A crew of Newport News shipbuilders working on aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) took home the initial “crew of the week” honors last week, earning a championship belt in what will become an ongoing recognition event.

As part of the presentation, shipbuilders heard from Huben Phillips (O44), a manager in Organization and Leadership Development. He joined NNS after a distinguished 34-year career in the U.S. Navy, which included a stint as command master chief on USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

“What you do is more than just a job,” he told the shipbuilders.

Phillips described the threats posed by rising powers Russia and China. He stressed that the work done at Newport News Shipbuilding is crucial to the nation’s success.

Lucas Hicks, vice president of the John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) New Construction Aircraft Carrier Program, acknowledged that shipbuilders face challenges, but urged them to focus on the work immediately before them and “win the day.” Stringing together short-term wins will lead to NNS achieving its long-term goals, he said. Praising the shipbuilders’ expertise and determination, he said he looked forward to awarding the championship belt to future high-performing crews.