Spruance (DDG 111) Assessment Trials - Bath Iron Works
Spruance (DDG 111) Assessment Trials - Bath Iron Works
Spruance (DDG 111) Assessment Trials - Bath Iron Works
- No tags were found...
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
BIWNEWSFebruary2011<strong>Spruance</strong> (<strong>DDG</strong> <strong>111</strong>)<strong>Assessment</strong> <strong>Trials</strong>See story, pg. 9INSIDEFrom the Helm - 2Performance - 3CNO and SenatorCollins at BIW - 3Next Blood Drive - 45 Star Peformance - 4Retirees - 4Performance Incentive - 4Wellness and Benefits - 5ITAR Matters - 6Joint Safety & HealthSteering Committee - 6First <strong>DDG</strong> 1000 Crew - 7From the Fleet - 8<strong>DDG</strong> <strong>111</strong> <strong>Assessment</strong> <strong>Trials</strong> - 9Service Anniversaries - 9Welcome - 9Maine Engineers Week - 10Veterans Camp Visitors - 10Ergo Cup Rewards Low Cost,Low Risk Solution - 11Sea Story on Exhibit - 11Chocolate for a Cause - 12
From the HelmJeff Geiger, President, <strong>Bath</strong> <strong>Iron</strong> <strong>Works</strong>Last month I stressed that continuing to innovate andimprove across all areas of the shipyard is essential forus to be in the best position we can to compete forfuture Navy contracts. This month I’d like to continue tobuild upon that theme.With so much of our focus directed at the manufacturingside of the business, it’s often easy for those of us not directlyinvolved with actual construction to feel there is little we cando to help achieve our goal of producing affordable ships.Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only doeseach and every one of you have opportunities to contributeto that goal, each of us also has a responsibility to do so.If you take stock of your daily on-the-job activities andconclude everything is running without problems, that, inand of itself, should be a signal you have a problem. Thereis really no such thing as an optimized process because thereis always some aspect that can be improved upon. Today’sprocesses may support today’s needs and, as long as thoseneeds don’t change, the process should continue to support.But our business is constantly changing and therefore thereis a constant demand for better processes. Take a hard lookat what you’re responsible for accomplishing and set a goalto become more efficient. Then, don’t lose sight of that goalbecause it may take some time to achieve it. Persistencecounts; let me give you an example.We recently signed an agreement with another Mainecompany to bring natural gas into the shipyard to fuel ourboilers. The opportunity to reduce our costs through theuse of this abundant and affordable energy source came tolight nearly five years ago. While the idea clearly had merit,at that time circumstances precluded implementation.However, a few employees never lost sight of that opportunity.Through some excellent collaboration among ourProcurement, Facilities, Environmental, Contracts andLegal Departments we were able to craft an acceptablearrangement with Maine Natural Gas that will bring anatural gas pipeline into <strong>Bath</strong> that will enable us to significantlyreduce our energy costs, and improve the environmentby reducing our overall carbon footprint by nearly onethird. In addition, by bringing the pipe line into <strong>Bath</strong>,other businesses and citizens of the area may now have thepotential to tie into the line and reduce their heating costsas well. Persistence counts.Just before writing this article, I had the opportunity towitness another outstanding at-sea event, this time on <strong>DDG</strong><strong>111</strong>’s first trip down the Kennebec. The purpose of the shortassessment trial was to test a new machinery control systemJohn Black, Jr. (D50)and integrated bridge package. The results could not have beenmuch better. The propulsion plant was tight, well calibratedand performed well through all tests. The spaces that werecomplete looked fantastic and, while we have more work todo before Super <strong>Trials</strong>, I have great confidence that this willbe another outstanding BIW ship. We know how to build agreat ship but all of us still need to find ways to reduce ourcosts so we can continue to provide high quality, affordableships to our Navy.We must treat safety in the same manner that we treat costsbecause the two are tied together. A safe shipyard is an efficient,highly productive yard. We’ve set our goals for improving oursafety performance this year and are taking steps to furtherengage in creating a strong safety culture throughout thecompany. This, too, will require persistence.On February 23, we had the honor of having ADM GaryRoughead, Chief of Naval Operations, visit us for the thirdtime since he became the top leader of our Navy. We showedhim what is happening in this fine shipyard and he wasclearly impressed. You sent a very strong message to a veryimportant customer. We also had the privilege to once againhost Senator Susan Collins who invited the CNO to come tothe yard. She works diligently on behalf of the citizens ofMaine and especially for the men and women of BIW andwe are grateful for her tireless support. Senator Collins is anoutstanding example of persistence—we would do well tofollow her example.TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.2 | February 2011 | BIW NEWS
Performance January 2011SafetyRECORDABLE INJURIESCumulative Through January 20112015105012.2 11.8ImprovementTargetEnvironmentalActualYear to date (YTD) progress toward achievingour environmental performance goals underthe Maine DEP STEP UP and other environmentalprograms is displayed as follows:Equal to or better than YTD goalAbove YTD goal; improvedfrom prior yearAbove YTD goal; not improvedfrom prior yearLOST-TIME INJURIESCumulative Through January 20<strong>111</strong>0864203.0 2.9ImprovementTargetActualCumulative Through January 2011Solid WasteHazardous WasteEnergy CostsRecycling RateCNO and Senator Collins at BIWOn February 23, 2011, ADM GaryRoughead, USN,ChiefofNavalOperations, visited BIW, accompaniedby Senator Susan Collins. This markedADM Roughead’s third visit to BIW sincebeing named CNO in 2008.A press conference was held at the conclusionof the visit where ADM Rougheadand Senator Collins talked with membersof the Maine press about the 2011 defensebudget, the importance of both the <strong>DDG</strong>51 and <strong>DDG</strong> 1000 class ships to the Navyand the value of BIW to the shipbuildingindustrial base.The CNO spoke about three impressionsfrom his visit. First, he mentioned BIWquality, which he described as extraordinaryworkmanship. He next spoke about innovation,from robotics tonew design tools, wherebywe are sending a powerfulmessage of how we aredriving efficiency into ourprocesses. Last, he spokeabout the pride of BIWemployees and our commitmentto build greatships. He also said, “Icould stay here much,much longer.”Senator Collins, whoinvited the CNO to returnto BIW to see <strong>DDG</strong> 1000 well along inconstruction, called BIW “Simply the bestprivate shipyard building Navy ships inthe country.”BIW NEWSBIW NEWS is published monthly by theCommunications Department (D53) of<strong>Bath</strong> <strong>Iron</strong> <strong>Works</strong> and is produced internallyin the BIW Print Shop.The primary objectives of BIW NEWSare to recognize the service, accomplishments,innovation and contributionsof our employees and to provide informationon matters that are of interest toour workforce.Comments and suggestions arewelcome and should be forwarded toDixie Stedman at Mail Stop 1210 orby e-mail at dixie.stedman@biw.com.Facility/ShiftInformation Call LineToll free information on facility status,work shift delays, and cancellations1-866-630-BATH(1-866-630-2284)Senator Collins, ADM Roughead and JohnMcCarthy during the shipyard tour.BIW NEWS | February 2011 | 3
ARC Blood Drive in MarchThe next American Red Cross(ARC) BIW Blood Drive will beheld March 1 through 4, 2011at various BIW locations. Recentwinter weather, facility closures andpoor traveling conditions throughoutMaine and New England have affectedARC’s ability to collect the requiredamount of blood and as a result, allblood types are in strong demand.To assist the ARC, two radio stations,WBLM and WCYY have created acontest for their listeners. At the timeof donation, donors will be asked to5 Star Performancevote for their favorite radio station ina contest for bragging rights, all toencourage more people to donate bloodat this time. In addition, all donors willreceive a $5.00 gift certificate to theSea Dog Brewery and will be enteredin a contest to win a Nateva Music andCamping Festival 4-day pass (for 2)for the August 4–7, 2011 event inOxford, Maine.Call Kathleen Nadeau, ext. 1635, forinformation or to sign up to donateblood.On January 1, 2011, the 5 Star Program was reset to zeroand the bar on compliance was raised again to ensurecontinous improvement.All areas will undergo recertification with members of senior management involved ininspections. The purpose of this approach is to take a fresh look across these areasof major concern with the added requirement that inspections incorporate an elementof behavioral analysis. While no stars have yet been awarded under this 2011recertification, all areas are actively involved in efforts to engage all employees tocreate a culture of safety and action throughout the company.Safety is everyone’s business.RetireesJanuary 2011Dept. Name01-10 James E. Baskerville13 Years, 3 MonthsVP Surface CombatantTechnology07-00 Ralph F. Smith30 Years, 11 MonthsMachinist III24-00 Larry W. Innes32 Years, 2 MonthsSenior Buyer26-01 Robert E. Bernard Sr.22 Years, 5 MonthsCorporal40-00 Wallace O. Rose23 Years, 10 MonthsPrincipal, Engineering87-00 Laurier W. Lefebvre42 Years, 11 MonthsDesigner, 1st Class90-00 Donna L. Beauregard36 Years, 9 MonthsProject Manager, ProgramPerformanceIncentivePeriod 2 Goals are shown to the right.The first goal is related to earnedhours and goals 2 through 6 areperformance-related. Progress is statusedon a green/yellow/red basis as defined atthe base of the chart.Note that this period ends on April 3,2001. Contact your supervisor for moreinformation.% Complete1009080706050403020100Performance PeriodOctober 1, 2010–April 3, 2011Period 2 Goals Status: As of February 13, 20<strong>111</strong>. Achieve 4,024,808 earned hours by April 3, 20112. Complete all GI Inspections on <strong>DDG</strong> 11 Hull 505by February 15, 20113. Achieve AEGIS Light-Off (ALO) on <strong>DDG</strong> 112 Hull 505by April 3, 20114. Attain 80% complete on <strong>DDG</strong> 1000 in Fabricationby April 3, 20115. Erect 10 <strong>DDG</strong> 1000 units in the 1400 Ultra and 6 <strong>DDG</strong>1000 units in the 2200 Ultra and complete Blast & Paint on the 3160and 3170 units by April 3, 20116a. Complete all design scope identified on or before October 3, 2010in the 1100 and 3200 Ultra units by December 31, 20106b. Complete 90% of cable routing in the 1400 and 2200 Ultra units byMarch 31, 2011PlanActualOn TrackBehind PlanDid Not Complete4 | February 2011 | BIW NEWS
Wellness and BenefitsFinancial Education ClassesThe BIW Benefits Department will beoffering the following after hoursfinancial education classes as partof the Winter/Spring 2011 After HoursClasses curriculum. Classes are at no costto BIW employees and spouses/partnersbut pre-registration is required. Thoseinterested can sign up by contacting AdeleSuggs at ext. <strong>111</strong>4. After hours classes areon employees’ own time.Social Security and RetirementSocial Security looks different for each oneof us depending on our work history, familysituation and retirement plans. We all needto understand how Social Security worksand determine what role it will play in ourpersonal retirement goals.A representative from the SocialSecurity Office will provide informationon how Social Security benefits are calculated;when Social Security benefits may bereceived; how different retirement dates,retirement ages and situations impact theamount of your Social Security benefits;a brief Medicare overview; how to workwith SSA online and important steps toconsider as you approach retirement.Date: March 9, 2011Location: BIW Employee DevelopmentCenter (EDC)–Classroom #3*Time: 4–6 pmMedicareMedical coverage and its costs are importantfactors in the financial life of most retirees.Understanding how Medicare works iscritical in determining a retirement budget.A representative from Southern MaineAgency on Aging will provide informationon Medicare coverage, choices and costs.We will discuss costs of healthcare forretirees who retire before becomingMedicare eligible.Date: March 31, 2011Location: BIW EDC–Classroom #3*Time: 4–6 pmInvesting BasicsWhether in a 401(k) or an individualinvestment, many of us are asked to makedecisions about investment choices even ifwe don’t believe we have the backgroundor skills to make such decisions.An outside investment professional willcover how different types of investmentswork, what factors to consider whenchoosing an investment, how to monitoran investment, and how to consider riskin an investment. Examples, using theBIW SSIP, will be provided. This courseis designed for individuals with little orno investment background and will betailored to the basics from the beginning.Same class, two sessions:Session A: March 2, 2011Location: Five County Credit Union,<strong>Bath</strong> MESession B: March 30, 2011Location: BIW EDC–Classroom #3*Time: 4–6 pmBank Accounts and CD’sToday banks and credit unions offermany choices and types of bank accounts.For many of us the differences are not clearabout why and how to use one type ofaccount versus another.This course will discuss the varioustypes of accounts to consider at your bankor credit union and how to understandfees and interest on those accounts. Wewill also discuss using Certificates ofDeposit and other bank savings tools.The class will be provided by an outsideinvestment professional and a representativefrom the Five County Credit Union.Same class, two sessions:Session A: March 3, 2011Session B: March 8, 2011Location: Five County Credit Union,<strong>Bath</strong> METime: 4–6 pm*Note: BIW EDC: 520 Washington Street (Building No. 518) Across from the SouthGate at the Main YardBuilding Healthy WaysReminds You . . .And the Winner is….Lori and Jeff Segars, left, with AnthonyAnderson.The Health Passport grand prize drawingwas held at the MSC Shipway ConferenceCenter on January 26 and the winner ofthe 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid was JeffSegars (D17). “We could not have createda more deserving winner.” states ChrisMcCarthy (D49), Manager, IntegratedHealth Services. “Jeff saw value and usedthe Health Passport as a tool to help makemeaningful change for himself and hisfamily.”Jeff’s winning ticket was one of 1,441entries for the grand prize. “Jeff was anoutspoken proponent of the program,”says Anthony Anderson (D49), WellnessProgram Manager, “and he was elatedto find that he had won the Escape.” Hecontinued, “In addition to the grand prizeand quarterly drawings, employees andspouses had an opportunity to earnHannaford gift cards and coupons fortheir participation and efforts. Thankyou to all of the employees and spouseswho participated in the Health Passportprogram—keep building on your success!”Flexible SpendingAccount ReminderIf you participated in the MedAccountand/or CareAccount in 2010, pleaseremember you have until March 31, 2011to submit 2010 claims to Payflex. Claimforms are available from the BenefitsDepartment or on the Payflex web site:www.payflex.com/gendynBIW NEWS | February 2011 | 5
EXIM Working GroupU.S. International Traffic in ArmsRegulations (ITAR) govern the importand export of defense-related articlesand services on the U.S. MunitionsList. Most BIW activities are subject toITAR controls, making ITAR compliancean important aspect of our business.The EXIM Working Group, explainedbelow, will periodically use this space tocommunicate ITAR-related informationto BIW employees.The General Dynamics’ ITARCompliance Audit team visitedBIW in August 2010 and uponcompleting their review, stated, “BIWhas a solid export compliance programin place.” Several areas of Best Practicewere noted, including the function ofthe BIW Export-Import (EXIM)Working Group.The EXIM Working Group includesrepresentatives from each division whomeet quarterly to share informationabout export issues. Throughout theyear, Joanna Bragdon (D54), theContracts Department ExportCompliance Administrator, notifies thegroup of changes to export regulationsand ITAR-related issues. Members, inturn, distribute the information within theirareas and serve as a first point ofcontact for ITAR questions within theirdivisions.The GD auditors commended the EXIMWorking Group for delegating export complianceresponsibility to each departmentand fostering increased understanding ofITAR requirements throughout the company.They noted that the EXIM Group’s objectiveof sharing information and processes is“worthwhile” and that it is clear that groupmembers have been able to learn from andhelp each other with ITAR-related issues.For ITAR information or assistance,first contact your ITAR Working Grouprepresentative, or call Joanna Bragdonat ext. 2590.NameJoanna BragdonLibby BryantJim DeMartiniLinda ErskineRoberta FloccherJohn GrantDebbie HindsKari KennedyJoe MinieriKim Richards-MaceDave SmartEric SuehrstedtRuss SwiftJack WhiteRebecca WinfieldMembers of the EXIMWorking Group include,l to r: Debbie Hinds,Joanna Bragdon, DavidSmart, Linda Erskine,Jack White, KarlKennedy and RussSwift. A complete listingis provided below.EXIM Working GroupAreaContracts/ExportComplianceNew BusinessCommunicationsMaterials and QualityLegal/EmpoweredOfficialEngineeringInternationalBusinessMaterialsIT SecurityMaterialsBIW ITOperationsSecurityTraffic/ShippingPlanning YardJoint Safety and Health Steering CommitteeThe Joint Local S6/Management Safetyand Health Steering Committee wasformed in 2008 with the full supportof <strong>Bath</strong> <strong>Iron</strong> <strong>Works</strong> and Local S6 to provideguidance for a safe and accident/injury-freework environment. Members consist ofthe Local S6 Safety Committee and ManufacturingDirectors. The Steering Committeeis co-chaired by the Union Safety Committeechairperson, Marc Lindvall (D20), and theDirector of EHS, Laura Mathisen (D5210).The Joint Committee meets formally onceevery two weeks, but works together on aweekly basis to resolve issues, review deckplateactivities, develop communicationsand provide guidance to the Area and TradeJoint Safety Subcommittees. As noted in theSteering Committee’s Mission Statement,its purpose is to eliminate accidents, injuriesand near misses through proactive employee6 | February 2011 | BIW NEWSMembers of the Joint Safety and Health Steering Committee include, l to r: Dan Nadeau, SteveStone, John Acker, Jim Favreau, Matt Reid, Rod Michaud (seated), Glenn Capen, Arlene Taylor,Marc Lindvall, Gene Miller and Kirk Lussier. Not shown: Laura Mathisen, Clint Robbins, Dave Demersand Todd McPhee.involvement. To that end, the SteeringCommittee established and oversees 17 activeArea and Trade Joint Subcommittees. Ifanyone has questions or suggestions aboutsafety or the activities of these groups,contact your Area or Trade Joint Subcommitteeor any member of the JointSteering Committee.
First <strong>DDG</strong> 1000 Crew MembersThe first two <strong>DDG</strong> 1000 crewmembers reporting to duty to theZumwalt Precommissioning Unitwere in <strong>Bath</strong> recently to see their ship forthe first time. For now, LT JonathonEsquell and LTJG Steve Hurley are assignedto a desk in the Washington Navy Yardwhere they live and breathe <strong>DDG</strong> 1000.Appropriately, their visit was arrangedby the Human Systems Integration (HSI)Cross Product Team (CPT). From theinception of the <strong>DDG</strong> 1000 programthrough detail design, HSI led the effortto integrate the size and function of theship’s crew with the ship design. With highlevels of automation, <strong>DDG</strong> 1000 will beoperated by fewer crew members thanany previous Navy destroyer, but the ergonomicfactors of each sailor’s job must beoptimized and the crew size validated toensure these automation goals.The HSI CPT, led by BIW and JohnHagan (D98), solicited first person feedbackfrom a number of active duty ships crewsregarding ship operability requirements,so it was only appropriate that the plankownerstoured and commented on thefull scale mock-ups of the bridge andhelo control station still in use at Hardings.These and other operationally mannedspaces were constructed to confirm theusability of key aspects of the designand reveal needed modifications priorto construction.In the early stages of their PCU work,both LT Esquell and LTJG Hurley arehandling a wide range of responsibilities.Hardest, they agreed, is finding who togo to for information. LTJG Hurley said,“This is a very complex ship and it has1,000 different aspects. And of course,we have to do everything in the shortestamount of time possible.”Vince Quintana (D40), HSI, said, “Thepurpose of this visit was to provide anoverview of the ship from the perspectivesof a number of different people, a walkthrough of the units under construction,and a computerized drive through of themodels.” Vince continued, “<strong>DDG</strong> 1000 iselectrical-intensive so we also providedsome up front electrical safety training.The ship will create its own electric safetyplan which will be a derivative of what theLTJG Hurley, far left, and LT Esquell wereaccompanied on a tour of <strong>DDG</strong> 1000 unitsunder construction by, l to r: Mike Snyder,Joshua Miller and Conor Mackin.Navy currently uses and what BIW hasdeveloped for use during the constructionprogram.”Seeing their ship under construction atBIW for the first time, LT Esquell and LTJGHurley called it, “awe-inspiring” due to itssize, and “humbling,” because of the knowledgeof how much lies ahead of them asthey prepare for their future roles.LT Esquell is the Main PropulsionAssistant (MPA), responsible for the operationof the ship’s main propulsion system.He said, “You can tell the strong sense ofpride that BIW workers have for theirwork. The cleanliness and orderliness ofthe facilities reflects their sense of ownership.I hope to be here on a monthly basisand look forward to meeting more of thecrafts people. I want to look back withconfidence, knowing how the shipwas built, and many of the peoplethat built it.”LTJG Hurley is the first officialplankowner, which conveys braggingrights, and the System Test Officer(STO) responsible for combat systemsfrom a test and usability perspective.He said, “What impressed me is howmuch ship there is inside the (UltraHall) building. The ship was designedand validated at the 90% level beforebeing built, which is important becausewhen I see spaces like the overhead ofAuxiliary Machine Room #1 loadingout, I am aware of the importance ofthe reliability of those systems that arebeing enclosed.”He continued, “I plan to be in <strong>Bath</strong>for the key combat system load-outsand look forward to meeting manypeople working in the different crafts.By making myself available, I hope tobe there to help resolve any issues thatmay come up.”John Hagan said, “Both individualswere drawn from a pool of the best andbrightest that the Navy has to offer.Their selection is certainly a privilegebut it is also possibly the hardestassignment they will ever have. Thereare immense challenges ahead andsince <strong>DDG</strong> 1000 is the first in class withso many new features, much of theirwork is uncharted territory. In a verysignificant way, they are augmentingand will ultimately relieve the BIW HSIteam in completing the crew designand determining the usability of theship. They are key advisors to Navyleadership, especially in the areas ofmanning and training.”Their introduction to Maineoccurred on a clear, cold week whichsharply illustrated the ergonomicimpact of wind chill factors. LTJGHurley noted that he is an outdoorenthusiast and looks forward to movingto <strong>Bath</strong> with the PCU and discoveringwhat Maine has to offer in terms ofwinter sports. LT Esquell, a native ofsouth Texas, said only, “Brrrrrr-rrr.”BIW NEWS | February 2011 | 7
From the FleetRemembering a Collisionby Captain R.T.E. Bowler III, US Navy (Ret.)In December 2010, Tom Bowler retiredfrom his second career of over 13 years atBIW during which he led programs andguided a number of initiatives associatedwith new business exploration and proposals,including the DD 21/<strong>DDG</strong> 1000proposal efforts which led us to wherewe are today. His 20-year naval careerprior to joining BIW was the sourceof many experiences, some extremelydangerous. One is a disastrous, wellknown1969 incident at sea whichclaimed the lives of 74 crew members.Tom wrote this article for Naval Historymagazine in 2003.At the time of the June 1969collision between the USS FrankE. Evans (DD-754) and HMASMelbourne, I was asleep in “afterofficer’s country,” on the main decktwo-thirds of the way aft in the FrankE. Evans. I was the officer of the deck(OOD) on the previous watch andhad been relieved three and a halfhours earlier.The sound of the collision wasearsplitting: 40,000 tons of Melbournecrashing into 2,200 tons of Frank E.Evans sounded like 50 automobileaccidents happening at once. TheFrank E. Evans was rolled onto herstarboard side. Water rushed inthrough open portholes and hatches.Within 45 seconds, though it seemedlonger, the force of the Melbournedriving down the forward part of theFrank E. Evans caused the ship to breakin two at the amidships expansionjoint. The after section of the shipthen righted itself. If not for that shipdesign feature, the entire ship wouldhave been lost.My roommate and I were thrownfrom our racks. Once the ship righteditself I hurriedly dressed in the dark,then headed for my general quartersstation in the combat informationcenter. The ship had lost power, butthe few battle lanterns that had notbeen ripped loose provided some illumination.I exited afterofficer’scountry on the portside and headed forward—only to nearly run fullspeed into the side of theMelbourne. I quickly realizedwhat had happened.I crossed to the starboardside just in time to see theforward part of the shipbeing driven under. Bright flashes illuminatedthe water. Smoke was everywhere. Thesteel-on-steel sound continued, and then—dead silence. The after half of the Frank E.Evans lay still alongside the after starboardside of the Melbourne.The initial reaction of many of us wasto quickly abandon ship for fear the afterboilers had not been secured and wouldblow. But the thought of swimming withsharks in the South China Sea dampenedthat idea. Once we ascertained the engineeringwatch had secured the after boilers, thecrew was ordered to remain on board toallow the Melbourne’s boats and helicoptersto search for our shipmates in the water.We then began the seemingly endlessprocess of mustering, trying to get anaccurate count of survivors.At first light, about 0500, the Melbournedropped Jacob’s ladders down from herhangar deck and some 150 weary andshaken Frank E. Evans officers and sailorsclimbed up to board the Melbourne. TheAustralians were absolutely terrific. Theycleared one hangar bay for our exclusiveuse and provided blankets and pillows. Anespecially thoughtful gesture was to issueeach of us two cans of Foster's beer. I havenever tasted a better beer before or since.Mustering continued the next day; the missingwere presumed lost at sea.We headed to Subic Bay Naval Base, inthe Philippines, and the after half of theFrank E. Evans started her tow there. By thetime we arrived, the Navy family had fullymobilized. Disbursing officers were linedup on the pier to settle lost property claims.No paperwork was needed; you told thedisbursing officer your estimate of lostproperty and he immediately paid it—inUSS Frank E. Evans (DD 754) at sea and TomBowler (inset), who was onboard on the nightof the June 1969 collision with the Australianaircraft carrier, HMAS Melbourne.cash. The Navy exchange opened after hoursso we could get new uniforms. Within sixhours of arriving in Subic Bay, the survivingsailors were on board charter flights headingfor our Long Beach, California, home port.I have never seen anything like the outpouringof Navy support and help theFrank E. Evans crew received.The surviving officers and the boatswain’smate of the watch stayed in SubicBay for the U.S. Navy and Royal AustralianNavy Joint Board of Investigation. The aftersection of the Frank E. Evans soon arrivedand was drydocked at the Subic Bay NavalRepair Facility. We then ran into a quirk ofNavy regulations. Even though the Frank E.Evans was damaged well beyond repair, sheremained a commissioned Navy vessel forfour more weeks, during which time theremaining officers had to stand eight-hourwatches on her fantail.Seven years after the collision, I becamean engineering duty officer and spentthe remainder of my career in naval shipbuildingbillets. The built toughness of theFrank E. Evans is carried on in every Navyship we build. The battle damage sustainedand repaired on ships such as the USS Stark(FFG-31), Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58),Princeton (CG-59), and Cole (<strong>DDG</strong>-67)testify to that.Reprinted from Naval History with permission;Copyright © 2003 U.S. Naval Institute.www.usni.org8 | February 2011 | BIW NEWS
<strong>DDG</strong> <strong>111</strong> <strong>Assessment</strong> <strong>Trials</strong><strong>DDG</strong> <strong>111</strong> is the first new constructionship to receive theextensive change package characterizedas <strong>DDG</strong> Modernization andcontained in four major EngineeringChange Proposals (ECPs) affecting<strong>DDG</strong> <strong>111</strong> and 112.One of these changes is a majorupgrade to the Machinery ControlSystem (MCS), changing out singlefunctionconsoles for universal controlconsoles and moving from a hardwarebasedpush button interface to amodern, software-based interface.This upgrade provides a foundation forfuture software automation and reducedcore manning. The Navy scheduled anadditional activity, <strong>Assessment</strong> <strong>Trials</strong>, inadvance of Acceptance <strong>Trials</strong> to ensurethat these new systems are ready fordemonstration to INSURV.The ship left BIW on February 16and underwent a full test schedule,including the new MCS, upgraded controlsystem network, modernized bridge,and a new video surveillance system.RADM Joseph F. Campbell,DeputyCommander Logistics, Maintenance andIndustrial Operations, responsible for allNavy Supervisor of Shipbuilding organizations,was onboard.The <strong>Assessment</strong> Trial was consideredcompletely successful and the Navyexpressed full confidence that <strong>DDG</strong> <strong>111</strong> isready to demonstrate its readiness to jointhe fleet during INSURV trials, scheduledto begin on March 15, 2011. In an email toJeff Geiger, Captain Dean Krestos,Supervisorof Shipbuilding, <strong>Bath</strong>, stated, “Alltesting objectives were fully met….This isthe culmination and realization of seven +years worth of work from initial conceptionto execution.”The <strong>DDG</strong> Modernization effort fornew construction was planned so that workwould occur in sequence, with no rip-outor in-process redesign impact. <strong>DDG</strong> 51Class ships in the fleet will retroactivelyreceive these upgrades beginning with<strong>DDG</strong>s 51 and 53, where Modernizationupgrades are currently underway.<strong>DDG</strong> <strong>111</strong> departing the mouth of theKennebec for the Gulf of Maine and<strong>Assessment</strong> <strong>Trials</strong> on February 16, 2011.This and cover photo by Patricia Rethi (D49).Welcome The following employeesjoined BIW during January 2011. Please welcome them.NameDept.Service AnniversariesJanuary 2011Dept. Name35 Years38 Pratt Sr, Lewis Kent30 Years06 Jones, Jeffrey Paul17 Collins, Allan Richard17 Sibley, Jay Thomas40 Simpson, Charles Paul50 Carter, Paul Francis86 Labonte, Peter91 Sawyer, William Ernest25 Years05 Sikora, Keith Alex26 Toothaker, Olcott Stanley86 Donnell, Elizabeth Ann86 Mallett, Stephen Longfellow20 Years40 Bedard, Deborah Lynn40 Stinson, Kurt Philip10 Years44 Niles, Penny Pickering44 Ouellette, Michelle LeslieDept. Name5 Years01 Scheele, Timothy James02 Nappi, Anthony Guy26 Minieri, Joseph Thomas40 Conners Jr, William Price40 Cornish, Kenneth Worthen40 Drew, Robert Loring40 Gehrs, Robert Paul40 Jordan, Eric Thomas40 Marquardt, Philip Walter40 Marzen, Andrew William40 Poole, Robert Richmond40 Smith, Steven Philip40 Strickland, James Allan40 Taylor, Philip Wayne86 Brewer, Dana Troy86 Cumming, Gregory Frank87 Brezenski, William David87 Brook, David Tappe87 Marchesseault, ChadMichael87 Nadolny, Vincent John87 Teague, Shawn GarverAskew, Pamela Kim 8600Blow, Jamie Mark* 1000Borkowski Sr, James Anthony 8000Brown, Randy Joe 8000Buckley, Eric Richard 0606Carlton, Joshua R 4300Caron, Patrick Michael 4300Drouin, Matthew Lane 6200Ellis, Shon* 1000Elnicki, Shane Mitchell 4300Haines, Lawrence Dow* 8000Hawkins, Robby Clinton 0600Hicks, Jonathan Paul 4300Jenkins, John Mark* 9105Kenney, Nicholas Robert 4300Lambert, Darren Bruce* 1000Levesque, Nathan Lee 1000L’Heureux, Richard Paul 8000Matson Jr, Forrest Wenthwort* 4300McCauley, Jessica Mary* 0500McCausland, James David 4300McCoy, Thomas Leslie* 1000Milliken, Eric Harry 1000Pingree, Robert Stanwood 4300Rice, Jonathan Edward Leonard 6200Richmond, Elizabeth Ann 4300Schutte, Frank Nicholas 1000Towle, Timothy Mark* 4300Wallace, Adam Patrick* 4300Weeks, Ryan Steven 4300Zahradka, Frank Travis* 8400* Returning EmployeeBIW NEWS | February 2011 | 9
Maine Engineers WeekOn February 16, 2011, GovernorPaul LePage signed a proclamationnaming the middleweek of February as Maine EngineersWeek. Deb Augustine (D86),a memberof Maine Engineering PromotionCouncil (MEPC) attended the signingwith several other BIW guests.MEPC promotes the work and contributionsof current engineers andencourages students to pursue careersin science, technology, engineering andmath (STEM). BIW is a sponsor of theMaine Engineers Week Expo, held thisyear on February 19, 2011 at Universityof Southern Maine, Gorham.MEPC members from USM and Time Warner Cable joined BIW representatives for the signing ofthe proclamation by Governor LePage, center. Shown above, right to left, are BIW employees DebAugustine, Larry Boyce, James Crabtree, Mike Alberio and Rick McGrath.Visitors from Camp Kieve Veterans CampCamp Kieve in Nobleboro, Maineis one of Maine’s legendarysummer camps and much more.In addition to traditional summerprograms for children, it offers yearroundprograms for Maine schoolgroups and corporate training andleadership classes. BIW is wellacquainted with the resources andgood will of Camp Kieve and itspeople.Kieve is currently holding its secondannual winter camp for U.S. serviceveterans and family members. Thiscamp is provided free of charge tothank veterans for their service andhelp them readjust to civilian andfamily life. This year’s camp includedseparate sessions for veterans ofAfghanistan, Iraq and Vietnam andwomen veterans of all wars. Duringeach session, veterans and family membersvisited BIW for a guided, walkingtour of the shipyard. Elliott Cumming(D46) organized the visits, with assistancefrom the <strong>DDG</strong> 51 ProgramOffice. Elliott said, “The veterans werevery appreciative of the opportunity totour BIW and see ships being built.Their time at Kieve includes physical,relaxation, and reflective activities, andI think seeing what we do here sendsthe message that we appreciate whatthey have done for us.”10 | February 2011 | BIW NEWSAttendees at the first session of Camp Kieve Veterans Camp toured BIW in January.
Ergo Cup Rewards Low Cost, Low Risk SolutionLast year, the Joint Union/ManagementErgonomics Committee introducedan Ergo(nomic) Cup Competition torecognize and encourage innovative, costeffective solutions to ergonomic situationsat BIW. Word of the event was spreadthrough the various CREST committeesand other safety-related forums and thefirst Ergo Cup was awarded to the Department19 CREST Committee for its CableJack Monopod solution to installing overheadcables in ship passageways.The prior method required overheadlifting and pushing of cables which stressedthe upper body area of the mechanics doingthe work. The solution developed by theD19 CREST Committee was to use aportable foot actuated transmission jackwhich lifts the cables into position. Physicalrisk areas are eliminated because the jackdoes all of the heavy lifting and pushing.At the same time, the labor hours requiredto perform this task are significantlyreduced, resulting in a lower cost, lowerergonomic risk process.Selected by the Joint Union-ManagementErgonomics Committee, the Ergo Cupwinner’s solution was judged to be relativelysimple, easy to use, and one that reducedergonomic risk (awkward body posturesand forceful exertions). Dennis Litalien,Foreman of D19 said, “I want to thankthe D19 CREST Team for their hard work.A pilot for the Monopod Jack was tried onHull 505 and generated positive commentsfrom both first and second shift mechanics.We have since purchased equipment for useon Hull 506. Using this jack will save timeand I know that it will prevent neck, backand shoulder injuries.”The D19 CREST Team includes, l to r: Curtis Pratt, Steve Moores, Kevin Ruff, Dana Delano, DennisLitalien (Co-chair), Larry Guerette (holding the cup), Mark Cote (Co-chair), Scott Beedy and ShawnTardiff.Criteria for 2011 will focus on ergonomicrisk reduction and safety, innovation,simplicity, scalability and sustainment,cost savings ROI, and cost to implement.Next year, there will be three quarterly(March, June and September) minicompetitionswith all 2011 entries eligiblefor the year-end competition for the silverErgo Cup. A grandfather clause will beapplied, making any ergonomic solutionthat is currently used and sustained eligiblefor the 2011 competition.Ben Zavitz (D52), Environmental Healthand Safety Ergonomist, said, “The nationalApplied Ergonomics Conference which isheld in March of each year features anErgo Cup Competition between variousFortune 500 companies. We’d like to haveour overall 2011 BIW winner represent usthere in March 2012.”2011 details will be available on the BIWintranet at EHS:Ergonomics:Resources:Ergo Cup Competition or by contactingBen Zavitz at ext. 2219. Ben said, “Whilewe initially focused on production-basedsolutions to ergonomic challenges,the competition is now wide open tosubmissions from anywhere in thecompany.”The Joint Ergonomics Committeeconsists of Laura Mathisen (D5210) andJohn Acker (D50), Co-chairs; as well asChris Barbor (D28), Wayne Carter(D2001), Paul Grover (D20), CharlieHammond (D10), Dan Jolicoeur(D5205), Heath Peaslee (D43), ChrisWhite (D50) and Ben Zavitz (D52).Sea Storyon ExhibitThe Maine Maritime Museum in<strong>Bath</strong> cares for many artifacts anddocuments related to BIW’s history.This exhibit noted to the right and cosponsoredby BIW may be of interest tomany employees and their families as<strong>Bath</strong>-built Arleigh Burke Class AEGISdestroyers played a pivotal role in thedemise of the 20th Century Cold War.BIW NEWS | February 2011 | 11
700 Washington Street<strong>Bath</strong>, ME 04530PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAIDBATH, MAINE04530PERMIT NO. 31Chocolate for a Good CauseThe headline could have read“Engineers Forced to Eat Chocolate”but that wasn’t quite right. All thosewho stopped by for the second annualChocolate Extravaganza to benefit FamilyCrisis Services were drawn by personalinterest.Organizer Christie Kelley (D40) said,“Anyone who wants to participate bringssomething chocolate and anyone whowants chocolate makes a donation. Wesocialize a little during the lunch breakand it’s both an Engineering Department40 teambuilding activity as well as afundraiser for a good cause.”In two years, the event has raised over$1,100 for Family Crisis Services whichsupports victims of domestic abuse inCumberland and Sagadahoc counties.Christie said, “They were so grateful forour donation. They provide a wide rangeof free, confidential services to citizens inour area and their emergency sheltersalways need necessities such as blankets,winter jackets, pillows, towels, books, cellphones, and gas cards. Gifts like ours reallyhelp them.”The Chocolate Extravaganza welcomeseveryone, so if there is a third annualnext year, don’t hesitate to stop by for achocolate fix.Chocolate enthusiasts surveyed the desserttable at the Chocolate Extravaganza. All dessertswere made by D40 employees (and maybe a fewspouses) and Christie Kelley (red sweater, by thedoor) recognized great baking talent among theirsupporters and contributors, including some oftheir newest and youngest employees.