The shop's services may be temporary, but its commitment to working safely is lasting.

Shop 89 of Norfolk Naval Shipyard's Temporary Services Group, Code 990, earned the monthly Safety Flag three times in a row, from January through March 2018. The only other shop to achieve this feat at NNSY is the Boilermaker Shop (Shop 41) back in 2015.

Code 990 was stood up last fall and has already established itself as a leader in waterfront safety. Interactive safety briefs, new safety equipment, and 990's commitment to having two safety advocates all contributed to the shop's accolade parade kicking off 2018.

During the safety flag presentation May 17, Shipyard Commander Captain Scott Brown commended the shop personnel's ownership of individual safety. "Outstanding job!" said Brown. "I like to talk about how every single one of us is a leader. If you influence somebody in a positive direction, you're a leader. All of us have leaders in us, and that reflects in your performance and your ability to lead the shipyard in safety. Each and every one of you is doing it."

Brown also pointed out how well-being works hand-in-hand with safety. He acknowledged the challenge of the personnel in attendance, formerly members of Shop 64 under Code 970, transitioning to a new department and shop. "I know some folks are hurting in this shop specifically over what's happened the last few months. I feel it, I know it. We can do better as a yard about looking after each other, just asking questions like, 'hey, what's going on?' Sometimes that simple question can help someone open up." In addition to co-worker support, Brown detailed the benefits of the Department of the Navy Civilian Employee Assistance Program available 24-7-365 to shipyard employees on a multitude of life issues and work challenges.

Code 990 oversees 10 different trades in Shops 89 and 99. The code's mission is to provide temporary services for production and habitability for vessels undergoing overhaul and modernization. Code 990's streak in safety flags currently remains unbroken, with Shop 99 announced as the winner of the April Safety Flag. When asked for the biggest reasons Code 990 is doing so well in safety, Group Superintendent Jamie Holt pointed to two--safety advocates Mary Williams and Chris Hewett. As the recipient of all the safety flags so far this calendar year, Holt said, "That's a big accomplishment. That's huge for the code itself starting off on the right foot."

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