When Newport News Shipbuilding completed the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) for USS George Washington (CVN 73), Kimberly Solorzano-Gonzalez still had plenty to do.

Solorzano-Gonzales (K73) played a key role in planning the after-action assessment, or hot wash, of the massive project. It took months of advance work and culminated in a three-day event that involved some 250 people from NNS, the government and ship’s force.

The hot wash earned praise for its seamlessness and level of engagement, and it resulted in recognition from Business Acceleration (K52) as a “WIN.” The division uses WINs as a means to celebrate successes, especially those tied to NNS’s True North/Healthy Business Measures, which means the associated outcomes lead to performance improvements for the company.

At the outset, Solorzano-Gonzalez faced a number of logistical challenges. This event needed the proper venue, suitable for attendees coming from across Hampton Roads and outside of Virginia. A conference hotel between Norfolk and Chesapeake with facilities that offered a virtual option proved the best choice.

“We also had the challenge of narrowing down the agenda to fit the three-day event,” she said.

Even picking a date was a challenge, given the busy schedules of everyone involved. Besides those who worked on CVN 73, participants included representatives of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), now undergoing a RCOH at NNS.

Solorzano-Gonzalez said she appreciated the positive feedback.

“I can honestly say I had a great support team. The CVN 73 program office worked with me to get everything ready, and my manager, Tia Sheppard always made sure I had all the help I needed, ” she said.

The project also aided her personal growth. Working with so many different audiences honed her organizational skills.

“We’re used to working with company people on a regular basis,” she said. “When you’re a knowledge manager, you’re not just supporting NNS. You’re also supporting the government and ship’s force.”

Solorzano-Gonzalez said capturing lessons learned is critical for a RCOH, but can impact other areas of the shipyard as well.

“I encourage all other programs to engage in knowledge management,” she said. “We have a capable and competent knowledge management team in K73 that is willing to help and guide you.”

If called upon to plan another hot wash, Solorzano-Gonzalez says she’s ready.

“In the end, it feels very rewarding knowing that all your hard work paid off and so many people are speaking highly of this hot wash,” she said. “I can honestly say I wouldn’t mind planning another one.”