Two Newport News Shipbuilding employees were recognized with STEP Ahead awards by The Manufacturing Institute for their achievements in science, technology, engineering and production.

The STEP Ahead awards highlight the accomplishments of women at all levels of the manufacturing industry who exemplify leadership and demonstrate excellence in their careers. The program was created to encourage women to mentor and support the next generation of female talent to pursue manufacturing careers.

Construction supervisors Emily Frantz Stuff and Teresa Mullen were among 130 women honored during an awards reception in Washington, D.C. Frantz Stuff is responsible for project organization at the Kesselring Site, in West Milton, New York, and works closely with production as a project manager creating schedules, ensuring safety and supporting execution. She was recognized as an emerging leader.

Mullen coordinates and supervises construction processes for aircraft carrier tanks, shielding and third decks. Her responsibilities include defining project scope, goals and deliverables in support of the build strategy and key event schedule. She was recognized as a STEP Ahead honoree.