Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Production Department (Code 900) has found a creative way to help communicate vital initiatives and celebrate the workforce. Code 900B Workforce Development Director John Rowe has been leading the charge on developing a video series – geared towards ‘talking ship’ about what shipyarders should know across the waterfront.
“Communication is important and in the production world we face a lot of challenges to get messaging down to those deckplate workers,” said Rowe. “We wanted to create a new avenue of communication where we can highlight those important target areas in a fun and creative way. And that’s how 'Talking Ship' was born.”
This short-form video series premiered in 2025 and has since aired several videos on a variety of topics, from equipment and services available to employees, special shoutouts for hard-working teammates, and more. From topics brainstormed within Code 900 to targeting messaging per request from viewers, Rowe and his team partner with the Corporate Instructional Design Center (CIDC – Code 1571) and the NNSY Public Affairs Office (Code 1160) to script, develop and share these videos for all to enjoy.
“The only way we can get better as a shipyard is from the sharing of ideas and using new technology to enhance our way of doing business," said Code 900B Team Member Colby Tynes. "For example, the AI challenge helped us streamline several processes that has saved many man hours. That happened from employees using new technology to make there jobs a little easier and more efficient. We want to help encourage that innovative thinking."
“We give a ‘ship’ about ships and our workforce and we wanted to build something everyone could enjoy while also staying in-tune with what’s going on at NNSY,” said Rowe. “We’re here for you – our shipyard team. Got an idea of what you want us to ‘talk ship’ about next? Be sure to reach out and let us know!”
All ‘Talking Ship’ videos are available via the NNSY DVIDS page at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/NNSY. Scan the QR code to share your ideas and feedback for what you’d like to see in a future video.