BREMERTON, Wash. –
Since its founding in 1891, Puget Sound Naval shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility has been integral to the region, the state of Washington and the national defense. PSNS & IMF employees come to work every day ready to maintain, modernize and retire the Navy's fleet.
This Labor Day, as we pause to celebrate hardworking Americans all across this country, command leadership would like to take time to honor the more than 14,000 employees here in Bremerton — along with its workforce members across three detachments in San Diego, Everett, Washington and Yokosuka, Japan — who support our nation’s Navy as it defends our freedom and our way of life.
Rest assured, shipyard employees will continue to work side-by-side with Sailors, contractors and community partners now and into the future.
While the work at PSNS & IMF has remained a constant over the past 133 years, it methodology has evolved in order to meet the ever-emerging needs of our Navy. Meanwhile, the commitment and tenacity of the command workforce has remained steadfast. So, as we pause to honor our workforce, command leadership would like to acknowledge all who contribute to our mission at the shipyard and beyond. Your hard work and commitment help keep our fleet strong.
In honor of Labor Day, Salute asked command employees to reflect on the work they do in support of the Navy fleet:
Romeo Aquino, Painter, Code 730, Crane Maintenance
“My job is important because without cranes, a shipyard does not operate. Knowing that I help preserve the life of our cranes, it brings pride in the work I perform. It helps me recognize the importance in each task. Ensuring the outcome was done correctly.”
Elias Cardenes, Mechanic,Shop 31, Inside Machinist
“We make the parts that a lot of stuff depends on. None of it works without the small, precise parts we make. It's one of those jobs where people might not always see it, but it plays a huge role in the bigger picture.”
Houston Darnell, Marine Machinery Mechanic, Shop 38, Marine Machinist
“Our work may not always be in the spotlight, but it’s foundational. Our Country’s defense, our economy, and even humanitarian missions rely on well-maintained vessels. What we do at the shipyard has an impact far beyond the docks.”
Alycia Heriford, Painter Apprentice, Shop 72, Painters, Blasters and Tilesetters
“I think my job is very important because the work we do plays a critical role in preserving the naval vessels. Our coatings and surface preparation efforts directly contribute to the longevity, safety, and performance of these ships.”
Margaret Kerr, Machinist, Shop 31, Inside Machinist
“The job itself has no identity; the people who perform it do. Without the people, the yard would be silent. Ships floating with nobody aboard. I do not consider my job to be limited to what was written on the application. I consider my job to support those around me.”
Christina Nedbalek, Environmental Engineer, Code 106.32, Water Environmental Planning
“Trying to keep pollutants out of the bay is a broad goal, and the avenues for accomplishing that task challenge my creative thinking and problem solving, my social skills — and sometimes even my physical limits.”