Dear Shipbuilders,

August marks the start of Ethics and Compliance Awareness Month at HII, and it’s also an historic month for our nuclear Navy. As we embark on the month ahead, please spend time with your work teams reflecting on our role as a nuclear shipbuilder, the historical significance of it, and the behaviors required for this enormous responsibility.

Later this week, on Aug. 4, the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program will celebrate its 75th anniversary. Since its inception in 1948, Naval Reactors has earned a reputation for delivering safe, reliable and affordable nuclear power to ensure the U.S. Navy has unmatched capabilities. For nearly eight decades, Newport News Shipbuilding has been part of this program, and our shipbuilders have contributed to an unrivaled record of more than 171 million miles safely steamed on nuclear power.

Please take a moment on Friday to celebrate this accomplishment, and to remember that this record of excellence does not come easily. The key to 75 more years of safe, reliable maritime dominance is in our hands. The decisions we make on a daily basis can mean the difference between monumental success or catastrophic failure. It is important as we celebrate milestones like this anniversary, not to lose perspective or become complacent about what it takes to uphold these standards.

Our company values of Integrity, Safety, Respect, Engagement, Responsibility and Performance are the foundation of who we are as shipbuilders. They set the tone for how we behave at work, in the community and when no one else is watching. Integrity, respect and responsibility enable a culture of safety, engagement and performance.

Over the next six months, we will share more about our values, what they mean, and why they are foundational to our shipyard. It is important for all shipbuilders – new and experienced – to know and understand our values because they help define our culture of “Always Good Ships” and distinguish us from all other organizations.

Our world is safer and our Navy is stronger because of Newport News-built aircraft carriers and submarines, and I sincerely thank you for answering the call to serve as only shipbuilders can.

Respectfully,
Jennifer Boykin
President, Newport News Shipbuilding