Dear Shipbuilders,
When Collis P. Huntington began Newport News Shipbuilding 138 years ago, he built our culture upon the guiding principle of quality first in all we do. Since those early days, we have expanded upon this mindset to include safety, and today, safety and quality remain core to every job we perform. It is our collective responsibility to ensure we never compromise these principles and that we teach our “Always Good Ships” culture to our new shipbuilders.
Already this year, we have leveraged safety and quality to accomplish critical program milestones to include launching a Virginia-class submarine and taking another one to sea for the first time; testing the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) on the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy; delivering the first Columbia-class submarine stern to Electric Boat; and preparing to undock USS John C. Stennis.
These are highly-visible accomplishments that rightfully receive fanfare and accolades, but they are only possible thanks to thousands of hours of smaller, less-visible accomplishments along the way. It takes all of us doing our jobs with the utmost care, integrity and attention to detail, every time, for our culture to endure.
To help remind us that every day matters, all shipbuilders will soon receive a 12-month wall calendar that is being mailed to your homes. The calendar summarizes our NNSFORWARD strategy accomplishments from 2023 and focus areas for 2024, and it features stunning photography from across the shipyard. As you use your calendar throughout the year, I hope it will inspire and remind you that your work is special and unique, and makes a difference in the world.
Please be on the lookout for your calendar later this month, and thank you for answering the call to serve as only shipbuilders can.
All the best,
Jennifer Boykin
President, Newport News Shipbuilding