Newport News Shipbuilding Promotes Safety ... Through Music

"The safety song contest provided a great opportunity for me to combine two of my passions: singing and shipbuilding," Flythe said. "Our jobs can be dangerous if we don't put safety first. I considered all of the different environments in the yard when I wrote the lyrics. I'm excited that my song will serve as a reminder to my co-workers that knowing all of the different safety factors that come into play is important."

Flythe's rap song was one of 25 contest submissions in genres ranging from country and gospel to rock and rap. "Safety First" was determined the winner by shipbuilding employees who voted online. Flythe won $1,000 and production of the music video featuring his rap. The video was produced on location at NNS by shipyard videographer Carter Mahnke and the shipyard's in-house video team. "Safety First," as well as other safety song contest submissions, are available online at http://www.huntingtoningalls.com/nns/safety.

"Safety is a top priority at Newport News Shipbuilding," said Matt Mulherin, corporate vice president and NNS president. "The safety song contest encourages ownership and creativity among our 20,000 shipbuilders and promotes safety awareness across the shipyard in a fun and memorable way. Mr. Flythe did a great job capturing the shipyard's safety themes in his lyrics, making 'Safety First' the perfect safety anthem for 2012."