PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii –
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility and the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum collaborated on an outreach event for more than 100 Honolulu Community College Summer CTE (Career and Technical Education) Academy students as the high schoolers wrapped up a five-week vocational training program July 15, 2025.
Hosted by the museum, PHNSY & IMF presented shipyard career opportunities and employees gave students a first-hand look at the tools and technology they use in ship maintenance.
Shipyard employees from tradespeople to engineers demonstrated essential skills and technology used at the shipyard every day. The welding and crane operator simulators, along with a laser scanner, were popular with students and museum visitors alike. These tools highlighted abilities ranging from technical precision to practical application.
"It was a great experience showing the students what type of work is performed by the many different trades and skills at the shipyard,” said Jake Eusebio from the Lifting and Handling Department. “The students were able to operate chain hoists and experience what it's like to be a mobile crane operator on our virtual reality simulator.”
Surrounded by the hum of opportunity at the shipyard’s displays, Kapolei High School senior Isaiah Paguyo discovered the power of welding, skillfully manipulating a state-of-the-art simulator.
"The experience was cool, and it makes me consider a career at the shipyard," he said, a hint of surprise in his voice.
The shipyard and the submarine museum collaborate regularly, emphasizing the importance of STEM principles through educational programs and interactive exhibits to inspire the next generation. Homer Ring, executive director of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, emphasized their commitment to fostering local talent through education and career exposure.
“For almost 45 years, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum has been working to preserve history,” said Ring. “Part of our commitment to the local community is to inspire curiosity and foster lifelong learning through our education programs, providing school field trips and scholarship programs for college and trade programs. Partnering with HCC and PHNSY to host an event that introduces amazing career opportunities to high school students perfectly aligns with this commitment. Hawaii has tremendous educational and career resources, and we hope today’s activities inspire the next generation.”
Eusebio echoed Ring’s sentiments.
“Our participation at the submarine museum for HCC's Summer CTE Academy is a way we can give back to the community,” said Eusebio. “This was a great way to show the students that there are so many job opportunities and careers out there, especially at the shipyard.”
PHNSY & IMF’s STEM program regularly seeks outreach opportunities in the community to encourage young people to pursue careers in STEM.
“We love getting out in the community to share the science and technology that we’re excited about,” said Julia Cramer, PHNSY & IMF STEM program coordinator. “We want these smart and ambitious young people to know that the shipyard is here in their backyard, doing challenging and fulfilling work, and we have a place for them.”
PHNSY & IMF’s mission is to keep the Navy’s fleet “Fit to Fight" by repairing, maintaining, and modernizing the Navy's fast-attack submarines and surface ships. Strategically located in the heart of the Pacific, it is the most comprehensive fleet repair and maintenance facility between the U.S. West Coast and the Far East.