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Service to the Fleet Norfolk Naval Shipyard “Any Ship, Any Time, Any Where” April 2013

Shipyard CommanderCaptain Mark Bridenstine

Deputy CommanderCaptain Jim Jones

Command Master ChiefBrian Collier

Public Affairs OfficerJeff Cunningham

EditorBrian McNeal

Public Affairs StaffDebra Barlow

Michael Brayshaw Kristi Britt

Floyd LoganCurtis Steward

Service to the Fleet

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Volume 76, Number 4

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News

Apprentices Help Create new Honing Device

NNSY Awarded Elizabeth River Award

St. Julien’s Creek Restoration Recognized with CNO Award

Introducing New Littoral Combat Ship

Earth Day: RecycleProgram

Service to the Fleet is a DoD publica-tion and is authorized for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of Service to the Fleet are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Govern-ment, the Department of Defense, or Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Service to the Fleet is published monthly. Submissions are due on the 10th of each month. The public affairs staff reserves the right to edit submissions for content and brevity.

Remembering USS Thresher

Shipyard Spotlight:Michael Raitano, Jr.

Earth Day: NNSY Water Conservation Efforts

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ON THE COVER: Navy and Marine Corps commands worldwide celebrate Earth Day on the official date of 22 April and throughout the month. Earth Day activities can be a perfect opportunity to build relationships across command departments, with sister services and government agencies, and the local communities where we live and work.

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Features

Service to the Fleet, April 2013 7

FUTUREHoning

in on

THe

Future Submarine Availabilities to Benefit from Newport News Project Idea

Working in an industrial environment is rigorous even when conditions are ideal. Factor in the many external variables that exist within the shipyard, such as cramped spaces and long hours, and the stress and strain can increase exponentially. However, these rigors led to an idea that will soon save time, energy, resources and fatigue on future submarine projects. Shop 38 Apprentices David Bryant and Owen Holmes were working on steering and diving cylinders on USS Newport News (SSN 750). These cylinders are honed in place and requires the mechanic to support a 50-pound, air-driven motor and hone in an awkward, and ergonomically unsound position. “We were down there for eight weeks bent over and walking back and forth and I was like ‘There has to be a better way,’” said Bryant. “So we came up with some ideas and submitted them to Rodney (Wilkins) and within days, the Rapid Prototype Center (RPC) came up with a device that is going to save wear and tear on

somebody’s back one day.” The device the RPC created is a frame that supports all of the weight of the motor and hone and will only require the user to push the drill back and forth. In addition to the ergonomic benefit, the honing device will also cut man-hours by reducing the number of personnel needed from three to two. “It’s really exciting to see,” said Holmes. “I think it’s great that there are people here at the shipyard whose whole job is to take advice and ideas and actually put them into action. It’s great as second and third-year apprentices that we can come to somebody with ideas and put them in motion.” Rodney Wilkins, a process improvement specialist embedded with the Newport News project, got the wheels in motion to bring the idea to life. “As soon as they came to me with the idea, I got the right people involved at RPC to make this a reality. It was within one or two days the RPC team came down to see what

the guys had and see the actual job being performed. We knew it wouldn’t benefit the Newport News

project but we knew it would help benefit future projects down the road like USS Albany (SSN 753). That’s one of the most exciting things for me. Even though the project team’s focus is getting the Newport

News out, there is a lot of focus on capturing the enthusiasm and ‘Owning the Job’ like (Project Superintendent) Cmdr. Wolfson said, and benefiting the shipyard

for years down the road.” A modified version of Holmes and Bryant’s idea is already being used on the USS West Virginia SSBN (736) project. Said Holmes, “It’s cool that we initiated an action to save people’s backs down the road and make things easier for other people.”

By Brian McNeal, Code 1160 Public Affairs Specialist

The new Honing Device will relieve a 50 pound load off of the user

4 Service to the Fleet, April 2013

Facilities are an important factor at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and part of the three strategic goals. In order to keep the facilities “Safe, Clean and Functional,” the base support team has been working for 12 months at the installation level. “We’ve been upgrading and improving some of our appropriated and non-appropriated facilities to better serve our customers,” said Base Support Manager Tony Dyal. Non-appropriated work has been done on the NEX Fleet Store, Navy Gateway Inns and Suites and the Co-Op Food establishments; their projects fully funded by the establishment and self-sustain-ing through the operations. Appropriated work has been done on the MWR Gymnasium, MWR Single Sailor Center and the Child Development Center. In addition, May 2013 signifies the opening of the new DECA Commissary at Scott Center Annex. “Given our aging facilities, we’re working very hard in improving their material conditions to better support our patrons across the entire installation. Those who visit the Brig Café and the Rusty An-chor Café will quickly notice a cleaner and brighter atmosphere. New service lines have been added as well as new grab-and-go food warmers and chill boxes. We’ve also added new products such as pre-mium Segafredo and Chock-Full of Nuts brands of locally roasted coffees. We’re still serving a lot of the old-time favorites in each of the Co-Op loca-tions, but have also introduced fresh-grilled panini sandwiches and fresh-made smoothies at the Brig

Café,” Dyal said. “I encourage folks to shop the recently renovated NEX Mini Mart located right across from the fire department on Berrien Street. It’s like shopping at a mini Wawa or 7-Eleven. They offer a lot of great grab-and-go food items and a variety of drinks.” “We were able to expand our food offerings to our customers who shop in this mini mart, which was the most important thing,” said Nancy Allen, NEX Portsmouth general manager, of the NEX Mini Mart. “For our associates, we were able to add a break room and warehouse space to make their jobs a little easier. It is amazing how much they were able to do in the same amount of space. The mini mart feels a lot larger.” “We’ve received a lot of positive customer feed-back on facility improvements and renovations as well as new products being offered in the NEX Fleet Store and Co-Op food service establishments,” said Dyal. “We, along with our support service employees, are committed to providing the best customer service we can offer. We have seen an in-crease in positive morale across the installation, as a result of all the dedicated efforts and hard work put into the aforementioned facilities by our employees and the increase of patronage by customers. People are generally happy and pleased with improvements and would like to see more changes in the future.” Dyal added, “Currently, no large-scale support service projects or renovations are planned in the

Facility improvements

See Facility, page 14

By Kristi Britt, Code 1160 Public Affairs Specialist

USS Thresher (SSN 593) was the lead ship of the

most advanced class of nuclear powered attack submarines. Designed and built by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, it was launched July 9, 1960, and commissioned Aug. 3, 1961. On April 10, 1963, Thresher sank approximately 100 miles east of Cape Cod, Mass. while conducting sea trials. Following several shallow dives, Thresher commenced a deep dive, during which a problem developed. Thresher reported to USS Skylark (ASR 20), an escort ship, that the submarine was experiencing minor difficulties. A short time later, another

message, which could not be completely understood, was transmitted from Thresher. Not long after, several noises were heard which are believed to be the sounds of Thresher attempting to blow the main ballast tanks (an emergency surface evolution). Finally came the sound of the hull crushing at great depth. Onboard were 129 officers, crew and civilian technicians. A formal Court of Inquiry was convened April 11, 1963, to determine, if possible, the cause of the disaster. Although a number of possible scenarios were developed that could have led to the loss of the ship,

the Court of Inquiry concluded that it was not possible to establish the precise cause of the accident. The court concluded that the most likely cause of the loss was the failure of a silver brazed joint in a seawater pipe. The sinking of Thresher led to the inception and implementation of the rigorous submarine safety program SUBSAFE. Today, America has the strongest and safest submarine force in history, and the personnel who go down to the sea in boats, leaving their friends and loved ones ashore, can rest a little easier knowing that their safety has been assured in part by the men of USS Thresher.

Remembering USS ThresherBy Brian McNeal, Code 1160 Public Affairs Specialist


Once again Norfolk Naval Shipyard was recognized for environmental stewardship and was presented a Sustained Distinguished Performance award by the Elizabeth River Project River Stars group earlier this year. The Elizabeth River Project (ERP) is an independent, non-profit organiza-tion, whose sole mission is to restore the Elizabeth River to the highest practi-cal level of environmental quality through government, business and commu-nity partnerships. The ERP recognized NNSY for multiple environmental initiatives this year including the recycling of fluorescent light ballasts, and the installation of LED lighting in two of its parking lots. These two initiatives alone reduce the generation of hazardous waste by 1500 pounds, eliminate the emission of 29 metric tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and save over $85,000 in energy, material and labor costs on an annual basis. Additionally, NNSY recycled nearly 34,000 tons of solid waste in 2011. NNSY has participated in River Stars since its inception, reaching the high-est recognizable level, Model, in 2006, and has maintained that level each subsequent year by continually executing new programs to support the ERP’s mission. Beginning in 1997, the ERP launched River Stars, a voluntary environ-mental restoration program supported by local area businesses in the Eliza-beth River watershed. To date, more than 100 facilities have participated, documenting 281 million pounds of pollution reduced, 1247 acres of wildlife habitat restored or conserved, and more than 1 billion pounds of other materi-als reduced, recycled, or reused.

ShipyardRecognizedfor ElizabethRiverConservationEfforts

Athena Banks, CDR Roland Deguzman, Cameron Harper, CAPT Mark Bridenstine and Matt Peppers display the newly won Elizabeth River River Star award (Photo by Shane Hensely, Shipyard Photographer).



Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s St. Julien’s Creek Annex (SJCA) was recently selected as a winner of a CNO Environmental Award in Environmental Restoration (ER), recognizing significant achievements and accomplishments in FY12. SJCA was added to the National Priorities List in July 2000 as a result of former operations that resulted in environmental impacts. Of 59 potentially contaminated sites first identified, only five sites remain active under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. The remaining 54 sites have been determined to require no further action during previous investigations and/or removal actions. One of many challenges for the ER Program Partnering Team in 2012 was development of closeout strategies for the remaining sites, the most technically complicated. The team, consisting of representatives from Naval Facilities Command, Environmental Protection Agency, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and contractor CH2M HILL have successfully addressed sites through innovative, streamlined, consensus-based strategies in a cost-effective, proactive manner. The Team was recognized for remediation work at Site 5 (Former Burning Grounds), Site 2 (Waste Disposal Area B), UXO 001 (Wharf Area Sediments), and its community involvement.

• Approximately 32,960 tons of soil and cultural debris, 13 tons of munitions debris, 5,200 pounds of asbestos-containing material, 45 tons of scrap metal, and eight munitions and ex-plosives of concern were removed for disposal or destruction during a non-time-critical removal action at Site 5. The site is currently on schedule to be closed out under a No Further Ac-tion Record of Decision in FY13.

• During preparation for the Site 2 soil cover, materials excavat-ed for an enhanced extended detention basin and wetland mitigation area were recycled or collected for onsite re-use (480 cubic yards of timber, 16 tons of metal, 3 transformers, & 14,500 cubic yards of fill material). Using onsite borrow ma-terials reduced environmental burdens that would have been introduced from importing offsite fill material and disposing of material offsite.

• A geophysical investigation indicated the presence of metal-lic items at UXO 001, an indication of potential munitions be-ing present. Using an innovative technology at UXO 001, an electromagnet, provided for recovery of magnetic debris and significantly reduced disturbance of sediments compared with use of a clam shell dredge. This minimized environmen-tal impacts and resulted in a cost savings associated with a shortened field schedule and reduced generation of investi-gation-derived waste (IDW).

• The Navy has also continued to involve the community in the SJCA ER program by conducting Restoration Advisory Board meetings, interacting with neighboring civic leagues, and de-veloping a public website.

A congratulations to NAVFAC’s Krista Parra and the SJCA Partnering Team for this distinguished award.

St. Julien’SCreekRestorationRecievesCNO Award

By Mary Margaret Kutz, Hampton Roads Environmental Restoration Supervisor

Shipyard Spotlight: Michael Reitano, Jr.Apprentice Instructor


Service to the Fleet, April 2013 9 Service to the Fleet, February 2013 15

Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Code 900T Apprentice Instructor Michael Reitano, Jr. might be considered an embodiment of the adage “don’t judge a book by its cover.” While he may still bear the physical hallmarks of a man who spent his first decade after high school graduation working to become a professional rock musician, his imposing presence, long hair and goatee belie Reitano’s gracious humility, passion for safety and appreciation for his shipyard career. Proud to follow in the footsteps of his father, Michael Reitano, Sr., who retired as a Shipwright Apprentice Instructor in 2006, Reitano has been in his current position for just over a year. “He retired in 2006, about halfway into my apprenticeship,” said Reitano. “He was actually my trade theory instructor for two years. Some people would think, ‘oh, that’s a distinct advantage’—oh, quite the contrary. He wanted to make sure I knew what I was doing and all the aspects. They got it in the classroom. I got it in the classroom, then at home, then that weekend,” he said with a laugh before adding, “but I will say about my father that he was incredibly fair. That’s definitely one of the traits I’ve picked up.” Another trait that makes Reitano particularly well suited for his current position

is his care and concern for all apprentices under his instruction. “You have people who are great test takers; you have people who are street savvy as opposed to having book smarts. When you’re teaching, you have to be able to identify those people. We are dealing with people’s futures . . . not only do I want them to do the job right; I want to see them succeed too.” Wanting to see his apprentices succeed is second only to wanting apprentices to be safe. As a former golf course maintenance worker who saw firsthand a golfer suffer a severe eye injury for not obeying the rules of the course, Reitano emphasizes the necessity of all being committed to safety. “You have to have the safety aspects in your brain when you go out to do the jobs,” he said. “For scaffold builders, a scaffold can go up the entire height of a submarine or aircraft carrier. We’re talking incredible heights. If safety is not at the front of your mind, you’re putting people in jeopardy.” He added, “We want you to leave the same way you came in. I heard it when I came in; every apprentice I teach will hear it.” While Reitano respects and adheres to many traditions of apprenticeship instruction, he is not shy about updating and re-shaping the curriculum for

the benefit of the apprentices. “Being a new instructor, I’m changing the program from what it’s been in the past,” he said. “The [Wood/Fabric] Shop and I both agree they need more hands-on.” Using his surveying equipment class as an example, Reitano said he uses classroom exercises as part of his firm belief in practical training. “If you don’t put your hands on it and use it, you lose it. Where they really learn and gain the skills throughout the four years is on-the-job training.” Whether assisting prospective apprentices through the initial hiring process or as a facilitator for the NNSY Apprentice Association, Reitano works wherever possible for the betterment of the next generation of shipyard employees. “I’m their facilitator now,” he said of the association. “I think [the association’s] important for them. It helps them learn to become leaders. Another thing is all of the shops are in there, so they get to know people outside of their trade and it improves communication between the shops.” Ironically for a person who spent the years after high school graduation resisting a shipyard career, Reitano now appreciates it with the fervor of a man working twice as hard making up for that lost

Michael ReitanoBy Michael Brayshaw, Code 1160 Public Affairs Specialist

See Raitano, page 15


Builder: Lockheed Martin Length: 378 ft. Beam: 57.4 ft. Draft: 12.8 ft. Speed: 40+ knots Ships: USS Freedom (LCS 1)USS Fort Worth (LCS 3)PCU Milwaukee (LCS 5)PCU Detroit (LCS 7)

LCS is a fast, agile, focused-mission plat-form designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asym-metric anti-access threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft.

The Navy deployed its first littoral combat ship, USS Freedom (LCS 1), from her homeport of San Diego, March 1. The ship is deploying to South-east Asia and Singapore for approximately eight months to conduct maritime security operations with regional partners and allies. This marks the first of many planned rotational deployments to the Western Pacific for LCS platforms. LCS ships are designed to employ mission pack-ages that address capability gaps in the areas of surface warfare, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare. Due to its modular design, each LCS ship can be reconfigured to perform one of those three distinct missions in a short period of time. NAVSEA’s Program Executive Office for Littoral Combat Ships oversees the many programs that comprise the LCS seaframes, mission modules, and mission systems, and oversees ship Fleet introduc-tion and sustainment. Freedom’s deployment will demonstrate her op-erational capabilities, and allow the LCS Council to evaluate crew rotation and maintenance plans. “I am confident we are on a path of success for LCS,” said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. “This council will continue to unify our efforts to implement op-erational lessons learned from our research and de-velopment ships to further ensure successful fleet integration.” The ship will operate forward from Singapore and spend eight months in theater conducting mari-time security operations, participate in internation-al exhibitions and exercises to highlight U.S. strate-gic intent in the region, and reassure U.S. partners through bilateral and multilateral interoperability.

CLICK FOR VIDEO


IntroducIng uSS Freedom

LIttoraL combat ShIp

The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) con-ducts sea trials off the coast of Southern California. Freedom departed March 1 for a deployment to the Asia-Pacific region to demonstrate her operational capabilities and allow the Navy to evaluate crew rotation and maintenance plans(Photo by MC1 James R. Evans).

HYDROPLANShipyard Program Aims to Keep Waterways Clean

Water; it’s a chemical compound of hydrogen

and oxygen that covers 71 percent of the Earth’s surface. It is a substance vital to all known forms of life on planet Earth. Water is also versatile in what it can achieve; it can be used for consumption, as a natural fuel

source and much more. Being as important a substance as it is, it is important for it to be safe and on constant watch for contamination. At Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), the Water Program is in place to guarantee the water of the shipyard is safe for the workforce as well as the Elizabeth River. “The ultimate goal is to keep us compliant with

the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and the Commonwealth of Virginia regulations in regard to discharges in the river,” said Michael Johnson, Code 106 environmental engineer. “It helps the shipyard as a whole become better environmental stewards to make sure we can support the non-stop execution of work in an

environmentally safe manner.” The Water Program uses general water sampling to investigate PH and Chlorine levels, heavy metal fragments as well as possible toxic organic compounds. Tests and samples are taken on a monthly basis in various locations around the yard and the river as based on stipulations given by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Code 134 is the main source of sampling and depending on the perimeter of the testing, outside contractors are also brought it. If anything isn’t up to code, measurements are taken to better understand the issue. “Any sort of sample that exceeds a limit is a red flag,” Johnson. “Also during waterfront inspections we’re looking for best management practices that are supposed to be implemented, if not or implemented incorrectly, they are always red flags. How work’s being conducted and the potential environmental consequences of that work, we monitor that to make sure correct procedures are being followed to ensure environmental compliance.” Being an industrial facility, NNSY faces challenges daily with keeping the water clean and safe. “The biggest challenges are that we have two types of discharges here on NNSY: you have industrial discharges and storm water run-off,” he says. “Industrial discharges include things like centralized pier-side

By Kristi Britt, Code 1160 Public Affairs Specialist

“It helps the shipyard as a whole become better environmental stewards to make sure we can support the non-stop execution of work in an environmentally safe manner.”

-- Michael Johnson, Code 106 environmental engineer


pretreatment unit, the industrial waste water treatment plant and the dry docks. We do a pretty good job with them; they’re pretty easy to control.” “Storm water run-off is a challenge because it’s not directly visible but just about anything that a drop of water can touch and migrate to a storm drain becomes an issue for us,” Johnson continues. “This goes from everything to general cleanliness of the shipyard to the construction sites because they’re generally digging at the ground and a lot of debris is created there. The general work done at the yard generates particulates. For instance, if shavings from metal cutting get exposed in the rain it can go in the storm drain and affect the quality of water getting into the drains.” As a workforce, employees of NNSY can help in providing the yard with the safest and cleanest water possible; they can also take such practices home and make a difference in the water sources they directly influence. “The big thing for the typical employee to know is be cognizant of what happens when you’re doing the work,” says Johnson. “It’s very easy to be caught up in what you’re doing specifically when you’re doing something like cutting a metal, but where are

the shavings going? It really comes down to general cleanliness. Another thing is constant equipment checks. Leaking hydraulic fluids and oils, it’s going to happen sometimes and you can’t control it completely but doing things to the best of your ability really helps the situation. People sometimes have a bit of a tunnel vision and they don’t think of the repercussions. It’s not anyone’s fault, it’s human nature. It’s hard to see the secondary effects of what you’re doing. I think just being cognizant and asking the questions ‘where does this go? and ‘where do things ultimately go?’ will make a huge difference. If everyone did that every time, this place would be spotless.”

Code 106 Environmental Protection Specialists Tim Sawyer and James Fulcher. take water samples (Photo by Michael Johnson, Code 106 environmental engineer)



near future. However, our support activities are always looking ahead to making improvements where needed in order to better support our custom-ers.” With the upgrades and renova-tions, the base support has guaranteed Strategic Goal #3 has been a major focus point and will continue to do so. “We sincerely appreciate the sup-port of our customers and the work of our employees who make it possible to sustain retail operations in today’s economy,” said Dyal. “We take great pride in delivering the best support services and sometimes may we fall short on expectations, but, if given a chance, we’ll work to make things right. I would like to challenge each of you to visit our different activities and give them a chance to service your future needs. Thank you for your continued support.”

Facility, Cont’d from page 5Ahrens, Steven A. - Marine MachinistBarrera, Lindsay R. - Physical Science TechArnold, Jerry A. - Environmental Protection SpecBennett, Charles B. - PipefitterBoothe, Jason N. - ShipwrightBowser, Glenwood L. - Training InstructorClary, Teresa S. - Engineer TechDalrymple, Deborah A. - MachinistFrazier, Allen - ElectricianFronzaguo, Michael W. - Marine Machine MechanicGatlin, Melvin – PainterHodges, Sharon B. – Tool Mechanic LeaderHolliday, Brittany V. - Nuclear Engineer Tech.Holloman Jr., Hurley L. – WelderHudson, Logan T. - Pipefitter (Stu Trne)Johnson, Tiara S. – Pipefitter ApprenticeKendall, Elizabeth J. - Marine Machinist MechanicKodilanen, Charles - Electronics MechanicLeggett, Amanda N. - Physical Science TechLeinart, Cambari’L – Equipment Mechanic HelperMoore, Pamela Y. - Fabric WorkerMunford, Timothy G. - Heavy Mobile Equip MechanicNorman, Jeraud E. – Painter WorkleaderSavedge, Lenise A. - Paint LeaderWatson, Veronica R. - Admin Management SpecWilson, Keith - WelderWilson, Vernon S. - Machinist

Leave Donor ProgramTo donate leave or apply for the program, please contact E’Spranza Allen at 396-9023.

CaptainMark Bridenstine

Shipyard Commander and Command Master Chief’s Comments Will Return Next Month

NNSY Team,

You likely have read a joint message from NAVSEA Executive Director Bill Deligne and NAVSEA Commander Vice Adm. Kevin M. McCoy, to inform you DoD has directed a delay in the release of furlough notices to our civil-ian employees for approximately 2 weeks.

This delay will allow the Department to carefully analyze the impact of pending Continuing Resolution legislation on the Department’s resources. As mentioned in the e-mail, as updates are provided they will be promptly passed on to you.

On a personal note, I’d like to say to every member of our civilian work-force that you are essential to what we do at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. You repair and maintain our ships, build and manage our budgets and design and engineer our current and future force. Your efforts remain absolutely essential to our ability to deliver ships ready to fight and win. Thank you for your continued service during this difficult time.


Earth Day Reminder: Norfolk Naval Shipyard Dumpster guidance

DO NOT place in ANY dumpster

ORANGE DUMPSTER- No wood

BLACK DUMPSTER-landfill materials only

GREEN DUMPSTER

BLUE DUMPSTER

BROWN DUMPSTER

SILVERDUMPSTER

BLUE BINS

Do I put cardboard in the black dumpster or green dumpster? Do I have to remove staples before placing paper in

my recycling bin? These are some of the common questions shipyarders may ask themselves when trying to recycle. When faced with the uncertainty to what goes where, the temptation to just throw it away certainly grows. With Earth Day, the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide -- slated for April 22 -- efforts to broaden awareness and rekindle commitment to recycling and other Earth-friendly programs that are underway at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and around the nation. Recycling efforts at the shipyard are trending upwards, according to NNSY Recycling Manager Connie Lehmkuhl. “We are doing a great job with items such as plastic bottles, cans, paper and glass. The most common error on the shipyard I would say is food waste and Styrofoam which are often placed in the wrong bin. I get requests daily for new dumpsters so I take that as a good sign people are interested in recycling. In December of 2010, NAVFAC took over leadership of the recycling facility in Building 1460 and that has made a tremendous difference in the amount of waste that enters area landfills.” For information on NNSY’s recycling program, contact Lehmkuhl at 635-6310


time. Reflecting on what led him to where he is now, Reitano said, “Pretty cut and dry . . . I saw Dad do it. I’ve always been kind of a performer. I love music, so I was in bands and things. So public speaking has never been an issue for me. I wanted to be a part of changing the environment. If nobody else, to be one voice to say [to apprentices]: ‘you have a career, you have a privilege, you have what a lot people in the area do not have.’ That kind of positive reinforcement affects work ethics just as much as negative reinforcement, if not more in my opinion.” Summing up what he likes best about his job, Reitano said, “Working with the future. I really think this is a position I could retire from because I enjoy it that much.”

Raitano, Cont’d from page 9Shipyard Recycle Program

A morning view of the Elizabeth River taken from the Jordan Bridge. Norfolk Naval Shipyard has been recognized twice in 2013 for its environmental efforts winning an Elizabeth River Star award, and a Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Restoration award (Photo by Shayne Hensley, NNSY Photographer).

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