NO AUGUST GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
There will not be a General Membership Meeting in August. Our regular meeting is being replaced by the Golf Tournament.
JULY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The general membership was called to order by the VSRA Chairman, Michael Torrech and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Mike Dunn. A total of 120 members and guests were in attendance.
Prior to the guest speaker’s remarks, Secretary Michael Torrech and Brian Applewhite, Safety Manager of Tecnico Corporation, recognized Mark Sword, of Tecnico Corporation, the winner of the
Second Quarter Safety Suggestion Award. He received a certificate noting his achievement, and a $250.00 check. His suggestion will be entered as a candidate for the 2009 Safety Suggestion Award of the Year.
Membership: Leigh Kennedy reported that two new members had been voted in by the VSRA Board of Directors. The members welcomed in: Progressive Environmental Services, LLC (Chesapeake, VA) and Wakelight Technologies, Inc. (Honolulu HI).
Other: Caroline Taylor, President of Taylor Made Diagnostics, announced that they are having a Grand Opening Ceremony, with lunch, at their new location at the corner of Poindexter St. and Bainbridge Blvd in Chesapeake on July 28th. Flyers were available at the registration table.
The guest speaker, Rear Admiral Thomas Moore, Deputy Director (N43B), Fleet Readiness Division, Department of the Navy informed guests about the challenges and budget of his division. Some points included:
Challenges:
· Budget constraints for Department of the Navy
· The balance between “new funding” and “existing funding”
· Representatives of local shipyards establishing a good relationship with new Commanders that will one day be the Flag leadership in the Navy
· Good communication between Project Managers and the CO/XO/ Department Head of the ship
· The “cost to own” versus the “cost to employ”
· Reaching the goal of a 313 ship fleet. We are currently at 283 ships
Sources of Pride:
· Navy is continuing to press forward, despite challenges of Operation Enduring Freedom
· 51% of the Navy’s ships are underway
· The USS Eisenhower, off the Coast of Afghanistan, has provided 40% of the air support for ground forces
· Despite challenges, the Navy will continue looking forward and anticipating the future funding of ship maintenance.
Budget:
§ The CNO understands the critical cost of funding ship maintenance
§ There was a shortfall for FY08/FY09 of roughly $1.2 billion for ship maintenance
§ The Navy will be given $13.8 billion for shipbuilding and conversion and $5.6 billion for other procurement
§ FY10 Defense Authorization Bill went to the Senate on July 2nd
§ The FY11 budget is still in the works, and information cannot yet be released to the public
With no further business before the membership, the meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. The next meeting of the VSRA General Membership is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 12:00 Noon, at the Renaissance Hotel, Portsmouth. Our guest speaker will be announced.
SEPTEMBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
We are pleased to welcome the famous John V. Quarstein as our speaker. Mr. Quarstein will discuss piracy in Hampton Roads 1610 to present.
John V. Quarstein is an award-winning historian, preservationist, and author. John has served as the director of the Virginia War Museum since 1978. In addition to these duties, he oversees the management of the City of Newport News’ historic properties including Endview Plantation, Lee Hall Mansion, Young’s Mill, and the Newsome House as well as serving as the historical advisor for The Mariners’ Museum’s U.S.S. Monitor Center project. He previously has served as an adjunct professor at the College of William and Mary, the University of Virginia, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Mr. Quarstein is the author of seven books including Fort Monroe: The Key to the South,C.S.S. Virginia: Mistress of Hampton Roads, Civil War on the Virginia Peninsula, and The Battle of the Ironclads. He also serves as Historian for the local PBS affiliate WHRO and produces films documenting Hampton Roads history such as the ‘Here & Then’ and ‘Civil War in Hampton Roads’ series.
John V. Quarstein has provided a key leadership role for a wide variety of special historical, preservation and museum development projects. Mr. Quarstein has assisted in the creation or revitalization of 18 museums and aided the preservation and interpretation of numerous historic sites including The Ripken Museum, Williamsburg Battlefield, and Lee Hall Depot.
Mr. Quarstein was the recipient of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 1993 President’s Award for Historic Preservation Award and the United Daughters of the Confederacy’s Jefferson Davis Gold Medal in 1999. Presently, he serves on the board of several national organizations including Virginia Civil War Trails, John Singleton Mosby Foundation, and Federal Area Development Authority for Fort Monroe.
In his capacity as Foundations of Freedom Project Historian, John plays a key role in assisting teachers with historical content comprehension. This work is achieved via meetings with teachers to discuss history SOL-requirements as well as presenting workshops and tours providing detailed historical information. The workshops and tours offer the reinforcement of complex historical themes. Mr. Quarstein is working on several projects for Foundations of Freedom that will result in a collection of resource materials that will be available for future use in the classroom.
This is an excellent lead in to the Nauticus exhibit on pirates that opens in November. The USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) will be moored at Half Moone Cruise Terminal, and the life boat from the Maersk Alabama will be on temporary display.
2009/2010 CALENDAR OF GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
Set up your calendar now with the VSRA program year General Membership Meeting dates:
September 15, 2009
October 20, 2009
November 17, 2009
December 15, 2009
January 19, 2010
February 16, 2010
March 16, 2010
April 20, 2010
May 18, 2010
June 15, 2010
July 20, 2010
August 2010 – No General Membership Meeting
LEVERAGING GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES SEMINAR
Location is sponsored by Troutman Sanders, LLP
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
Breakfast will be provided in the cost of admission
DATE: Thursday, September 17, 2009
SPEAKER: Michelle Carrera, Ph.D./ABD SPHR
TIME: 8:15am– 11:30am REGISTRATION: 8:00-8:15 a.m.
LOCATION: Troutman Sanders, LLP, 222 Central Park Ave, Suite 2000, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
To register online sign up today at
http://www.virginiashiprepair.org/confapp.asp?EventCID=3738
Or call the VSRA Office at 757-233-7034
FLEET MAINTENANCE AND MODERNIZATION SYMPOSIUM 2009
The annual American Society of Naval Engineers Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium (FMMS 2009) will be held at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, CA September 29 and 30, 2009. This symposium follows up on the successful Fleet Maintenance Symposium held in Virginia Beach in 2007.
FMMS 2009 is specifically designed to provide useful information and valuable networking opportunities for those who are involved in maintenance, refit, repair, conversion, modernization, service and support of naval ships and craft. FMMS 2009 will address the challenges of "Maintenance and Modernization Practices and Processes for the 21st Century Fleet."
FMMS 2009 will include prominent guest speakers, panelists and technical paper presentations from the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and industry. Key speakers include:
VADM Kevin McCoy, COMNAVSEA
VADM D.C. Curtis, USN, Commander, Naval Surface Forces (Invited)
VADM Peter M. Hekman, USN (Ret.)
VADM Timothy W. Lafleur, USN (Ret.)
The Honorable Sean Stackley, ASN (RDA) (Invited)
RADM Joseph F. Campbell, USN, Deputy Commander, Logistics, Maintenance and Industrial Operations, Naval Sea Systems Command
RADM William H. Hilarides, USN, PEO for Submarines
RADM J. Clarke Orzalli, USN, Fleet Maintenance Officer, U.S. Fleet Forces Command
RADM Ronald Rabago, USCG, Assistant Commandant for Acquisition
RDML Michael McMahon, USN, PEO for Aircraft Carriers (Invited)
RDML James P. McManamon, USN, Deputy Commander for Surface Warfare, SEA 21, Naval Sea Systems Command (Invited)
RDML Thomas J. Moore, USN, Deputy Director Fleet Readiness
Mr. Howard Fireman, Director, Surface Ship Design and Systems Engineering, Naval Sea Systems Command
Mr. William H. Ryzewic, Deputy Chief of Staff for Fleet Maintenance Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Mr. Pat Tamburrino, Jr., Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics
Mr. Tom Bowler, Vice President, Programs, Bath Iron Works
Mr. John Holmander, Vice President & VIRGINIA Class Program Manager, Electric Boat
Mr. Jim Hughes, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding
Mr. L.B. Ben Robison, Northrop Grumman Aircraft Carrier Active Fleet Programs
Mr. Fred Harris, President, NASSCO
Mr. Dan Schultz, Vice President/General Manager, Lockheed Martin Systems & Sensors, Integrated Defense Technologies
RDML Mark Balmert, USN (Ret) Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding will moderate the CLASSRON panel discussion on the second day.
Related maintenance meetings being held in conjunction with FMMS 2009 include the Regional Maintenance Commanders’ Conference, Joint Industry-Navy Improvement Initiative (JINII), the USCG Naval Engineers Program Guidance Team Meeting, and the Port Engineers Conference (Sea Service Maintenance & Modernization Conference). The symposium provides a unique opportunity to interact with senior military decision makers, ship and craft operators and maintainers, repair and maintenance personnel, modernization experts, designers and builders, equipment suppliers, and other technical experts.
For additional information on this symposium, click
http://www.navalengineers.org/Events/FMMS09/Reg.html
JINII MEETING UPDATE
JINII is the Joint Industry Navy Improvement Initiative. The next JINII meeting will be held at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, CA the day after FMMS 2009.
Several topics were discussed at the recent JINII Planning Meeting. Possible items under consideration for the October 1, 2009 meeting agenda include:
Improving the system for developing requirements,
Addressing safety issues,
The impact of security programs,
G-Points: Are there too many, and are they arbitrary?
009-32 administration
Role of SSRAC
The preliminary agenda and registration information for the JINII meeting scheduled for 1 October 2009 will be available toward the end of August.
14th ANNUAL SAFETY AND HEALTH SEMINAR
Sponsored by VSRA Safety Committee
THEME: Today’s Safety is Tomorrow’s Reality
DATE: October 7, 2009, 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 Safety Professionals and Front Line Supervisors. Some topics of interest include electrical safety and sub parts, lock out/tag out, OSHA sub-part P-Fire Protection, and much more!
Registration Deadline
Aug 24 to Sept 11 VSRA Member $75; Non-member $125
Sept 12 to Oct 7 VSRA Member $80; Non-member $135
At the Door VSRA Member $85; Non-member $150
To register, please call the VSRA office at (757) 233-7034.
COMMITTEE UPDATE
Communications Committee
The committee held a virtual meeting in July to review 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 July meeting, Joe Yurso briefed the committee on the US Navy Strategic Maintenance Process. The JINII meeting, which will be held in San Diego October 1, will be held in conjunction with ASNE’s Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium. 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 July meeting, Chris Abel discussed the success of the May seminar, and the committee voted to plan a third annual version of this successful series in May 2010. Chris also discussed frequently used tests and their evaluation used at the recruiting and hiring stages. 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 June meeting, Ken Edwards reported that effective July 5, 2009, the MARMC QA code will be 212.5 vice 211. He requested members submit proposals on how to format PCPs similar to the west coast format, pertaining to NAVSEA Standard Item 009-09. The SSRAC conference will replace the July meeting. 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 July meeting, it was reported that the 2009 Standard Items subcommittee met and finalized four recommendations. The 2009 Safety Seminar “Today’s Safety is Tomorrow’s Reality” will be held at the Ted Constant Center on Sept. 30, 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 June meeting, the committee discussed the E-Verify Program, FSO Recommended Training Plan, NN-9327 (Rev 7) Non-Employee Access Form for Northrop Grumman Newport News, and CNRMA “sample letters” regarding access badge policy and procedures to Navy facilities. 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: Sept 24, Oct 21, Nov 5, and Dec 3 2009, 7:30 am – 11:30 am
LOCATION: United Coatings Corp., 650 Chautauqua Ave., Portsmouth, VA
First Aid/CPR/AED/Emergency First Responder Certification
COST: $105.00 VSRA members; $150.00 Non VSRA members
DATE: September 23, 2009
LOCATION: United Coatings Corp, 650 Chautauqua Ave., Portsmouth, VA
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.
Junior Supervisor’s Leadership and Safety Course
Location sponsored by Old Dominion University
COST: $425.00 VSRA members; $495.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: Fridays, September 11 to October 2, 2009, 7:30am - 3:30pm
LOCATION: Tecnico Corp., 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.
Senior Supervisor’s Leadership Course
COST: $325.00 VSRA members; $465.00 Non VSRA members
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.
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector Prep Course
COST: $175.00 VSRA members; $225.00 Non VSRA members
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: 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.