Newport News Shipbuilding employees who work on aircraft carrier programs have the opportunity to participate in familiarization tours on active Nimitz– and Ford-class aircraft carriers during actual underway periods.

The tours are made possible through the Shipbuilders to Sea program, formerly known as Engineers to Sea. They usually last three to four days while the ship conducts carrier landing qualifications off the East Coast. Participants get a broad understanding of the Navy’s needs and an increased knowledge of the operation, maintenance and interaction of the systems they design.

The first cohort of NNS employees to participate in this program in more than four years toured USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in October. “The voyage was an eye opener and a tremendous learning experience,” said participant Janice Boone (E68). Other shipbuilders included in the first cohort were Kyle Custer (E70), Patrick Bogue (E70), Deborah Jennette (E44), Jason Dery (E79), Bryan Silver (X57) and Joseph Dellapenta (E70). Christopher Brown and Ken Gray served as guides, and Ron Rancourt coordinated pre-sail information.

For consideration to participate in future trips, contact Renae Myles (E01) via email.