October 11, 2019 – WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

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U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Mutis A. Capizzi

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Mutis A. Capizzi

Fellow Shipbuilders,

I hope you’ll take a moment and read the message below, which appears in the Groton WIB this week. In this message, Steve Kirkup shares his thoughts on the importance of ensuring the quality of the submarines we design, build and test. Steve’s moving account of a recent dedication ceremony for a memorial to the sailors lost in the USS Thresher tragedy crystallizes perfectly why our constant vigilance to meeting, or exceeding, SUBSAFE standards is so critically important.

Our adherence to these standards has helped keep our sailors safe and our company strong. Our recent performance on the Phase II SUBSAFE and FLY BY WIRE audit on the Vermont (SSN 792) is a direct demonstration of our Core Values of Value Each Other, Behave with Integrity and Purpose and Commit to Excellence in action.

Please continue to talk about how your team can bring these values to life, and share your thoughts on the Core Values SharePoint site.

Thank you,

Will Lennon
Vice President, Quality and Radiological Controls

On September 26, I had the honor of attending the dedication of the USS Thresher (SSN 593) National Commemorative Monument dedication in Arlington National Cemetery. This is a long overdue homage to the 129 souls that lost their lives on April 10, 1963 when Thresher was unable to reach the surface after a seawater system joint failure likely occurred followed by a failure of the emergency main ballast tank blow system to operate as intended. You’ve all taken the SUBSAFE training and listened to the sounds of a submarine pressure hull collapsing at depth. It is chilling and eerie to hear these noises, and until last week it was the permanent marker in my brain as to why we do what we do, and why we cannot fail.

The ceremony and dedication was something I never imagined I would experience in my career. It gave me new perspective that amplifies the chills I get when I think of those crushing sounds. As we all assembled in the amphitheater behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I had the opportunity to be among the families and loved ones of the crew of the USS Thresher. Although many years have passed, time doesn’t diminish their sense of loss and wondering what could have been. The pain was still apparent in their eyes. These folks experienced something that I hope no other family in the US Navy submarine program will ever have to endure again.

The ceremony was deep and moving. Speakers included retired Admirals Orzilli and Richardson, Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire, and Tom Wiley, brother of Lieutenant Junior Grade John J. Wiley, USS Thresher. The ceremony transitioned to a somber walking procession to the site of the memorial stone and a touching wreath-laying ceremony, followed by a lone bugler standing among the tombstones of the fallen playing Taps. It was a stirring reminder of just how devastating this event was to these families, and the impact it had on the US Navy.

The silver lining in this tragedy, however, was the SUBSAFE program. Since its inception, no SUBSAFE-certified submarine has been lost. This is an incredible record, one that is not paralleled by any other similar safety program. We must relentlessly maintain the quality standards of engineering, design, workmanship, testing, inspection, configuration management and records of accomplishment to continue this legacy.

Last week, we certified PCU Delaware, SSN 791, for INSURV sea trails, the last major milestone before delivery, NAVSEA successfully completed the Phase II SUBSAFE and FLY BY WIRE audit of PCU Vermont, SSN 792, and we just christened PCU Oregon, SSN 793 on Oct. 5. It is fitting that just prior to these major events, the dedication of the Thresher Memorial presents the opportunity to reflect on how far we have come with submarine design and construction and how our vigil to uphold the highest safety and quality standards must never end. Our SUBSAFE-certified ships perform their mission better than any other nation’s submarine assets and are incredibly safe platforms that bring their crews back each time for those long-anticipated family reunions. The pride that this gives me is immeasurable and it’s all because of each one of you—designers, engineers, planners, tradesmen, inspectors, testers, configuration management and records personnel, admin aids, supervisors, mentors, chemists, instructors, facilities support personnel…the list goes on. You are all critical contributors who make a difference every day to the success of our submarine program. We need to celebrate our successes and be self-critical when things don’t go well, but in doing that, we will continue to maintain the quality standards we have so enduringly met to keep submarines safe for our workers, the ship’s crew, and their families, all the while protecting our great nation. This is WHY we do what we do.

Stephen C. Kirkup
Director, Quality Assurance and Special Emphasis Programs

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