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U.S. Navy Launches $145 Million Overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard

Construction and upgrades in progress at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for the upcoming USS John F. Kennedy.

News Summary

The U.S. Navy has begun a major $145 million electrical system upgrade at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard to prepare for the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. This initiative is part of the broader $20 billion Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program aiming to modernize navy infrastructure across several shipyards. The upgrade is essential for meeting the heightened power requirements of Ford-class carriers, ensuring operations continue smoothly even as the shipyard undergoes renovations.

Bremerton, WA – The U.S. Navy has initiated a significant $145 million overhaul at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, focusing on upgrading the electrical systems to accommodate the future homeporting of the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. This overhaul marks an important step towards ensuring the naval base is prepared for the advanced operational demands of this new vessel, which is nearing its completion at Newport News Shipbuilding and is scheduled to officially join the fleet later this year.

According to project officials, this electrical system upgrade is a crucial component of the Navy’s broader effort to modernize its infrastructure under the $20 billion Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP). The SIOP initiative aims to enhance capabilities across four public shipyards, including Norfolk, Puget Sound, Portsmouth, and Pearl Harbor, with mid-century upgrades anticipated to involve advanced power transmission systems and the renovation or replacement of existing dry docks.

As part of the initial SIOP projects, the Navy has already completed 44 efforts, which have totaled $1.2 billion in costs, and has authorized an additional 48 projects with a combined projected expenditure of $6 billion. These upgrades facilitate improved efficiency and modernization within the navy’s shipbuilding processes. Specifically, nearly 250 pieces of shipyard equipment have been replaced across the aforementioned shipyards, indicating a significant commitment to enhancing naval operational capabilities.

Technical Details of the Overhaul

The overhaul at Puget Sound is particularly crucial given the demands of Ford-class carriers. The USS John F. Kennedy, the second aircraft carrier in this class, requires significantly more power compared to its predecessors. In fact, Ford-class carriers need three times the electrical output of Nimitz-class carriers while docked. The upgrade at Puget Sound will replace an outdated electrical substation that is currently insufficient to meet these increased demands.

Up to this point, only Naval Station Norfolk has completed the necessary electrical upgrades to support the Ford-class carriers. With rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with nations such as China, the Navy’s ability to base advanced aircraft carriers on the Pacific coast is increasingly vital. Fleet modernization is cited as a critical element of the Navy’s deterring strategy against potential adversaries.

Continuity of Operations

Throughout the duration of the electrical system overhaul, the shipyard and the Navy base plan to maintain regular operations. This ensures that the repair and maintenance of other vessels will continue uninterrupted. Meanwhile, Congress has authorized the construction of six Ford-class carriers, with goals to replace all ten existing Nimitz-class carriers by 2069. Notable deliveries include the USS Gerald Ford, which was commissioned in 2017, and future carriers that include the USS Enterprise and USS Doris Miller, set for commissioning in 2029 and 2032, respectively.

Challenges and Future Outlook

The Navy has faced delays with the delivery of Ford-class carriers, leading to an extension of the service life for some Nimitz-class carriers. For example, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, originally slated for decommissioning in 2026, will now likely remain in service until the early 2030s. To facilitate the SIOP upgrades, the Navy has also issued a “Solicitation for Offers” to identify temporary leased spaces near the shipyard for operations during the renovation process. This includes general warehouse and administrative spaces, with a proposal deadline set for February 21.

A significant move includes the leasing of a four-story commercial building located in Bremerton to accommodate approximately 300 workers this spring as part of the SIOP support. Construction for SIOP is expected to commence as early as 2026 and is projected to continue for at least eight years. The contract for the electrical substation replacement has been awarded to Absher Construction Co., with plans for completion by 2029.