Newsletter: January/February 2011 Newsletter

RDML Greg Thomas, Commander, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, will be our guest speaker for the January General Membership Meeting. He will provide an update on Norfolk Naval Shipyard and how it relates to the Norfolk Ship Support Activity (NSSA).

 

Rear Admiral (Select) Gregory Thomas became Norfolk Naval Shipyard's 105th Shipyard Commander on September 17, 2010. A native of Portsmouth, Virginia, RDML (Sel) Thomas was commissioned an Ensign in 1982 upon earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at the United States Naval Academy. After completing Nuclear Power and Submarine Training, he transferred to the Engineering Duty Officer community to serve as Outside Machinery Repair (R-9) Division Officer at Naval Submarine Support Facility New London from 1985 to 1988.

He served next on USS SAN JUAN (SSN 751), where he qualified in submarines and supported the delivery and shakedown period of the first improved Los Angeles-Class Submarine. In 1991, he transferred to Groton, Connecticut, to lead construction and delivery of a number of 688-Class Submarines and complete the Engineering Duty Officer Qualification Program.

 
RDML (Sel) Thomas was subsequently assigned to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, the Naval Engineer’s Degree and a Ph.D. in Hydrodynamics, as well as the American Society of Naval Engineers Brand Award for academic excellence. In 1996, he reported to Naval Sea Systems Command to serve as the first Design Manager and Technical Director for the world’s largest unmanned autonomous vehicle, the LSV-2 Cutthroat. In recognition for superior performance in the LSV-2 development, RDML (Sel) Thomas received the 1999 NAVSEA Association of Scientists and Engineers Professional Achievement Award.

RDML (Sel) Thomas next served as the first Virginia-Class Program Manager’s Representative at Northrop Grumman Newport News, and as Submarine Project Officer for SUPSHIP Newport News, from 1999 to 2001. As Repair Officer for USS FRANK CABLE (AS 40), homeported in Guam, from 2001 to 2003, he led maintenance efforts on ships and submarines of the Seventh Fleet, and in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. He also executed the first-ever Fleet Maintenance Activity Availabilities on Fast Attack Submarines homeported outside the continental U.S., and coordinated the certification and on-time deployment of the first SSN homeported in Guam, the USS CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI (SSN 705). As Maintenance Officer, Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, RDML (Sel) Thomas coordinated Fleet requirements for the acceptance of the lead ships of two submarine classes, USS VIRGINIA (SSN 774) and USS JIMMY CARTER (SSN 23), and co-chaired Submarine Team One. He then served as Operations Officer at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, from 2005 to 2007.

His next assignment was as commander of the historic Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNS). As commander of PHNS, RDML (Sel) Thomas’s primary achievements include dramatically improving efficiency to return ships and submarines to the fleet on time, on budget, and with high quality repairs; developing a 25-year Shipyard Modernization Plan; and leading community support activities such as encouraging thousands of Hawaii’s high school students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math through FIRST Robotics competitions.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Our invited speaker for the February General Membership meeting is Admiral John C. Harvey, Jr., USN. Born and raised in Baltimore, Md., Adm. Harvey was commissioned from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1973 and immediately commenced training in the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion program.

 
Harvey has served at sea aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Bainbridge (CGN 25), USS McInerney (FFG 8), as reactor officer aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), and as executive officer on USS Long Beach (CGN 9). He commanded USS David R Ray (DD 971), USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight/Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group. He has deployed to the North and South Atlantic; the Mediterranean, Baltic and Red seas; the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and the Persian Gulf.

Ashore, he served three tours at the Bureau of Naval Personnel in a variety of billets including surface nuclear officer detailer, CGN/CVN placement officer, surface nuclear program manager in N13, legislative adviser to Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP), executive assistant to CNP and as director, Total Force Programming and Manpower Management Division (OPNAV N12). He has also served as the senior military assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense (Policy), and on the Navy staff as deputy for Warfare Integration (OPNAV N7F). Most recently, he served as the 54th Chief of Naval Personnel/OPNAV N1 and as the Director, Navy Staff (OPNAV).

Harvey assumed command of U.S. Fleet Forces Command in July 2009.

Harvey’s education includes Phillips Exeter Academy, 1969; U.S. Naval Academy, Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, 1973; Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government Master’s degree in Public Administration, 1988.

Our speaker for the December meeting was Mr. John Broderick, President, Old Dominion University. Mr. Broderick was named the eighth president of Old Dominion University in May 2009 and has served in an acting capacity since June 2008.

 

As president, Broderick guides the university's six colleges, more than ten economic development and research centers, and numerous partnerships with government and business organizations and agencies. He oversees an operating budget of $441.3 million and more than 2,500 faculty and staff members. 

 

ODU has 24,500 students. Over the years, the university has been working to increase the number of residential students and currently has 5,000 students living on campus. Of particular interest to the VSRA community is ODU’s Business Gateway where businesses can gain access to ODU's intellectual capital, innovative technologies and world-class infrastructure.

At the December meeting, the Board of Directors approved 2 new member companies. This brings our total membership to 209 member companies. The new companies are G4S Secure Solutions and Superior Marine.  The profile for G4S Secure Solutions will be published in next month's newsletter.

Superior Marine is a full service Marine Electrical Contractor. They also make custom panels and switchboards for any vessel. Their staff of electricians are highly trained and well equipped to handle tasks from installation on new construction to troubleshooting and full repair or remodel. Their fully stocked service vehicles allow them to come to their customers and work onsite where ever their boat may be.

 

While Superior Marine Service, Inc. specializes in New Construction and Remodel projects, their well trained staff is equipped to go onsite for troubleshooting, survey work, corrosion control and repair. Give them a call. They can provide you with a detailed estimate of the work that needs to be completed as well as the options you’ll need to get you back up and running.

Please visit their website at www.superior-marine.com.

The 4^th Quarter 2010 Safety Suggestion winner is Scott Radcliff of Oceaneering.  His safety suggestion consists of an enhancement to the Bionic and Jackson Face Shield to eliminate the potential for foreign matter to get into the eyes.  Brian Applewhite (Tecnico Corp), Safety Committee Chairman, presented Scott with the award.  The annual award will be announced at the January general membership luncheon.

The annual Human Resources Seminar will be held on April 6, 2011, at the Virginia Beach office of Troutman Sanders, 222 Central Park Ave, Suite 2000, which is on the 20^th floor.  This is a 1/2 day seminar sponsored by the VSRA Human Resources Committee.  It is exclusively offered only to VSRA members and will cover a variety of topics essential to the HR professional.

 

Presenters and topics include:

Christopher Abel, Troutman Sanders, LLP - Electronic Communication Monitoring/Social Networking Issues

Tammy Colvin, TASC - ERISA Compliance

John Di Dio, Professional Personnel Services, Inc. - Affirmative Action Plans

Victoria McCoy - Strategic Evaluations/Planning

 

The seminar price is $60 per person, and includes a light breakfast and lunch. For directions, please go to http://www.troutmansanders.com/virginia_beach. The parking garage is open to all visitors.

 

Please register on the VSRA website www.virginiashiprepair.org for above seminar. Online registrations are preferred; however, phone reservations can be accommodated. For questions/help registering please call our office at 757-233-7034.

At the December General Membership meeting, Colleen Becker was recognized for serving as the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation (VSRF) Chair of the Board of Directors for fiscal years 2007-2010.  Colleen is responsible for the Women in Trades Outreach initiative supported by the Foundation.  She is an integral member of the Safety Committee which meets the second Thursday of every month, and serves on the Annual Safety Seminar Planning Committee.  Colleen is the General Manager and a Certified Industrial Hygienist & Safety Professional at Marine Chemist Services, Inc.   

The Virginia Ship Repair Association conducts outreach, awareness and advocacy activities that strengthen the ship repair economy and improves the business environment for its members. These efforts help maintain relationships with elected officials, primary defense clients, and media and local agencies, while strengthening the network between member companies. Many of our industry focused projects allow member companies to increase their leadership and exposure footprint through sponsorships. This sponsorship package was developed to give member companies an early sponsorship choice of the activities that best match their own outreach goals. To submit your sponsorship commitment for the 2011 program year, contact us directly at 757.233.7034. You may also find the form on-line at www.VirginiaShipRepair.org on the leadership page.

 

Website: Home Page $800, Job Board Slide $250, Banner $150

Annual Safety Seminar: Platinum $3000, Gold $1500, Silver $1000, Bronze $500

Annual Standards of Conduct Seminar: Premier $750, Supporting $250

Annual Contracts Seminar: Premier $500, Supporting $175

Annual Human Resources Seminar: Premier $500, Supporting $175

Day on the Hill: Industry Education $250

Annual Golf Tournament: Platinum $5000, Gold $2500, Silver $1500, After Social $750, Beverage Cart $750, Lunch $600, Hole Sponsor $500, Longest Drive $400, Closest to the Pin $400

LEGO Ship Repair Competition: Premier $1200, Supporting $250

Tradesman Equipment Grant: $500

Tradesmen of the Year Award: Senior $1000, Junior $1000

Training Home Page: $250 per month

Annual Holiday Luncheon: Beverage Sponsor $1000, Raffle Sponsor $750

1/19/11 - TASC Lunch Meeting held at the Norfolk Airport Hilton, 1130 Lunch and Program. Guest Speaker is Rear Admiral William “Dean” Lee, USCG, Commander, District Five. To register for this event, go to www.tasc-tgic.org.

 

 

1/19/11 - ASNE Tidewater Section Dinner Meeting held at the Springhill Suites, Newtown Rd., 1800-1900 Social Hour, 1900-2030 Dinner and Program. Guest Speaker is RDML James Murdoch, Fleet Maintenance Officer, USFF. 

 

Please make your reservations for the dinner meeting no later than noon
the day before it's scheduled at www.asne-tw.org.

 

 

2/9/11 – JINII Planning Meeting held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 0830 – 1600 in concert with ASNE Day 2011.

 

 

2/10/11-2/11/11 – ASNE Day 2011 held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. Highlights include keynote speakers

ADM Gary Roughead, USN, Chief of Naval Operations

The Honorable Sean J. Stackley, Assistant Secretary of the Navy
     (Research, Development & Acquisition)

VADM Kevin McCoy, USN, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command

RADM Thomas P. Ostebo, USCG, Assistant Commandant for Engineering and Logistics

RADM J. Clarke Orzalli, USN, Vice Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command

Mr. Brian Persons, Executive Director, Naval Sea Systems Command

 

Panels include:

TOTAL OWNERSHIP COST:

Moderator: VADM William Burke, USN; Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for 
      Fleet Readiness and Logistics, N4
Asst. Moderator: CAPT Lynn Petersen, USN 
Ms. Allison Stiller, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and  

       Acquisition) Ship Programs

RDML James Murdoch, USN; Fleet Maintenance Officer, U.S. Fleet Forces Command   

       (Invited)

Mr. Fred Harris, President, NASSCO

CAPT Michael Jabaley, USN; Program Manager, VIRGINIA Class Submarine Project

       Office

 

BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
Moderator: RADM Archer Macy, USN; Director, Joint Integrated Air and
       Missile Defense Org., Deputy Director for Force Protection, J-8, The Joint Staff
Asst. Moderator: CAPT Doug Small, USN; PEO IWS 2.0  
RADM Michael Mathis, USN (Ret.), Raytheon

CAPT Mark T. Sedlacek, USN, OPNAV N865

Ms Lisa Callahan, VP Lockheed Martin, Moorestown

 

Please make your reservations at www.navalengineers.org.

 

2/16/11 - ASNE Tidewater Section Dinner Meeting held at the Springhill Suites, Newtown Rd., 1800-1900 Social Hour, 1900-2030 Dinner and Program.    Guest Speaker is RADM Mark. H. Buzby, Commander, Military Sealift Command.

 

Please make your reservations for the dinner meeting no later than noon
the day before it's scheduled at www.asne-tw.org.

 

 

2/28/11-3/1/11 – National Ship Repair Industry Conference will be held at the Embassy Suites in Crystal City. The preliminary agenda is as follows: Monday, 2/28 Opening reception at the Embassy Suites sponsored by PSDSRA. Tuesday, 3/1 Navy Day and Dinner with speaker. Wednesday, 3/2 Hill Day with VSRA-sponsored reception on the Hill. Thursday, 3/3 Industry Day through noon. Announcements will be made when the room block opens.  New events are being planned. Watch for more news as it is released on the VSRA website at www.virginiashiprepair.org. 

 

 

4/20/11 - ASNE Tidewater Section Dinner Meeting held at the Springhill Suites, Newtown Rd., 1800-1900 Social Hour, 1900-2030 Dinner and Program. Guest Speaker is RDML (Sel) David Gale, Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Centers. 

 

Please make your reservations for the dinner meeting no later than noon
the day before it's scheduled at www.asne-tw.org.

The committee met virtually to put together the December/January newsletter. The committee meets the second Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at QED Systems, Inc. at 4646 N. Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

 

At the December meeting, Capt. Michael Malone, USN discussed the updated Standard Item 009-72 requirements for force protection. The committee reviewed a draft letter addressing FAR 52.204-10. The letter will be submitted to the Board of Directors for review. The JINII Planning meeting is scheduled for February 9 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, and the National Ship Repair Industry Conference will be held at the Embassy Suites in Crystal City 2/28-3/1/11. 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.

 

The committee did not met in December because the committee meets on odd-numbered months on the second Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707.

 

 

 

The committee met in December to discuss the VSRA Shipyard Safety Orientation, 009-07 FY 2012 changes and 4^th quarter safety suggestions.  At the December 1 OSHA Partnership meeting, Mr. Leo Edwards announced his retirement. Mr. Angelo Costa will replace Mr. Leo Edwards after his retirement.   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.

                                                                                                

At the December meeting, the committee discussed the Contractor Verification System being used at Norfolk Naval Shipyard as well as the RAPIDGate system. VSRA Shipyard Safety Orientation is mandatory effective 1 January 2011 for BAE, Earl Industries, Marine Hydraulics, Metro Machine, Tecnico, and Colonna’s. 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:

 

COST: $100.00 VSRA members; $135.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: January 27, February 24, May 19, July 14, September 15, October 27, December 29, 2011, 7:30 am – 11:30 am

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

 

 

COST: $120.00 VSRA members; $150.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: January 26, February 23, May 18, July 13, September 14, October 26, December 28, 2011, 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: $375.00 VSRA members; $495.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: March 24-25, October 20-21, 2011, 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.

 

 

COST: $500.00 VSRA members; $600.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: March 24, 25, 31 and April 1, October 20, 21, 27, and 28, 2011, 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: $275.00 VSRA members; $375.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: February 10-11, May 5-6, 2011, 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!

 

 

COST: $320.00 VSRA members; $425.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: February 16-18, April 13-15, June 1-3, October 12-14, November 30-December 2, 2011, 8:00am-4:30pm 

LOCATION: Metropolitan Labs, 330 County St., Portsmouth, VA 23707

                                                                                            

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.

 

 

This course is approved by NAVSEA.

COST: $750.00 VSRA members; $900.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: February 28-March 4, April 25-29, June 13-17, October 24-28, December 12-16, 2011, 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: $850.00 VSRA Members; $950.00 Non-VSRA Members

DATE: March 14-18, May 23-27, November 14-18, 2011, 8:00am – 4:00pm

LOCATION: Earl Industries, 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.

 

 

COST: $400.00 VSRA Members; $475.00 Non-VSRA Members

DATE: April 5-8, September 20-23, 2011, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

LOCATION:  Metropolitan Labs, 330 County St., Portsmouth, VA 23707

 

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.