NEWPORT NEWS SHIPYARD: BAD WELDING AFFECTS AT LEAST 26 NAVY VESSELS
When news broke out about faulty welding aboard vessels for the Navy, depending on how closely you’ve been following, it sadly wasn’t the most surprising thing in the world. Several shipyards are facing a lack of qualified laborers for projects affecting both the private sector and the military. However, what started with three ships has quickly ballooned to at least 26 vessels so far. Now, questions about the Virginia shipyard are being asked. This is as a naval force already dealing with multiple issues tries to get to the bottom of things.
The Navy is Investigating Newport News Shipyard
Initially, the aircraft carrier USS George Washington along with attack submarines USS Hyman G. Rickover and USS New Jersey were believed to be the watercraft affected by shotty welding built or repaired at the Newport News Shipyard. However, an ongoing investigation has already shown that at least 26 ships have been affected. To make matters worse, initial findings show that Newport News Shipbuilding didn’t just do a bad job welding our nation’s fleet but the workers knew standard procedures were being violated at the time. Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) is the parent company of the VA-based shipyard. Jennifer Boykin, who works as the president of the Newport News Shipyard, confirmed that welders knowingly ignored protocols. Other workers came forward about the issues, notifying HII, who does not believe the violations are malicious. However, the discovery is causing everyone to reevaluate the practices taking place at the facility. And, it has hindered trust in the company. Proper welding is critical for any project. The Navy ships affected could face equipment failures, injuries, or worse, depending on the situation. Each weld is supposed to meet Navy specifications to ensure safety and functionality for the ships and their crew.
Yet Another Issue With Shipbuilding for the Navy
Each weld connected to the Newport News Shipyard issues is undergoing a detailed review to determine the extent of the problem, while the Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, maintains that the vessels affected are still safe and operational. The issues facing the shipbuilding industry and the Navy are connected and complex. The latest controversy is only adding to the problem. Having a shipbuilding industry suffer from a lack of qualified workers at a time in which more ships are needed continues to plague the force in new, unfortunate ways. Furthermore, future Newport News Shipbuilding jobs are likely to require even more experience in leadership, as trust will need to be re-established at least to some degree. Regardless of where the Navy and Virginia-based shipyard’s relationship goes, the overall issues persist. This is while the force works to improve its power and keep Sailors safe.
Newport News Shipyard Will Need to Regain Trust
While HII hasn't found malicious welding practices, it's not disclosing more at this time as the investigation is ongoing. However, the push to have welders gain more hands-on experience before becoming leaders is one that multiple parties will be watching. At the end of the day, trust is important. Newport News Shipbuilding will have to work hard to regain it with the Navy following these events, even as it recommits to building high-quality ships. Immediate corrective actions have taken place. However, the long-term, full range of effects of the shotty welding at Newport News Shipbuilding will only be seen as time moves forward. Suggested reads: