Bremerton, Wash. –
Navy Reservists assigned to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility as part of the Navy’s Surge Maintenance program are preparing to make an impact as part of their mobilization in support of COVID-19 recovery efforts.
The Sailors are part of the 676 SurgeMain Reservists who will serve with PSNS & IMF at all of its sites. Established in 2005, SurgeMain has 2,200 enlisted Reserve Sailors and 210 Reserve officers who serve across 75 Reserve units, and was created to augment the Navy’s shipyard workforce in times of need.
Sailors assigned to SurgeMain began arriving at PSNS & IMF in early July. They provide an influx of technical and trade backgrounds to the shipyard during the COVID-19 pandemic as well an additional labor force.
“Taking part in this mobilization is going to be a very rewarding experience,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Christopher Shopoff, regional senior enlisted leader for SurgeMain. “With the knowledge already here at PSNS & IMF, and our Sailors who come from a wide range of backgrounds, we all can share knowledge and learn new ways of doing things. It’s how we learn.”
While some SurgeMain Sailors are performing jobs that are new to them, others are doing work which makes them feel right at home.
Engineman Second Class Ian Detig is working to achieve three certifications at PSNS & IMF for his position in Code 304; serving as a safety watch, hot-work inspector and as a fire-safety officer. Fortunately, his civilian job is working as a firefighter for Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Fire and Emergency Services in Georgia.
However, despite being familiar with the job, there is still a lot to learn.
“There’s nothing more crucial than safety, fire safety in particular,” said Detig. “This is such a large organization, with a lot going on. We always have to be learning, it keeps people from becoming complacent.”