09/10/2026
Commander’s corner
By Capt. William Sumsion, commander, PSNS & IMF
Team PSNS & IMF,
Since taking command of this world-class shipyard, the pace of activity has been extraordinary. In a short time, I joined many of you in the Emergency Command Center for my first ECC event at Puget during the multi-hazard major-fire exercise and cut the ribbon on our newly improved Dry Dock 4. You have kept me wonderfully busy for my first weeks.
Yet the increased activity throughout the shipyard reflects the importance of the work we carry out every day. It demonstrates our support for the Navy’s mission and the tremendous value we provide for the Fleet. There is no doubt that the Fleet relies heavily on what we do here, and it is through your dedication to duty that we continue to accomplish our mission.
Recently, we cut the ribbon celebrating the seismic retrofit of Dry Dock 4 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility, which reinforced the structural integrity of the dry dock against future seismic events. Completion of the $377.7 million modernization project is a huge milestone for the shipyard, thanks to our partners at Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Northwest. Not only was the project on budget, but it was also completed ahead of schedule, which allowed for additional upgrades as well, bringing the contract value to $517 million. Cutting the ribbon on Dry Dock 4 is a major win for the command, allowing us to continue our mission to return combat-capable ships to sea in defense of our great nation without interruption.
Dry docks are the crown jewel of Navy maintenance and staying on schedule is vitally important to its mission, especially now given the tempo and complexity of our current naval operations. With that in mind, I’d like to personally thank Rear Adm. Omarr Tobias from NAVFAC and the Navy construction and contractor teams — who worked around the clock – six days a week, to accomplish this mission! Your efforts ensure safe operating conditions for our workforce as they will service the Navy’s fleet into the future.
This month, the shipyard will also mark 135 years of service to the nation. First established on Sept. 16, 1891, as a Naval Station, PSNS & IMF has both built and serviced our nation’s vital naval assets through two world wars, several conflicts, various technological changes, and fluctuations in our nation’s history. With a long record of adaptability, perseverance and resilience, we continue to work together as one team, building toward the shipyard of the future.
Looking ahead, I am a firm believer in leading with candor. Beginning now through September 25, you have an important responsibility to provide feedback to command leadership on the current working climate within the shipyard through the 2026 Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS). The survey and its results will help serve as a guide for senior leaders on a variety of issues, ranging from Equal Employment Opportunity and organizational effectiveness to perceptions of discrimination and sexual harassment. This is your chance to share your opinions within the organization directly with senior leadership and help leaders to identify and address command-wide trends. The survey, which will be available now through Friday, Sept. 25, is completely anonymous. All answers are protected and confidential.
Command leadership and survey administrators will be able to review DEOCS responses, but they will not be able to see who has completed the survey. As further incentive, employees in the department/trade with highest participation may be eligible for a two-hour time off award. Please look for more details from your supervisor. We look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you again for all you do in support of our shipyard, Navy and nation.
We are TEAM PUGET.
