Continuous improvement was the focus when Thomasina Wright, vice president of Fleet Support Programs, brought more than 30 directors and managers together earlier this year to review lessons learned from the overhaul of USS Helena (SSN 725).

Participants reviewed and assessed the impacts of those lessons learned with an eye toward future efforts, including the undocking of USS Columbus (SSN 762).

“As I transitioned from the carrier overhaul program to the submarine overhaul program, I realized that there are different requirements for undocking a submarine,” said Wright. “Several fleet support leaders, like myself, were not on the program during the USS Helena undocking. I felt that it was essential to bring the team together and review the lessons learned to ensure that we incorporate them for successful undocking of Columbus and USS Boise (SSN 764).”

Knowledge-capture events occur any time Newport News Shipbuilding delivers a ship to the Navy, said Ernie Hartman, Business Acceleration Risk and Knowledge manager. These sessions, called “hot washes,” document what went right and what went wrong. They also develop solutions for problems incurred along the way and recommend actions to prevent those issues in the future.

“Over the years, I’ve always heard the Navy wants us to apply lessons learned from previous experiences so we don’t make the same mistakes,” said Hartman.

For example, the team evaluated a certification procedure that now provides Fleet Support with a detailed set of instructions for the certification of submarines during major key events.

“The knowledge and detail provided in this procedure came directly from the Helena lessons learned and serves as the guide to lead both Columbus and Boise through their major certification events,” said Rich Barnwell (O64), Fleet Support Division program manager.

This was the first time a hot wash was used as a tool for performance improvement for future submarine work. By asking the extra question and seeking to establish clarity, the Columbus and Boise teams aim not only to meet their programmatic commitment to the Navy, but exceed it.

Overall, NNS has strived to rebuild its capacity to overhaul submarines following a nearly decade-long hiatus from the business. The delivery of Helena provided a wealth of lessons to be implemented into process improvements. NNS remains committed to supporting the increased pace and volume of maintenance needs of the U.S. Navy to return these important assets to sea.

Armed with increased knowledge, NNS is actively and aggressively addressing challenges on Columbus to accelerate performance throughout the shipyard.