Shipbuilders,

Recently, Newport News Shipbuilding’s security team increased random security checks throughout our facility to protect our shipbuilders, our platforms and our information. Since then, we have become aware of misinformation – involving personal cell phones, in particular – that has spread across our workforce and caused concern.

Using a personal cell phone to take a photo or video, or using any application that activates the camera function, is prohibited on NNS property. However, the use of facial recognition technology on personal cell phones is allowed. No NNS shipbuilders have faced disciplinary action or termination for having facial recognition enabled on their personal device.

The ability to bring personal cell phones into our facility is a privilege, and we must all do our part to ensure these devices do not interfere with the critical work that we perform every day. I appreciate everyone’s vigilance in seeking clarification about facial recognition. As a reminder, our rules on personal cell phone use can be found here: SSP S-1040.

Thank you for doing your part to follow our security standards and for speaking up when something doesn’t seem right.

Sincerely,

Karey Malyszko
Vice President, Quality, Process Excellence and Plant Operations