While working on a crucial weld, a group of shipbuilders in the Virginia-Class Submarine Program at Newport News Shipbuilding raised a red flag that ultimately helped ensure first-time quality.

The team was preparing to weld the main omega seal – one of the most critical nuclear welds on the submarine – for Arkansas (SSN 800) using a new type of filler metal when the issue surfaced.

“The weld didn’t react the way we’re used to seeing,” said Nick Wobser (X18). “We take a lot of pride in what we do, and this is one of the most critical jobs on the boat. You want to make sure you’re confident that it’s going to go right.”

The welders elevated this issue to management. At that point, work was paused for about a week as the team used practice mockups to figure out a better technique for the new filler metal.

“Because of what the job is, you don’t want any imperfections,” said James Williams (X18). “You want to make sure you can understand the technicality behind it.”

VCS program leaders like Darrick Walker, director of general manufacturing, were proud of the team’s willingness to not only point out the problem, but also their work to come up with a solution.

“Not only did they raise their hand about the issue, they were actively engaged in perfecting the weld technique to put a quality product on the boat,” he said.

Raising the issue when the team did helped mitigate schedule impacts that would have resulted if the problems lingered further into construction.

“This team showed tremendous leadership and courage to speak up and raise this concern despite the initial impact to schedule,” said VCS Trades Director Vernon Eason. “This is an example of a team that feels empowered to raise concerns, problem solve and execute efficiently. I’m extremely proud of them and what they do for our team.”

Isaac Howell (X18) said it was important for the team to make sure their concerns were heard. “A lot of lives are dependent on us doing what we’re supposed to do,” he said.

While the main omega seal is particularly critical, Walker said the work shipbuilders do every day is just as important.

“What they do is not just for the day. We’ve got boats out there now that have been in the fleet for 20 or 30 years,” he said. “Their quality welds and the quality work you do today could save the lives of somebody in your family, my family or their family that could be serving on one of these boats 20-plus years from now.”