OREANDA-NEWS.  September 23, 2014. Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) announced that 124 employees from the company's Newport News Shipbuilding division were recognized Thursday with Model of Excellence (MOE) awards.

The awards are presented annually to individuals or teams for extraordinary performance that is aligned with Newport News' strategic values, direction and operational strategy.

Newport News Shipbuilding President Matt Mulherin spoke to the MOE winners about the importance of their accomplishments during a ceremony held at Newport News Marriott at City Center. "You thought out of the box, you listened to new ideas, and you came up with innovative solutions to difficult challenges," he said. "You weren't afraid to try something new, and when things got tough, you got tougher. The work you have accomplished is a shining example of what it means to not only strive for excellence, but to surpass it."

Employees are nominated by other employees in four categories: leadership, operational excellence, innovation and technology, and customer satisfaction. A group comprising representatives from across the shipyard evaluates the nominations and provides recommendations to the shipyard president, who gives final approval and ultimately presents the awards. Honorees receive several gifts in recognition of their accomplishments, including a cash award.