BREMERTON, Wash. –
Employees at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility are very familiar with the idea of problem solving. In an often-chaotic environment like the Controlled Industrial Area, however, finding those "problems" and developing solutions for them can be a challenge.
For Villiamu Kuaea, quality improvement specialist, Code 100TO, Transformation Office, finding “problems” is his specialty.
“I evaluate systems, cellular work lines and procedures and processes," he said. “I look for waste and opportunities for improvement to ensure first time quality.”
Kuaea's ability to solve problems and improve the way employees do their jobs is vital to this command, according to Kuaea's supervisor.
“Villiamu excels in process improvement because of his keen ability to understand both the technical and human aspects of our operations," said Brandon King, combined trade supervisor, Code 100TO, Transformation Office. “His deep connections within the shipyard allow him to identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes that resonate with everyone involved.”
"Vi," as Kuaea is known to his friends and co-workers, came to work at PSNS & IMF in 2016. He chose to work here because he was looking for a new opportunity for himself and his family, Kuaea said. But his arrival has also made a significant impact on the men and women working with him.
“He lights up the room whenever he walks in,” said Caroline Asuelo, administrative assistant, Code 900A, Administrative Support. “He welcomes everyone. The first time I spoke to him he inspired me directly.”
Kuaea’s experience in process improvement eventually led to his involvement with the “Get Real, Get Better” initiative, a navy-wide initiative that was enacted in 2022, he said. Kuaea has been an integral part of the northwest region and other commands coming together to resolve issues that have occurred throughout the different commands over the prior decade.
Three years ago, Kuaea joined the Alive team, a group set up to assist fellow shipyard workers with their mental health and well-being. It was a role that he was so successful in that he was eventually asked to chair the Asian American-Pacific Islander Resource Group. Under his leadership, the group’s outreach has grown.
“Our goal was to provide a family-like inclusive environment that made everyone feel like they had a safe place with us,” Kuaea said. “As AAPI, we were able to put on fun and educational events, celebrating many cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands where everyone was welcome.”
The ERG's events proved so successful that Kuaea was recently recognized by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council in Washington, D.C. for his contributions to PSNS & IMF and the community. As part of his recognition, Kuaea was given a tour of the White House and spoke at the Pentagon, he said.
Although the award was meaningful for Kuaea, it was also confirmation that he made the right choice for himself and his family when he came to work at PSNS & IMF eight years ago.
“I love helping people,” he said. “It’s who I am. It’s something that I’ve done my whole life. I’ve always been in some sort of leadership role from family, football, sports, all the way up to now. It makes me feel I’m living my purpose.”