. He and his wife, Ellen, have an adult daughter, Elizabeth.

We were pleased to welcome RADM “Dean” Lee, Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District as the guest speaker for the July General Membership Meeting. He delighted the attendees with hilarious anecdotes about his amazing career. 

At the July meeting, the Board of Directors approved four new member companies. This brings our total membership to 200 member companies. The new companies are Beach Marine Services; Coastal Mechanical Systems, LLC; Rapid Deployable Systems and RBC Bank.

Beach Marine Services routinely sells to the US Navy in support of all small boats. We are an OEM distributor for Cummins, Mercury/Mercruiser, Whalen Security Products to name a few. Beach Marine Services, Inc. (BMS) has factory trained Mercury / Mercruiser, Cummins, Steyr and Volvo Penta mechanics to repair or maintain your Inboard, Inboard/Outboard or Outboard engine and drive application.   We offer fabrication services using aluminum, steel and stainless steel to meet your exact requirements. From consoles and "T" tops to swim platforms. In addition, we offer machining services to fabricate or repair your structural components, with a complete machine shop in our facilities: lathes, vertical milling machines, drill presses, band saws and hydraulic presses. We offer propeller shaft fabrication including tapered or splined shaft end. We offer boring services for shaft struts to replace worn out cutlass bearings.

 

Please visit their website at www.beachmarine.com.

Coastal Mechanical Systems is a small start-up ship repair company attempting to get its name out and develop working relationships with companies in need of their valuable services.  This is their reason for applying for membership in VSRA.

RDS, Inc. has a versatile product which can be adapted to address a wide variety of situations. From containing a house under construction to insure timely completion, to designing a rolling system for use in the repainting of a pipeline, we consistently provide workable, cost effective solutions for virtually any containment dilemma. Engineered to withstand severe weather (including winds to 70 mph) and monitored to insure optimum interior conditions, use of our system gives you a competitive advantage in completing projects in a timely manner. If your project is complicated by lead abatement, dust containment, weather protection, access or shelter issues, we will work with you to find the optimum solution.

Please visit their website at www.rapiddeployablesystems.net.

RBC Bank is Canada’s largest bank as measured by assets and market capitalization, and among the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. They are one of North America’s leading diversified financial service companies, and provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, corporate and investment banking and transaction processing services on a global basis. They employ approximately 77,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 18 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 53 other countries.

 

Please visit their website at www.rbc.com.

 

Set up your calendar now with the VSRA program year General Membership Meeting dates:

September 14, 2010 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center

October 19, 2010 at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel

November 16, 2010 at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel

December 21, 2010 at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel

January 18, 2011 at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel

February 15, 2011 at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel

March 15, 2011 at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel

April 19, 2011 at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel

May 17, 2011 at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel

June 21, 2011 at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel

July 19, 2011 at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel

August 16, 2011 – No General Membership Meeting – Replaced by 25^th Annual Golf Tournament

Sponsored by VSRA Safety Committee

THEME: Process for Success

DATE: September 30, 2010, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm

LOCATION:  Ted Constant Convocation Center

 

Don't miss this opportunity to train your supervisors in our innovative seminar that focuses on topics of interest for Superintendents, Project Managers, and Safety Professionals.  Some topics of interest include electrical safety and sub parts, lock out/tag out, OSHA sub-part P-Fire Protection, and much more!   

 

Fee:

Aug 28-Sep 29: $80 member; $135 non-member

At the Door Sep 30: $85 member; $150 non-Member

 

*Register 5 or more and receive 10% discount!

 

To register, please call the VSRA office at (757) 233-7034.

BY: Leigh Kennedy, VSRF Golf Committee Chair

If you missed the 24^th Annual VSRF golf tournament this year, you missed a great time - starting with the play over the water on the first tee throughout the entire day!  As expected, all 144 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 excellent condition.  This year, we had some terrific prizes, so congratulations if you were one of the lucky ones!  Also, congratulations team BB&T in taking First Place! 

 

With your generous support of Virginia Ship Repair Foundation, 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 a “sought after” tournament year after year.  Mark your calendar and save the date for August 16, 2011 as we celebrate our 25^th year!

 

 

 

 

K. Blair, VSE Corporation

 

 

We would like to thank the sponsors of the VSRF Golf Tournament.

 

Platinum:

1.      BAE Systems, Norfolk Ship Repair

2.      Earl Industries, LLC

Gold:

1.      BB&T of Virginia

2.      L-3 Communications / PacOrd

3.      MHI

4.    Metro Machine Corp.

5.    MF&B Marine, LLC

6.   VT Milcom

7.   Tecnico Corp.

8.   VSE Corp.

 

Silver:

1.      Auxiliary Systems, Inc.

2.      Capitol Finishes, Inc.

3.    International Flooring & Protective Coatings

4.      LTD Management

5.    McPhillips, Roberts, & Deans, PLC

6.    PaR Marine Services, LLC

The Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium 2010 kicks off with a golf tournament on Monday, September 13, at the Signature at West Neck Golf Club at 13:00 with a box lunch served at noon. Advance payment only is accepted through the following website: www.asne-tw.org/FMMS10/. All proceeds will benefit the ASNE scholarship fund. For additional information, contact Rob Ploeger at rploeger@caci.com (647-0069) or Richard Sobocinski at rsobocinski@colonnaship.com (545-2414, Ext 383).

 

Registration is now open.  All reservations are FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED, so don't wait to register for this great event! 

9/13/10 – ASNE FMMS 2010 Golf Tournamentto benefit the ASNE Scholarship Fund. Florida Best Ball, Captain’s Choice at The Signature at West Neck Golf Club, 3100 Arnold Palmer Dr., Virginia Beach, 23456. Shotgun start at 1300, box lunch at noon.   Contact Rob Ploeger at rploeger@caci.com (647-0069) or Richard Sobocinski at rsobocinski@colonnaship.com (545-2414, Ext 383).

 

9/14-15/10 – The Tidewater Section of American Society of Naval Engineers will hold its Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium 2010 at the Virginia Beach Conference Center. Confirmed speakers include Admiral Gary Roughead; Admiral John C. Harvey; VADM Kevin McCoy; RADM Clarke Orzalli and VADM Pete Hekman, USN (Ret.). The Tidewater Section of ASNE is proud to present Fleet Maintenance & Modernization Symposium 2010.

 

This premier event provides a unique forum for professional growth, business development, networking, and an open exchange of ideas with the brightest minds supporting the ships and craft of the US Navy and US Coast Guard.

 

For information on registration, exhibits, sponsorships, or the program, go to http://www.asne-tw.org/asne/FMMS10.

 

9/15/10 – Tidewater Association of Service Contractors will hold their September meeting in conjunction with the ASNE Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium 2010 at the Virginia Beach Conference Center. The invited guest speaker is The Honorable Sean J. Stackley. For information, please go to http://www.tasc-tgic.org.

 

9/16/10 – The annual JINII Conference will be held at the Virginia Beach Conference Center. Registration information will be available in July.

11/8-10/10 - The 2010 Office of Naval Research Naval Science and Technology Partnership Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, VA. By investing in next-generation technology, ONR pursues the delivery of technological advantages, such as critical equipment, tools and training, to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. ONR collaborates with the brightest minds from around the world to support our current and future force, laying the foundation for many of those partnerships at the ONR Naval Science and Technology (S&T) Partnership Conference.

 

The purpose of this conference is to:

•           Introduce and advance awareness of ONR's S&T strategy and program initiatives

•           Present science and technology program challenges and discuss possible technology solutions

•           Broaden our science and technology partnership base and explore new ideas with participants

 For registration or exhibits information, go to www.navalengineers.org.

           

The River Star Program, run by the Elizabeth River Project, motivates industry, government and other facilities in the Elizabeth River watershed to pursue voluntary pollution prevention and wildlife habitat goals. The Elizabeth River has been identified by the Chesapeake Bay Program as one of the three most toxic “Regions of Concern” in the bay watershed, due to high levels of pollution in its waters and sediments. The Elizabeth River watershed encompasses the urban cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and the western part of Virginia Beach, Va.

 

The River Star program is one of the most successful local pollution prevention and habitat restoration programs in Virginia. In the four years since its inception, River Stars have documented reduction of hazardous waste by more than 141 million pounds and restoration or conservation of more than 60 acres of urban habitat! The River Star program has also helped businesses save money, attract new customers, tap grants, land publicity and earn awards.

 

We would like to recognize the following VSRA Member Companies who are making a difference as River Stars:

 

MODEL LEVEL – These companies have demonstrated exceptional pollution prevention and wildlife habitat results while mentoring others as community leaders in environmental stewardship:

BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair

Earl Industries, LLC

Tidewater Community College

 

ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL – These companies have had significant results in pollution prevention and wildlife habitat, relative to the size and nature of the organization:

Accurate Marine Environmental

Lyon Shipyard

Marine Hydraulics International

Metro Machine Corp.

 

COMMITMENT LEVEL – This company had significant results in either pollution prevention or wildlife habitat enhancement, are honored for sustained distinguished habitat enhancement, and represents completion of a significant new initiative by the River Star:

Colonna’s Shipyard

 

If you would like, the Elizabeth Project’s staff, as well as a team of technical volunteers and advisors, will visit your site to help you select meaningful projects, find community assistance and measure results. Call (757) 399-7487 for a start-up packet and an appointment. For additional information, go to www.elizabethriver.org.

VSRA is leading the way in the ship repair industry with this historic partnership. The injury rate for partnership companies is 23% less than the industry injury rate. Membership in the partnership is free, and we encourage all members companies to join the partnership to ensure its continued and future success. Membership in the partnership has grown from 17 to 23 companies. The current members of the partnership are

            Accurate Marine

            AMSEC, LLC

            Auxiliary Systems Inc.

            BAE Systems

            Capitol Finishes Inc.

            C.E. Thurston & Sons

            Colonna’s Shipyard

            Crofton Diving

            CTR Corporation

            Earl Industries

            Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc.

            Marine Consultants Ltd. (DeWitt Davis)

            George G. Sharp, Inc.

            International Flooring & Protective Coatings

            L3 Communications/PacOrd

            Main Industries Inc

            Marine Chemist Service Inc.

            Marine Hydraulics Inc (MHI)

            Marine Specialty Painting

            Metro Machine Corp.

            QED Systems Inc.

            Tecnico

            United Coatings Corp.

            VT Milcom

 

For additional information, contact the VSRA office at (757) 233-7034.

 

We are pleased to offer the following courses:

 

Location sponsored by United Coatings Corp.

COST: $90.00 VSRA members; $125.00 Non VSRA members

DATES:  September 29, October 27, November 17, December 16, 2010, 7:30 am – 11:30 am

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

 

 

Location sponsored by United Coatings Corp.

COST: $115.00 VSRA members; $150.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: September 28, October 26, November 16, December 15, 2010, 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.

 

 

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

DATES: October 7-8, December 2-3, 2010, 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.

 

 

Location sponsored by Old Dominion University

COST: $485.00 VSRA members; $575.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: September 3, September 10, September 17, September 24, October 29, November 5, November 12, November 19, 2010, 8:00am - 4:00pm

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

 

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.

 

 

COST: $250.00 VSRA members; $325.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: October 21-22, 2010, 8:00am - 4:00pm

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

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!

 

 

Location sponsored by Earl Industries

COST: $225.00 VSRA members; $275.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: October 13-15, November 30-December 2, 2010, 8:00am-4:30pm both days

LOCATION: Metropolitan Laboratories, 330 County Street, Suite 200, Portsmouth, VA 23704  

 

                                                                                            

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.

 

 

Sponsored by VSRA and course approved by NAVSEA

COST: $675.00 VSRA members; $850.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: October 25-29, December 6-10, 2010, 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 to view the current required documents.

 

 

This training is certified by NAVSEA

COST: $725.00 VSRA Members; $845.00 Non-VSRA Members

DATE: November 1-5, 2010, 8:00am – 4:00pm

LOCATION: Earl Industries, 3128 Victory Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23702

 

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.

 

 

Location sponsored by Earl Industries

COST: $375.00 VSRA Members; $475.00 Non-VSRA Members

DATE: September 14-17, 2010, 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.