Shipbuilders working in Integrated Planning and Production Control (IPPC) and Capacity Planning in Manufacturing at Newport News Shipbuilding had an opportunity to meet and learn more about the work happening across their departments during a recent engagement activity.

The October “Show and Tell” event brought together hundreds of shipbuilders from X21, X22, X23, X24 and X25. It included booths from each area so shipbuilders could participate in demonstrations, show products and introduce their work to others.

John Glenn, IPPC director of Manufacturing, said the idea for the event came from the engagement team, and he was pleased with how it turned out. With a team that’s large and spread across the shipyard, he was happy to create an opportunity to bring people together.

“It’s really important that the Fab Shop team understands the Machine Shop team, and people talk more if they know each other,” Glenn said. “People will pick up the phone, understand who they’re talking to – and if they know the face on the other end – they’re much more open and engaged. It’s all about engagement as a team.”

He estimates about 40% of shipbuilders on the team have been in their current roles for less than two years. That includes Clay Copeland (X22), who has been at the shipyard for a few months. He was grateful for the opportunity to learn about other departments and put faces with names.

“It’s just been nice to be able to see people, build relationships and also gain an understanding of each other’s departments, technology and equipment,” he said.