Kianna Connor
Summary
Dynamic Painter Mechanic with proven leadership at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, excelling in paint operations and preservation. Recognized for successfully completing bilge work on USS George H.W. Bush, ensuring timely project delivery. Skilled in non-nuclear quality control and effective team communication, driving safety and efficiency in high-stakes environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Painter Mechanic
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
10.2023 - Current
- Knowledgeable of TGI and IPI and how to reference 009-3
- Proven leader with hands-on expertise preserving naval assets in both confined spaces and industrial settings.
- Participated in the successful completion of bilge work aboard USS George H.W Bush, contributing to it being the first time in years the carrier was completed and sent out on time with all bilges finished — a major milestone praised across the shipyard.
- Regularly perform ship checks aboard the USS George H.W Bush to inspect job sites, verify readiness, ensure materials and equipment are available, and confirm job scope.
- Attend morning supervisor meetings to receive tasking, discuss job progress, and relay updates on preservation activities.
- Brief and muster mechanics and apprentices from shop X71 and various codes at the start of shifts, assigning tasks, reviewing safety protocols, and ensuring clear communication across teams.
- Efficient with SSPC-SP levels, surface profile evaluation, and coating inspection criteria.
- I track mechanic training and qualifications using ATMS, ensured compliance with required certifications, and training updates.
- Ensure timekeeping accuracy, and resolved discrepancies with pay.
- Proficient in navigating Waypoints for job tracking, labor distribution, and accessing key work and personnel data.
- Recognized as Employee of the Month (February 2025) for leadership, reliability, and performance.
Apprentice Painter
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
08.2019 - 10.2023
- As a first year apprentice I was eager to apply hands-on skills in surface preparation, coating applications, and corrosion prevention while learning from experienced professionals to support vessel longevity and safety.
- As first year I read and interpreted TGI's and process instructions as well as completed shift reports.
- Applied powder coating finishes in controlled environments for shipboard components.
- Utilized hand held sandblaster to perform paint removal operations for smaller components to ensure a profile is obtained before applying new coat.
- Performed spray operations ( cup and plural pumps) as well as surface preparation (needle gunning, grinding, sanding, power tooling).
- Learned and followed proper hazmat procedures for handling paints ( epoxy, enamel, teflon) , solvents, and contaminated materials.
- Worked in confined spaces and followed strict safety and PPE protocols.
- Led a preservation team to clean, prep, and spray paint the weld school, assisting various other shops as needed.
- Trained and mentored new apprentices, ensuring they followed proper procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards.
- Selected for TDY assignment to South Carolina in 2021 to support preservation work aboard a U.S. San Francisco, collaborating with multi-trade teams in a high-security, mission-critical environment.
- Became R nuclear worker proficient in the use of radiation detection instruments, including dosimeters, radiation meters, and contamination monitors, to ensure safe radiation exposure levels.
- Participated in full project cycle aboard the USS Helena, including: Working on the sail, SHT, ballast tanks, fast clad epoxy coating and exterior and interior pressure washing.
- Performed grit blast operations in Building 1499 and dry dock operating blast booths and blast pots, setting and adjusting air pressure, media flow, and nozzle distance based on substrate and coating specs.
- Executed laser paint removal operations aboard the X77 Bush specifically in the bilge areas for surface preparation.
- Documented laser operations, surface conditions, and pre/post-inspection results in accordance with safety standards.
- Graduated the apprenticeship program with honors from Tidewater Community College for Maritime and Skilled Trades.
Assistant Front End Manager
Food Lion Grocery
08.2017 - 08.2019
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems, and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
Cashier
Food Lion Grocery
04.2015 - 08.2017
- Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
- Used POS system to enter orders, process payments and issue receipts.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
Education
No Degree - Maritime Studies
Tidewater Community College
Portsmouth, VA10-2023
Associate of Applied Science - Psychology
Tidewater Community College
Portsmouth, VA05-2017
Skills
- Basic Shipboard Worker
- Basic Shop Worker
- Submarine Worker
- Fall Protection
- Air Supplied Respirator
- Air Purifying Respirator
- Duo-Twin Respirator
- Full Face Respirator
- Trade Code 970 Nova Hood
- Paint Operations
- Abrasive Blasting Operations
- Radiological Skills
- Non-Nuclear Quality Control
- Nuclear Quality Control
- Electrical Safety
- LockOut Tags-Plus
- Plasma Operations
- Laser Operations
- Yellow Belt Training
- Inspection and Verification
Accomplishments
- Customer Service Certified
- Completed Apprenticeship Program In 2023
- Laser Paint Removal Qualified
- Plasma Paint Removal Qualified
Certification
Completed Apprenticeship With Certification in Maritime
Employee Of The Month
During my time aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, I consistently went above and beyond in my role as a mechanic, demonstrating strong leadership qualities and a commitment to excellence. My dedication to maintaining the highest standards of performance, attention to detail, and proactive problem-solving set me apart as a team member. I took the initiative to mentor apprentices and effectively work with senior mechanics, contributing to a more efficient and cohesive work environment. My efforts to continuously improve my skills and take on additional responsibilities led me to actively pursue opportunities to step into a work leader role, where I could continue to support the success of the team and the mission.
Timeline
Painter Mechanic
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
10.2023 - Current
Apprentice Painter
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
08.2019 - 10.2023
Assistant Front End Manager
Food Lion Grocery
08.2017 - 08.2019
Cashier
Food Lion Grocery
04.2015 - 08.2017
No Degree - Maritime Studies
Tidewater Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Psychology
Tidewater Community College
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