Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) held its annual morale-building event, Oct. 29-Nov. 2.

The weeklong America’s Shipyard Celebration focused on employee development, with an emphasis on innovation and knowledge sharing between departments.

At least one employee enrichment event was planned for each day of the week.

The Naval Civilian Managers Association held an afternoon discussion panel on the Four Lenses, a type of personality test designed to foster healthier inter-office relationships and individual behavior. Shipyard Commander Capt. Kai Torkelson, Operations Officer Capt. Dianna Wolfson, Occupational Safety and Health Department (Code 106) Director Jill Wild, and Nuclear Engineering and Planning Department (Code 2300) Manager Curt Hart participated in the senior leadership discussion, fielding questions from the event moderator and the audience.

Later in the week, the Federal Women’s Program hosted a Lunch and Learn panel discussion centered around women’s empowerment and creating a better workplace for the next generation of female shipyard employees.

In the middle of the week, NNSY celebrated Halloween with a spooky spirit day, encouraging employees to wear work-appropriate costumes. Other spirit days during the week including Military Branch Pride Day, Team Spirit Day, NNSY Pride Day, and Flashback Friday.

The main event of the week took place on Thursday afternoon. Departments, resource groups and associations set-up informational booths to share resources and answer questions from shipyard employees. The Technology and Innovation Lab demonstrated some of its many pieces of high-tech equipment. Hundreds of employees in attendance enjoyed live music, a talent showcase, car show, games and concessions.

“To all of the ERG groups and shops and codes and organizations that participated, I applaud you, your patience, and your commitment to our employees and their development,” said America’s Shipyard Celebration Committee Chairman John Satcher. “I appreciate you!”

Halfway through the event, Torkelson joined the celebration to lead employees in a CORE shout, emphasizing the importance of the shipyard’s command values: care, ownership, respect and excellence. In unison, after Torkelson’s prompt, employees shouted, “Committed to our CORE!”

“If you looked around at their faces, you saw the same things I did: appreciation, pride, [and] family,” said Satcher. “CORE works when put into action like we did with this celebration. Our shipyard leaders really invested in this opportunity to arrange an event for our employees. They are dedicated to our people, and their leadership is moving the needle. It was never more evident than during the CORE shoutout. I believe they may have heard us in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.”

Planning is now underway for two events in 2019: America’s Shipyard Celebration and Family Day.

“My gratitude for our planning committee could never be adequately expressed,” said Satcher. “Their dedication to the event and enthusiasm for the purpose of the event were the fuel that powered the machine. We can’t wait for our next events.”

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