March 2010

Volume I, Issue 3

MHI Ship Repair & Services

Inside this issue:

The Board Room 2

National Health Month 2

Quality Assurance 2

AMH Health 3

Security Matters 4

Human Resources 4

Facilities 4

Hawaii Supperferries 5

Safety 5

Happy Birthday 6

Creekside Cookies 6

The Editor’s Desk 6

IT Support 7

From the Galley 7

March Happenings 8

Service Anniversaries 8

Maritime Muse

IRR 644-7279 Mid-town 644-7280 IRR ext. 260 Mid-town ext. 285

Emergency Numbers 

Inclement Weather 757-222-4874

Page 2 Maritime Muse

The Boardroom

Quality Assurance ~ Good Job

Some time ago in the Newsletter I mentioned that MHI, in collaboration with the Virginia Ship Repair Association (VSRA), would be partnering up with the American Red Cross for a program called “Ready when the Time Comes.” The Sou theas t e rn V i r g i n i a Chapter of the Red Cross and W.W. Grainger, Inc. developed this program in an effort to enhance their response to large-scale disasters that could affect our area. MHI has committed to

providing a team of volunteers for the mass care feeding program. Volunteers will be part of a ready reserve team that can be called upon when a disaster requires a greater level of support than what the Red Cross can normally provide on their own. Volunteers will work with mobile feeding teams to distribute food to those in need after fires, hurricanes, floods, or any other disasters that require our assistance.

NSSA Audit Norfolk Ship Support Activity (NSSA), has provided the audit findings for the audit conducted on February 3 thru 5, 2010 and MHI’s implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS) is considered “Highly Satisfactory.” C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o everyone in the QA Department on a job well done.

FY 11 Standard Items (SI) FY 11 Standard Items have been posted at the Tech Library (P:\Tech Library). If you have requested a hard copy of an SI, it is available in the QA office and must be signed out to each department.

Tom Epley, MHI President and Chief Executive Officer

Eat More Vegetables and Fruit Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts o f f ru i ts and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.

Nutrients should come primarily from foods. Foods such as fruits and vegetables contain not only the vitamins and minerals that are often found in supplements, but also other naturally occurring substances that may help protect you from chronic diseases.

For some people, fortified foods or supplements can be helpful in getting the nutrients their bodies need. A fortified food contains a nutrient in an amount greater than what is typically found in that food.

I would like to get between 8 and 10 employees who are willing to go through the formal training to become disaster-response volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer p lease contact Mis ty Goldman by COB Friday, March 5, 2010 for more information.

“It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't.”

Martin Van Buren

Every MHI employee should have in their possession the wallet sized Quality Policy Statement and Safety Commitment statement.

VA offers veterans an online tool to help them track their food intake and manage their nutrition. The MyHealtheVet Web site has an online food journal to help veterans monitor what they eat. It also offers tips and information on health and wellness. Veterans (as well as their families and advocates) can log on to www.myhealth.va.gov and begin tracking their food intake today. The journal may be used as a tool for follow-up nutrition counseling with a local registered dietitian. VA provides nutrition counseling as a health care benefit to enrolled veterans. For more information on nutrition, veterans may contact their local VA Medical Center. A few healthy tips: Eat smaller meals Drink more water Reduce your intake of deep fried foods Read food labels and reduce sugar Additionally, the VA offers an Internet reference site for reliable links to nutrition resources at the following website. http://www.va.gov/nfs/veternnutrition.htm

March is National Nutrition Month ~ The VA Can Help

Page 3 Maritime Muse

AMH HEALTH ~ Recent Outbreak of Noroviruses in Local Hospitals

unusually sleepy or fussy. Dehydration can lead to other serious problems. And severe dehydration may require hospitalization for treatment with intravenous (IV) fluids. Thus it is important to prevent dehydration during norovirus illness. The best way to protect against dehydration is to drink plenty of liquids. The most helpful fluids for this purpose are oral rehydration fluids (ORF)*. Other drinks that do not contain caffeine or alcohol can also help with mild dehydration. However, these drinks may not replace important nutrients and minerals lost due to vomiting and diarrhea. Severe dehydration can be serious. If you think you or someone you are caring for is severely dehydrated, contact your healthcare provider. *Several products with ingredients similar to those in ORFs can be used to prevent or treat mild dehydration. These products—called oral rehydration solutions—are sold as pre-mixed fluids. Following is a list of some oral rehydration solutions commonly available in U.S. food and drug stores: Infalyte, Kao Lectrolyte, Naturalyte, Oralyte, and Pedialyte. If you are unsure about which product to use or how to use these pre-mixed fluids, contact your healthcare provider. Can norovirus infections be prevented? You can decrease your chance of coming in contact with noroviruses by following these preventive steps: Frequently wash your hands, especially

after toilet visits and changing diapers and before eating or preparing food. Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and

steam oysters before eating them. Thoroughly clean and dis infect

contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner. Immediately remove and wash clothing or

linens that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap). Flush or discard any vomitus and/or stool

in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.

Persons who are infected with norovirus should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness. Food that may have been contaminated by an ill person should be disposed of properly.

What are noroviruses? Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the “stomach flu,” or gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis), in people. Viruses are very different from bacteria and parasites, some of which can cause illnesses similar to norovirus infection. Like all viral infections, noroviruses are not affected by treatment with antibiotics, and cannot grow outside of a person’s body. W h a t a r e t h e s y m p t o m s o f noroviruses? The symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. At times people have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. In most people the illness is self-limiting with symptoms lasting for about 1 or 2 days. In general, children experience more vomiting than adults. What is the name of the illness caused by noroviruses? Illness caused by norovirus infection has several names, including: stomach flu – this “stomach flu” is not

related to the flu (or influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus.

viral gastroenteritis – the most common name for illness caused by norovirus. Gastroenteritis refers to an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

acute gastroenteritis non-bacterial gastroenteritis food poisoning (although there are other

causes of food poisoning) calicivirus infection How serious is norovirus disease? People may feel very sick and vomit many times a day, but most people get better within 1 or 2 days, and they have no long-term health effects related to their illness. However, sometimes people are unable to drink enough liquids to replace the liquids they lost because of vomiting and diarrhea. These persons can become dehydrated (lose too much water from their body) and may need special medical attention. During norovirus infection, this problem with dehydration is usually only seen among the very young, the elderly, and people with other illness. How do people become infected with noroviruses? Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit

of infected people. People can become infected with the virus in several ways, including: eating food or drinking liquids that are

contaminated with norovirus; touching surfaces or objects contaminated

with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth; having direct contact with another person

who is infected and showing symptoms (for example, when caring for someone with illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill).

Persons working in day-care centers or nursing homes should pay special attention to children or residents who have norovirus illness. This virus is very contagious and can spread rapidly throughout such environments. A r e n o r o v i r u s e s c o n t a g i o u s ? Noroviruses are very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. Both stool and vomit are infectious. Taken care with young children in diapers who may have diarrhea. How long are people contagious? People infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days after recovery. Some people may be contagious for as long as 2 weeks after recovery. Therefore, it is particularly important for people to use good handwashing and other hygienic practices after they have recently recovered from norovirus illness. Is there a treatment for norovirus infection? There is no vaccine to prevent norovirus infection. And there is no drug to treat people who are infected with the virus. Antibiotic drugs will not help if you have norovirus infection. This is because they fight against bacteria not viruses. Norovirus illness is usually brief in people who are otherwise healthy. But, the infection can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration (loss of too much water from the body). During norovirus infection, young children, the elderly, and people with other illnesses are most at risk for dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. A dehydrated child may also cry with few or no tears and be

Phone: 757-233-9055

Fax: 757-228-5575

Page 4 Maritime Muse

Security Matters ~ Handling Classified Information n o t i f y y o u r F S O immediately. Computer d i ske t t e s , magnetic tape, CDs, carbon paper, and used typewriter ribbons may pose a problem when doing a security check, as visual examination does not readily reveal whether the items contain classified information. To reduce the possibility of error, some offices treat all such items as classified even though they may not necessarily c o n t a i n c l a s s i f i e d information. Any contact with classified information must be reported to the Facility Security Officer. If in doubt, call ext. 279.

If you possess a security c l e a r an ce , you a r e personally responsible for the protection and control o f t h i s c l a s s i f i e d information. You must safeguard this information at all times to prevent loss or compromise and unauthorized disclosure, d i s s e m i n a t i o n , o r duplication. Your security officer or supervisor will brief you on the specific rules for h a n d l i n g c l a s s i f i e d information that apply to MHI. Here are some standard procedures that apply to everyone. Classified information that is not safeguarded in an approved security container

shall be constantly under the control of a person having the proper security clearance and need-to-know. MHI does not have the capability to store classified material and should not possessed at any time. Classified material shall not be taken home, and you must not work on classified material at home. Classified information shall not be disposed of in the waste basket. E-mail and the Internet create many opportunities for inadvertent disclosure of classified information. If you suspect that Classified information has been sent or received do not delete,

Facilities News ~ Mid-town Speed Limit Please keep in mind that while driving in the Mid-town Facility, that speed limits in excess of 10 MPH ARE NOT PERMITTED. Violators will be subject to a potential loss of parking privileges.

Lou Pfingst

If you find classified material it is your responsibility to ensure that the material is properly protected. Stay with the classified material and notify the security office. If this is not possible, take the documents or other material to the security office, a supervisor, or another person authorized access to that information.

The Fab, Paint, and Weld shops for being awarded the Safest Shops of the Month 

for January

The Fab, Paint, and Weld shops for being awarded the Safest Shops of the Month 

for January

Wellness Screenings Your wellness screening and associated tests are free of charge for all employees and includes the following: Complete Metabolic

Profile Lipid Panel Complete Blood Count Thyroid Screening Vitamin D Screening Urinalysis Don’t forget to bring your health insurance card. In preparation for their Operation Haiti Relief mission, MHI and Técnico responded to

the urgent need for repairs and modification to both the Alakai and Huakai Supperferries (sister 107-meter U.S. flag high-speed ferries built by Austal USA). Work included Installation of a larger reverse osmosis water purification system and repair of AC&R, piping, and minor structural repairs.

Human Resources ~ Reminders Please remember to come prepared with acceptable documentation on your assigned I-9 processing date; your supervisor will inform you of your assigned date. Your supervisor will have a list of acceptable documents or you can contact the HR Department.

See the insert regarding the new EAF.

Page 5 Volume I, Issue 3

Safety and Environmental ~ Injuries Requiring Medical Attention for the Month of January

Shop: Machine Location: USS Mitscher at NOB Injury: Right Shoulder and Back Strain Cause: Employee states that he slipped and fell after stepping on some ice on the deck Factor: Snow and ice on outside areas of the deck had not been removed completely Solution: Employees must be aware of slip, trip and fall hazards to avoid injury

Shop: Machine Location: USS Carter Hall at NOB Injury: Right Knee Sprain Cause: Employee states that his knee gave out while working on the ship Factor: Employee states that he did not have any unusual strain on his knee when it gave out Solution: Have annual check ups to detect any conditions that might affect your health

Shop: Machine Location: Loading area outside of Machine Shop Injury: Left Shoulder Strain Cause: Employee states that his left shoulder began to hurt after moving blocks of wood Factor: Employee did not seek help from a co-worker to help move the 12”x12” blocks of wood Solution: Ask for assistance when moving heavy objects

As of 1/1/10 we had 3 Recordable Injuries with 0 Lost Time Injuries, compared to 1/1/09, where we had 1 Recordable Injury with 0 Lost Time Injuries.

form to receiving to pick up the gloves. Please remember that this does not include hand protection from the cold, general work task's, or for cleanliness purposes. Hard Hats: One of the most abused pieces of PPE that you have is the Hard Hat. Your hard hat takes a daily beating, hitting the bulkheads, pipes, overheads, hatches, being thrown in the tool box or into your vehicle. When is the last time you actually took a good look at your hard hat? Does it have large gashes in it? Is it cracked, or really flexible? Is the inside strap completely intact and does is still have padding in the head band? If you have any of these issues, then it is time to trade your coveted hard hat in.

For the last few months, MHI has been conducting numerous safety classes. Besides being able to put out important information on requirements of OSHA and MHI, this class has brought to light many questions and concerns from employees’ like you, regarding policies about PPE. One of the little known, yet most surprising fact, that employees’ have been discovering is the PPE exchange procedures. There still seems to be some confusion on what exactly is involved in the exchange procedure. Here are a few of the requirements and how to go about properly obtaining the PPE you need to safely complete your job. Gloves: There are many different jobs that are

performed here at MHI; each one will require a unique set of PPE. In the last year, there were many hand injuries. These were mainly caused by not wearing the correct type of hand protection, or not wearing any at all. For example, you do not move sheet metal with cotton gloves, use leather. It will give you better cut protection and a better grip on the material. In order to obtain gloves for you to safely complete your job, you first need to contact your Lead Man. The Lead Man will obtain a list of names of personnel that need gloves and the reason for which gloves are needed. The Lead Man then takes the form to the Safety Department. The Safety Department will then authorize the issuance of the PPE. The leadman then takes the approved request

To trade in your damaged hard hat, first take it to the Safety Department. We will give it a through inspection at let you know its condition. If it does have to be changed out, we will annotate it on the hard hat. Then take your damaged hard hat to receiving to switch it out with a new one. Please feel free to contact your Departmental Safety Representative or MHI Safety Department for further clarification, or for suggestions. Do not forget that we also have OTC safety glasses that fit over your prescription glasses, as well as safety glasses with bifocals built in. There are three powers to choose from; 1.5, 2.0 & 2.5. Have a great and safe MHI work day.

Safety and Environmental ~ Understanding the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Exchange

Creekside Cookies and Moore

Edward Wright Chester Nickelson Bev Smith Joy Henderson Esteban Lopez Marvin Spady Corey Gosney Thomas Pressley

Larry Forrest Kentrell Chisholm Wendell Sutton Daisy Collier Edward Eisenhuth William Jones Samuel Delarge Sharon Sargent Dan Small Don Yung Craig Wallace Antonio Faulk Kenneth Haywood Olinder Jones Derrick Joseph

Tony Kelly Tammy McNeil Michael Rhodes Tonya McInturff Alfred Powell Kevin Pullen Andrew Dean Christopher Reddy Martina Brown Wayne Christiansen Anthony Kearney John Jasso Charles Mack Timothy Daniels Dan Roth

Page 6 Volume I, Issue 3

Happy Birthday to the Following MHI Employees

Smile more, speak less, and listen most of the time to perform your job well, and you'll be a real asset to the company and an inspiration to your coworkers. Getting along with coworkers is not always easy, but it does require a little effort and patience to maintain a peaceful and productive work environment.

In the work place, you become familiar with office politics rather quickly. Anyone who has had any job, anywhere, is aware that the dynamics among those who are part of the work environment play a crucial part in how a business is run. Getting along with fellow employees can be challenging, but does not require great effort.

Some helpful tips: 1. Speak less, listen more 2. Don’t blab around your

desk 3. Work in a unique but

complementary fashion 4. Avoid touchy subjects 5. Allow for diversity 6. Respect authority/policy 7. Stay out of office politics 8. Watch your reputation 9. Seek clarification 10. Strive for perfection

The Editor’s Desk ~ Getting Along with Co-workers

AMH Health~Dr. Marc Gaines~Donna Rayburn~Theresa Tomek

Facilities~Jason Oldham

IT Support~Jamir Westbrook

Riggers ~Myron Hopkins~Michael Mullen

Shipfitting~Santos Rodriguez

AMH Health~Dr. Marc Gaines~Donna Rayburn~Theresa Tomek

Facilities~Jason Oldham

IT Support~Jamir Westbrook

Riggers ~Myron Hopkins~Michael Mullen

Shipfitting~Santos Rodriguez

Stephanie Berk and Kelsey Equils Visit their website for “Simply Adorable Blankets.” http://simplyadorableblankets.org

Page 7 Volume I, Issue 3

IT Support ~ Tabbed Browsing 1. Open Internet Explorer

by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Internet Explorer.

2. Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options.

3. Click the General tab, and then, under Tabs, click Settings.

4. In the Tabbed Browsing Settings dialog box, select the Open home page for new tabs instead of a blank page check box, click OK, and then click OK again.

Notes If you open a new tab and see a page that says "You've opened a new tab" after you've followed the steps above, select the Don't show this page again check box, and then click Close. When you restart Internet Explorer, your home page will display whenever you open a new tab. If you have multiple home page tabs, only the first home page in your list will open in the new tab.

What i s Tabbed Browsing? Tabbed browsing is a feature in Internet Explorer that enables you to open multiple websites in a single browser window. You can open webpages in new tabs, and switch between them by clicking the tabs you want to view. By using tabbed browsing, you potentially reduce the number of items that are displayed on the taskbar. How do I open a new tab? To open a new blank tab, click the New Tab button on the tab row or press CTRL+T. To open a new tab from a link on a webpage, press CTRL as you click the link, or right-click the link and then click Open in New Tab. If you have a mouse with a wheel, you can click a link with the wheel to open it in a new tab.

How do I open a new tab to my homepage? When you open a new tab, Internet Explorer displays the new tab page by default. If you prefer that your home page appear when you open a new tab, follow these steps: Open a new tab to your home page in Internet Explorer 8. 1. Open Internet Explorer

by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Internet Explorer.

2. Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options.

3. Click the General tab, and then, under Tabs, click Settings.

4. In the Tabbed Browsing Settings dialog box, click the list under When a new tab is opened, open, click Your first home page, and then click OK twice.

Open a new tab to your home page in Internet Explorer 7.

From the Galley ~ Irish Soda Bread oven for 40-45 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Brush top with butter while still warm. Cool before slicing to serve. Variations: 1 cup raisins, craisins, citron or dried fruits and a few tablespoons caraway seeds may be added. 1/2 yogurt or sour cream and 1/2 milk may be substituted for buttermilk.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon baking soda 1tablespoon sugar 4 cups flour 2 1/3 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon cream of

tartar 2 cups buttermilk 1 tablespoon butter Thoroughly combine baking soda, sugar, flour, salt and

cream of tartar. Make a well in the center. Add buttermilk and mix lightly and quickly with a fork. Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead for one minute. Shape into a circle, about 1 1/2 inch thick. Place on a greased cooke sheet. Slask a large cross in the top. Bake in a preheated 375°F

As always, if you have any questions or need technical assistance, e-mail IT requests t o I T . SUPPORT@MHI -SHIPREPAIR.COM.

New Tab Button

In Ireland, "plain" soda bread is as likely to be eaten as an accompaniment to a main meal (to soak up the gravy) as it's likely to appear at breakfast. It comes in two main colors, brown and white, and two main types: cake and farl. One important note: in the U.S. and North America generally, there's a tendency to think of soda bread as something with fruit in it. This is not the case in Ireland.

The Recycle Bin When you delete a file, usually this just means it has been moved to the Recycle Bin. If you do not regularly empty your Bin, the files inside may take up valuable disk space. Double click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop to see which files are currently stored in there. If there are any files in the Bin that you want to keep and put back in the original place you deleted them from, right-click on the files and select Restore. If you are happy you no longer require any of the files in the Recycle Bin, you can remove them from your computer completely by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon and selecting Empty recycle bin. You should do this once a week.

February is National Irish American Heritage Month Although not an official “federal” holiday in the United States, St. Patrick’s Day has a long history of being celebrated with parades and general goodwill for all things Irish. The day commemorates St. Patrick, believed to have died on March 17, who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century. Because many Americans celebrate their Irish lineage on St. Patrick’s Day, March was picked as Irish-American Heritage Month. The month was first proclaimed in 1995 by Congress. Each year, the U.S. president also issues an Irish-American Heritage Month proclamation. A l t h o u g h not an official “federal” holiday in the United States, St. Patrick’s Day has a long history of being celebrated

with parades and general goodwill for all things Irish. The day commemorates St. Patrick, believed to have died on March 17, who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century. Because many Americans celebrate their Irish lineage on St. Patrick’s Day, March was picked as Irish-American Heritage Month. The month was first proclaimed in 1995 by Congress. Each year, the U.S. president also issues an Irish-American Heritage Month proclamation. For more i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t www.census.gov.

U.S. Census Bureau

The History of the Holiday St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, his religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years. On St. Patrick's Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink, and feast—on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

www.history.com

Bravo Zulu QA, on your QMS Audit.

MHI Ship Repair & Services

543 East Indian River Road Norfolk, VA 23523

www.mhi-shiprepair.com

Phone: 757.545.6400 Fax: 757.545.8169

Inclement Weather: 757.222.4874 MHI Ethics Hotline

757.222.4897

THANK YOU

New Benergy Websitewww.amh.benergy.com

Store Hours 0700—1030 and 1230—1600

MHI Store Men’s Heney’s all sizes 2 for $15.00 Men’s Med. T’s 4 for $10.00 Women’s T’s all sizes 4 for $10.00 Men’s Jacket 2X, 3X, & 4X for $25.00 (the old style men’s jackets, not the new ones) We also have new ball caps.

The Shamrock The shamrock, which was also called the "seamroy" by the Celts, was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland because it symbolized the rebirth of spring. By the seventeenth century, the shamrock had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism. As the English began to seize Irish land and make laws against the use of the Irish language and the practice of Catholicism, many Irish began to wear the shamrock as a symbol of their pride in their heritage and their displeasure with

Kim Lauterbach 30

Alex Koval 24 Bryan Buchanan 2Herbert Askew 18 Wes Poindexter 2Timothy Horton 17 Rufus Rodgers 2Michael Butler 16 Craig Wallace 2Ralph Johnson 16 William Coleman 2Steve Cogan 14 Shawn Johnson 2Dan Roth 12 Darrell Nelson 2Glen Boyd 11 Matthew Whitney 2Kaaran Landrum 9 William Kaelber 1Teddy Skinner 5 Claudia McMurray 1Leroy Cherry 4 Charles Mack 1Brenda Ebernethy 4 William Wilson 1Virginia Adams 4 John Jackson 1Michelle Brekke 3 Charlie Wilson 1George Lee 3 Matthew Beasley 1Adrean Perkins 3 Earl Hines 1Shawn Lynn 3 John Jasso 1Billy Walters 3 Robert Thomas 1Willie Jenkins 3

MHI Truck #67: 2002 Dodge Ram, 3.7 liter V-6, 162,000 miles, new tires, VIN 1D7HA16KX2J194568. Body is in fair condition with a small ding. Front bumper was damaged in an accident. Engine is bad. Please make an offer by 3/8/10 to Facilities or at the front desk in a sealed envelope.

National Irish American Heritage Month

Red Cross Month

March is National Nutrition Month, check out http://www.eatright.org/nnm/