News Summary
The Navy has commenced a $145 million electrical overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, preparing for the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. This upgrade aims to replace an outdated substation to support Ford-class carriers, significantly enhancing operational capabilities. The project is part of the $20 billion Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, which seeks to modernize major U.S. shipyards amid growing global tensions, particularly with China. The Navy is also planning future construction projects to accommodate increased personnel and logistics needs.
Bremerton, Washington – The Navy has initiated a significant $145 million electrical overhaul at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as part of its preparations to homeport the new USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier at Naval Base Kitsap. This project marks a vital step in ensuring that the naval facility is equipped to support advanced military vessels as the USS John F. Kennedy nears completion at Newport News Shipbuilding and is expected to join the fleet later in 2023.
This electrical systems upgrade aims to replace a deteriorating substation that currently lacks the capacity to support Ford-class aircraft carriers, including the USS John F. Kennedy, which requires three times the electrical power of traditional Nimitz-class carriers. Presently, only Naval Station Norfolk has undergone necessary upgrades to facilitate the operation of Ford-class carriers.
Dave Sweet, the project director at the shipyard, indicated that this overhaul is a part of the Navy’s broader investment strategy under the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), which totals more than $20 billion. SIOP aims to modernize four major public shipyards, including those in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Pearl Harbor, with enhancements to power systems and renovations of dry docks, projecting a completion timeline extending to mid-century.
Details of the Overhaul
The ongoing overhaul will not disrupt the current operations at the shipyard, as it remains committed to maintaining a functional environment throughout the upgrade process. Historically, Kitsap has homeported two aircraft carriers: the USS Ronald Reagan and the USS Nimitz.
Notably, the USS Nimitz is scheduled for a permanent homeport relocation to Norfolk by April 2026, which will initiate its decommissioning. In conjunction with these developments, the USS John F. Kennedy is anticipated to transition from Norfolk to Kitsap by 2029, which will maintain the strategic goal of having one Ford-class carrier stationed on each coast.
Strategic Importance
The modernization of naval facilities comes in light of increasing tensions with international adversaries, particularly regarding China. Naval officials highlighted the critical necessity for upgraded fleet capabilities at domestic bases to bolster deterrence efforts. Currently, Congress has authorized six Ford-class carriers, with future plans aimed at replacing the entire fleet of ten Nimitz-class carriers by the year 2069. Existing vessels like the USS Gerald Ford, which was commissioned in 2017, and those under construction such as the USS Enterprise and the USS Doris Miller, set to be commissioned in 2029 and 2032 respectively, are integral to this strategic expansion.
Cited delays in the delivery of Ford-class carriers have resulted in extensions of service for several Nimitz-class carriers, including the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which is now expected to remain operational into the early 2030s.
Future Developments
The Navy’s SIOP encompasses not only the current overhaul but also the initiation of various construction projects that are expected to span at least eight years starting in 2026. To accommodate the influx of personnel and logistical needs during these upgrades, the Navy is actively seeking proposals for temporarily leased spaces, including warehouse, administrative, industrial, and laydown areas within 40 miles of the shipyard. The engagement process for property owners began with a submission deadline set for February 21.
In preparation for the upcoming influx of workers due to the infrastructure enhancements, the Navy has secured a commercial building to support approximately 300 workers by this spring, showcasing its commitment to facilitating a smooth transition during the overhaul period.
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HERE Resources
U.S. Navy Launches $145 Million Overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
Additional Resources
- Stripes: Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Upgrade
- Kitsap Sun: Navy Requests to Lease Space for Shipyard Upgrades
- MyNorthwest: Bremerton Shipyard Update
- Seattle Times: Bremerton Shipyard Worker Affinity Groups Update
- Kitsap Sun: Shipyard Workers Accept Buyout Offer
- Wikipedia: Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
- Google Search: US Navy Shipyard Upgrades
- Google Scholar: Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Navy
- Google News: Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
