WEBVTT

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Preparedness is one of the ten core values in our Declaration of Excellence
—and is top of mind for me and shipyard leadership.

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In submarine maintenance, preparedness is evident in how we plan our work extensively

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with processes like engineered solutions, pre-shift briefs, and safety reviews.

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Emergency preparedness is just as crucial in our work –
 and being prepared for an emergency response means being ready for the unexpected,

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not just the things that are most likely to happen.

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Our last training exercise tested our ability to respond to a major fire.

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Our performance on this exercise was clearly reflective 
of our hard work over the past few months

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and our unwavering commitment to achieving and maintaining

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a resilient and forward-leaning emergency preparedness posture.

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Just two weeks later, the significance of this success in an exercise setting 
was reinforced when a real-world emergency arose.

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On Wednesday, August 13, there was a small fire in Dry Dock 1, 
adjacent to USS Hampton that was quickly extinguished.

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At no time did this fire present any danger to the 
shipyard workforce, the ship or the public.

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While there are always lessons to be learned, our overwhelming response demonstrated that our team is capable, resilient, and prepared to face challenges head-on.

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The coordination between our workforce, emergency responders, ship’s force, 
and mutual aid partners showed exactly what good teaming looks like.

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This event serves as a reminder that emergency preparedness is not a supplemental task;

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it is an integral and indispensable part of everyone’s daily responsibilities.

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Even if you’re not on the designated response team during an 
emergency exercise, you still play a vital role.

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Sometimes, your role is as simple — and as important — 
as evacuating promptly when the alarm sounds

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or following instructions over the ‘giant voice’ announcement system.

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Responding doesn’t always mean taking direct action; 
often, it means getting yourself to safety quickly and efficiently.

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Remember, if you are unaccounted for after an emergency begins, 
responders may risk their own safety trying to find you.

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Your safety is everyone’s priority — help keep it that way by knowing your role,

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executing your responsibilities, and following direction from emergency responders.

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Emergency preparedness is a continuous effort.

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Continuous learning and improving is the only path to success.

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At Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, our strength lies in our collective commitment.

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When each of us steps up — prepared, focused, and ready — 
we build a resilient team capable of facing any challenge head-on.

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Together, we uphold the highest standards of excellence and readiness, 
safeguarding our mission, and each other.