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NEWS | June 6, 2022

PWENG at Women in Trades Fair

By Adrienne Burns Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility

The women of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Facility have a tradition in the trades that goes back to some of their first forays onto the waterfront during World War I, working as rivet passers and rivet catchers. Today’s tradeswomen span more than a dozen shops and codes and are represented at every level of the workforce. From Christina Klinkert, director, Code 700, Lifting and Handling, to the 45 women who graduated from the PSNS & IMF Apprentice Program last year, women make an impact at our shipyard every day, in many ways.

Puget Women's Employee Networking Group, the employee resource group that also includes Women in Trades, championed and received approval for 40 PSNS & IMF tradeswomen to attend the annual 2022 Women in Trades Fair May 6 at the Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center.

The fair offers an opportunity for tradeswomen to gather, teach, learn and recruit. The women of PSNS & IMF often spend weeks in advance planning and creating displays for the event.

This year the group from PSNS & IMF set up five booths at the fair where they offered informational flyers, posters and displays for attendees to engage with. The displays at the fair are often a highlight of the event, with the most creative, innovative and interactive exhibitors winning a “Best of” ribbon at the end of the day.

The women of PSNS & IMF could be seen all day sharing their experiences with fellow tradeswomen, offering inspiration and information to young girls with an interest in the trades, and engaging visitors with their hands-on demonstrations.

Ash Jones, an electrical engineer with Code 710, Special Projects, and current Mrs. Washington World America, spoke about her career at PSNS & IMF and addressed a common misconception—you don’t have to be a tomboy to be a tradeswoman.

Once again, the women of PSNS & IMF did an exemplary job showcasing the diverse backgrounds, experience and skill they bring to the trades. Their contributions to their fields and our command are immeasurable.

The effort to support and celebrate the women of PSNS & IMF is a high priority and an ongoing commitment for the command. To discover ways you can get involved and make an impact in championing the women of PSNS & IMF, contact PWENG at brem.psns.pweng.fct@navy.mil