NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD, Portsmouth, Va. –
Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Code 900 Production Resource Officer Commander Michael Oberdorf’s voice boomed on the morning of Feb. 26 as he kicked off the first Big Rocks All-Hands Celebration of 2020. “Good morning, America’s Shipyard,” said Oberdorf from the podium. Next to him sat Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Commanding Officer Capt. Kai Torkelson, Code 500 Supply Division Head Jimmy Broom, and Code 361 Project Superintendent Joe Singer. In front of the men, the High Bay of Bldg. 163 was packed with NNSY employees. The workforce, Torkelson, Oberdorf, Broom, and Singer were all there to celebrate the accomplishments of NNSY for the second quarter of FY-20 and to, as Oberdorf would proclaim, “break that rock!”
Shortly after his introduction, Oberdorf recognized NNSY employees who were selected as Force Multipliers of the quarter. He said, “These men and women are committed force multipliers and C.O.R.E. masters at America’s Shipyard. They continually put others first and see every problem they encounter as an opportunity to learn, improve, innovate, and teach. They are the best examples of what a force multiplier is and should aspire to be.” The selectees joined Capt. Torkelson on stage and received a force multiplier certificate of appreciation.
It was then time to break some rocks. Broom stepped up to the microphone to discuss the quarter two big rock goal to complete implementation of all steps of NAVSEA Job Readiness Cell (JRC)/Material Kitting standard for work on NNSY Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) waterfront activities. Broom said this project, “is our latest weapon in the war against inefficiency and productivity.” The JRC and Material Readiness Team (MART) strives to eliminate the time mechanics spend on steps that don’t directly attribute to returning ships to the fleet. For example, instead of mechanics needing to go pick up tools or materials the JRC/MART will bring those tools and materials. Additionally, the JRC/MART has simplified the process of getting materials off of the boat once work is completed. Now mechanics just need to get materials off the boat (if needed, JRC/MART are available to assist with this) and get the materials to the pier master. Broom said, “Using a NASCAR analogy, this program is NNSY’s green flag. Our car has been prepped, it is making laps, and we’re now waving the green flag because it is time to rev up the engine, increase the velocity, and keep it moving.” Following his remarks, Broom called up three “heroes in the war against inefficiency,” Code 200’s Mandy Sakiewicz and Jeff Smith, and Code 530’s Candice Smith. Together the four smashed the JRC rock.
Two rocks were left on the stage when Singer took the podium. He discussed the big rock goal to replace strategic components on the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). Singer said, “My team did an outstanding job. We went shipboard thinking this was going to take us a certain amount of time, but my team proved they were efficient and we wound up ending 17 days early.” By utilizing innovative techniques and practicing efficiency, the success saved NNSY 1,500 man days. Singer said he would have liked every member of his 150 person team to be on stage with him, but narrowed it down to Shop 38’s Jose Perez and Janetta Smith, and Shop 72’s Guy Ashby. Together with Singer, they broke the Bush rock.
Capt. Torkelson stepped up to the microphone while one rock remained intact. He addressed the remaining rock that had the words "La Jolla" painted in white across it. Torkelson reiterated that the completion of the USS La Jolla (SSN 701) to Moored Training Ship (MTS) is a huge win for NNSY; however, the certification on the project was delayed. Torkelson said, “Just like we wouldn’t send a ship out if it wasn’t completed, we can’t break that rock today. But we are close. When we meet that, we will break that rock. This doesn’t take away from the recognition of the great job we’ve done.”
He then took the time to discuss some big picture focuses for NNSY in 2020 including security and safety. Torkelson thanked the workforce for their involvement in the annual Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain exercises and NNSY’s security department for supporting the exercise. “We do these type of security exercises to ensure we are ready. We never know when a threat is going to raise itself and our security forces need to be ready.”
The Commanding Officer spoke about NNSY’s application to regain its star status with the Volunteer Protection Program (VPP). “We’re committed to safety and security being the top priorities at America’s Shipyard and VPP is a significant part of that commitment,” Torkelson said. “The most important message for each of you to remember is that you all have a contribution in making sure you have a safe workplace and ensuring we regain our VPP star.”
Finally, Capt Torkelson discussed the three focus areas for 2020 at America’s Shipyard: balanced command plan, work force efficiency and production capacity, and staffing and people development. He said, “These focus areas will help give us clarity as individuals, within our work groups, and as an entire organization to ensure we’re working on the right things – putting people and our mission first and improving our plans and processes to provide superior quality and reliable delivery back to the Fleet.”