The Periscope March-April 2024

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard news and information since 1942

March-April 2024

Spring is a time of growth and resilience while remaining focused on the mission of maintaining our Navy as the best in the world. Every one of you is a critical part of the team and I’m reminded of the continued honor, courage, and commitment of the workforce as we faced power constraints associated with recent extreme weather events.

Resiliency has been evident throughout the shipyard and Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby recently saw first-hand the growth of the infrastructure of the shipyard, toured submarines and was provided an overview of shops and innovative process improvements with his first visit to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

The Honorable Nickolas Guertin, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, and the Honorable Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment and Chief Sustainability Officer also visited and toured the Structural Shop Learning Center and the Inside Machine Shop. I was honored to accompany ASN Guertin to the Maine Defense Industry Alliance

Captain’s Corner

(MDIA) kickoff event to develop a state-wide talent pipeline and upskill the industry’s incumbent workforce by delivering a wide array of training opportunities. MDIA’s holistic five-year Talent Pipeline “Roadmap” projects spending $120M+ on workforce initiatives in the State of Maine to build a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable Workforce Development System for Maine’s Defense Industry. Your skills and expertise shared with a new generation of able craftspeople will provide a continuity of proficiency and enhance mission capability as our infrastructure improves to meet the needs of today’s Navy.

ASN Berger returned to Portsmouth as the keynote speaker at the celebration event as the shipyard was removed from the EPA Superfund list. Portsmouth also received recognition as the recipient of the Secretary of the Navy Environmental Award for Environmental Restoration, a reflection of the environmental stewardship the shipyard and its partners have demonstrated in protecting the surrounding ecosystem while supporting the mission. (Read about the environmental restoration that led to the delisting on pages four and five of this issue.)

In acknowledgement of Women’s History Month, ASN Berger

was the guest of honor at a luncheon with female Sailors, officers and Women’s Resource Network leadership, where she provided inspiration and insight to the group.

In April of each year, the shipyard, surrounding communities and Navy families pay respect to the 129 souls lost aboard the USS Thresher (SSN 593) in a memorial service hosted at nearby Traip Academy. Year round, the PNSY Heritage Center honors these Sailors, officers and civilians with a display that includes a model of Thresher and photos of all those lost. The devastating loss of Thresher led to the creation of the SUBSAFE program, a meticulous quality assurance program that provides the maximum reasonable assurance of the watertight integrity and recovery capability of a submarine. Our commitment to the 129 men lost extends to all aspects of our work by upholding the highest quality of standards and quality to ensure nothing like the loss of Thresher ever happens again.

WE ARE PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD!

VCNO Makes First Visit to PNSY

Vice Chief of Naval Operations

Adm. Jim Kilby made his first visit to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) on Feb. 21.

Kilby met with shipyard leadership and several tenant commands. His official visit included a tour of USS Cheyenne (SSN 773), which is currently undergoing a scheduled maintenance period. Cmdr. Kyle Calton, commanding officer of Cheyenne discussed Sailors' Quality of Service and maintenance availability challenges and accomplishments.

Kilby also toured shops including the Inside Machine Shop where Superintendent Justin Orr pointed out new initiatives for efficiency and savings.

Capt. Chad Brooks, Officer in Charge of Construction PNSY, briefed Kilby on the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) and projects currently underway at the shipyard, including the $1.8 billion Multi-Mission Dry Dock.

“The investments we’re making in our public shipyards will

support our Navy and our nation for generations at a critical time for our infrastructure,” said Kilby. “Installations like PNSY are as much a part of our warfighting platforms as aircraft carriers and submarines. We must continue to ensure our shipyards are able to maintain and modernize our fleet’s undersea capabilities.”

VCNO Adm. Kilby (right) meets with Commander Kyle Calton, commanding officer of USS Cheyenne (SSN 773) (left) for a tour.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charlotte C. Oliver

Shipyard Commander, Capt. Michael Oberdorf (left) and VCNO Adm. Jim Kilby (right) brief with SIOP tenant command triads.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charlotte C. Oliver

Article by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charlotte C. Oliver

Captain Chad Brooks, Officer in Charge, Construction PNSY (left), speaks with Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby during a visit to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine, Feb. 21. Kilby also met with tenant command triads to discuss ongoing work in the shipyard.

Photo by Shipyard Photographer Jim Cleveland

PNSY Removed from EPA Superfund List

Article by Periscope Editor Selena

In an historic milestone, after nearly 30 years of extensive remediation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deleted Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) from the National Priorities List (NPL), more commonly known as the Superfund Site list.

“Congratulations to the incredible team at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for an accomplishment that was decades in the making,” said Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and the Environment, and Department of the Navy’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “Every day, this team comes to work and makes environmental stewardship a core part of their mission. All their hard work has brought impactful results, and I know they’ll continue to keep their focus on protecting the environment in support of the mission.”

Berger was the keynote speaker at the celebration, which also included Shipyard Commander, Capt. Michael Oberdorf; EPA Region 1 Administrator, Dr. David Cash; Maine Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner, Ms. Melanie Loyzim; and Community Co-Chair of the Restoration Advisory Board, Mr. Doug Bogen.

“This is an incredible success story of Navy, EPA and Maine working together to protect the health and safety of the community and the environment,” Berger said.

“The Navy, the State, community advocates and shipyard employees were among the most effective team our EPA staff worked with in 28 years,” commented Cash. “Congratulations to everyone for their dedication in protecting public health and ensuring surrounding ecosystems of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard are preserved for future generations.”

“Our environmental program has been meeting the unique challenge of sustained, proactive environmental restoration and cultural resources management of America’s oldest continuously operating naval shipyard,” said Oberdorf. “The success we celebrate today shows our commitment to environmental stewardship, our Seacoast neighbors, and supports the shipyard’s critical mission.”

Commissioner Loyzim spoke to the teamwork necessary to successfully execute environmental restoration work on a 200-year-old, active military installation. “This could not have been accomplished without the extraordinary collaboration between the Navy, EPA, DEP, NOAA, TetraTech consultants, and most importantly the Restoration Advisory Board and local residents,” said Loyzim. “It is this kind of collaboration amongst agencies and with local community members that makes Superfund site work a success.”

Though unable to attend the ceremony in person, Maine

and New Hampshire congressional delegations sent representatives to support this achievement.

“The successful cleanup of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is the result of 30 years of collaboration between the state and federal government,” said Sen. Susan Collins. “It is great news that the shipyard is no longer considered a Superfund site, and as a longtime supporter of the Superfund program,

Assistant Secretary of the Navy Meredith Berger and EPA Region 1 Administrator Dr. David Cash pressed the official delisting button to "rubber stamp" the restoration complete.

I am pleased to see those investments paying off.”

“Portsmouth Naval Shipyard plays an important role in our national defense - supporting our shipbuilding priorities and providing good-paying jobs to many Maine people,” said Sen. Angus King. “The recent news that PNSY is being removed from EPA’s Superfund list is an encouraging step to know that their efforts to address the toxic threats on its grounds have made a difference. While there is still

Assistant Secretary of the Navy Meredith Berger was the keynote speaker at the Delisting Celebration.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charlotte C. Oliver

Brock

Photo by Shipyard photographer Jim Cleveland

work to be done, and regular reviews will continue, this EPA decision is a welcome acknowledgement of their hard work thus far.”

“Portsmouth Naval Shipyard performs an incredible service to our country in maintaining and upgrading the Navy’s submarine fleet, while being a critical pillar to Southern Maine’s economy,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. “After nearly 30 years of research, assessment, and clean-up activities, today’s announcement from EPA is exciting and welcome news for the shipyard’s workers, surrounding communities, and importantly—for the environment. As ranking member of the House Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee, which oversees funding for this critical clean-up program, I am thrilled that the shipyard is now considered environmentally safe and healthy. Today marks the start of a new chapter for Portsmouth Harbor, where shipbuilding has thrived for hundreds of years.”

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was first added to the Superfund Site

every five years with the agency.

PNSY is a 278-acre restrictedaccess military facility employing more than 6,600 civilians and 800 activeduty military personnel, including

the submarine crews, with the primary mission to overhaul, repair, and modernize attack submarines for the U.S. Navy. The shipyard was established as a government facility in 1800 on Seavey's Island, at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, where shipbuilding dates back to 1690. The first governmentbuilt submarine was designed and constructed at the shipyard during World War I, and a large number of submarines were designed, constructed and repaired at the facility until 1971. Contamination resulted from shipbuilding and submarine repair work, landfill operations, spills and leaks from industrial operations and piping, storage of batteries and other materials, filling of land, and outfalls to the river. Seven areas on and around the shipyard had been identified for investigation and are now delisted from the NPL. All remedies are successfully implemented and continuing stewardship will maintain institutional controls to ensure the protection of human health and the environment.

Delisting Ceremony guests toured the shipyard remediation sites at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and gathered in front of the tidal marsh at Jamaica Island Cove, celebrating the completion of environmental restoration and removal from the EPA Superfund List.

Photo by Shopyard Photographer Jim Cleveland

The

Texas Earns Battle “E”

USS Texas (SSN 775) was awarded the Battle Efficiency Award on Feb. 13, 2024.

The Battle Efficiency Award, better known to Sailors as the Battle “E,” recognizes sustained fast and winning performance in an operational environment within a command. The Battle “E” is awarded annually to a small number of U.S. Navy ships, submarines, aviation, and other deployable combat units. Units that receive the Battle “E” are considered the most ready for combat throughout the year and are judged based on their warfighting readiness, mission accomplishments, self-assessments and ability to improve, ability to innovate, and resiliency in executing their missions.

“Being selected for the 2023 Commander Submarine Squadron Two Battle “E” award is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment,

exceptional performance, and unparalleled dedication toward achieving excellence in all aspects of our mission,” said Texas commanding officer Cmdr. Chad Ingle. “I am proud to lead such an outstanding group of professionals. This award is a testament to our team’s performance and reminds us that we can achieve greatness when

Texas Undocks

On a cold February night, water from the Piscataqua River rushed into Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s (PNSY) Dry Dock 3 and splashed against the hull of the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775). The valves were opened and water quickly filled the dry dock, marking another step as Texas comes closer to being ready to return to sea. “Completing the undocking milestone of our depot modernization period is a remarkable achievement that reflects our team’s hard work, talent, and dedication,” said Texas commanding officer Cmdr. Chad Ingle. “We overcame every challenge that has come our way, and this moment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Dry dock operations continued throughout the night hours culminating with exiting the dock the next morning. “The undocking event was executed

we work together towards a common goal.”

Texas was awarded the Battle “E” by Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher, Commander, Naval Submarine Forces; Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Commander, Allied Submarine Command, in a ceremony held pierside next to Dry Dock 3.

as planned and went very well,” said Texas Project Superintendent Kevin Belisle. “The production department craftsmen and women as well as their supervision, deserve much of the credit associated with getting us to this important milestone. Like anything we do, collaboration and communication are keys to success. Texas and their motto 'One star, one team, all in' is exemplified in the teamwork. I couldn’t be any prouder than I am today for the shipyard and ship’s force PROs that got it done.”

Dry Dock 3 starts to fill in preparation for Texas undocking. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charlotte C. Oliver

Texas transits out of Dry Dock 3, Feb. 21. Photo by Jim Cleveland

Article by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charlotte C. Oliver

Crew of USS Texas (SSN 775) Photo by Shipyard Photographer Jim Cleveland

AmeriCorps VISTA Grant Brings Volunteer to Serve PNSY

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) welcomed Emily Williams as the first Military Youth and Family Support volunteer under a first-of-its-kind AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) grant. The VISTA program is designed to build capacity in underserved or economically disadvantaged populations. “This VISTA grant empowers Williams to bring life to projects nearly 10 years in the making in support of our military families in multiple areas,” noted Military School Liaison, Kristen Ferullo.

The Joint Services Scholarship Database for Military Dependents was launched in December 2023 as the inaugural project completed under this grant. “This is the first comprehensive, fully searchable scholarship database to support generations of military families,” remarked Williams. The database took more than 500 hours to research and compile and contains over 420 scholarships, allowing military dependents to quickly determine eligibility for scholarship opportunities. “The instructional guide attached to the database allows families to easily sort and filter their search by branch, relationship to the service member, award type and date.

Article by Periscope Writer Hanna Lanoie

These functions improve access to opportunity for decreased financial burden,” said Williams. The database is open to everyone (the QR code appears on the bottom right of this article for access).

Currently Williams is developing local area guides to serve the large catchment area supported by PNSY. This information is designed to help welcome and assist the needs of the service members and their families as they arrive to their new duty station. “For me, this is digging in with a full heart and leaning into the needs I have heard echoed over and over again by our military families,” said Ferullo. “Knowing I can create a resource that will help families feel more at home before they even arrive makes coming to work every day exciting,” said Williams. “These guides will feature local fun family activities, logistical resources and a dedicated guide for youth and teens.”

Another project in the works is a Diversity Lending Library where the pair hopes to house books in which all persons can find themselves represented in literature. “When we can see ourselves and others in literature it opens conversation, builds understanding and develops empathy

and compassion,” said Williams. “Our vision for the library is to create a resource where families can enjoy an expansive collection of books on various topics, serving all age ranges, available upon request.”

Williams is working toward her master’s degree in military psychology and has been inspired to work with military and veteran families since her first experience with Wreaths Across America during her middle school years. “When Kristen first asked me ‘what’s your why?’ I knew this was the right fit for me to give back to the military community,” remarked Williams. “I knew we could accomplish great things and hopefully inspire others to do the same.” Ferullo added, “Emily is my partner in purpose! We share a passion to serve an unwavering belief that our military families deserve the level of support to match their sacrifice and we are determined to show them exactly that. We refuse to think small in a world full of opportunity to dream big.”

Kristen Ferullo (left) and Emily Williams (right)

The Women’s Resource Network (WRN) meets on the first Tuesday of every month in Building 86A/1 in the C900 Conference Room 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The WRN is an Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) whose mission is to cultivate the value

THRIVE

The Thrive subgroup of the WRN focuses on wellness for each quarter of the calendar year: physical, financial, emotional, and community wellness. In the first quarter, Thrive explores ways to connect employees with physical fitness opportunities that are available through the shipyard and provides information about PNSY health insurance plans.

WOMEN’S RESOURCE NETWORK

Article by Periscope Editor Selena Brock

of women in the workplace and support inclusivity in professional growth. Co-leaders Michaela Archambault and Melissa Preteroti encourage all shipyard employees, not just women, to benefit from the varied Lunch & Learn events, guest speakers, career planning and wellness activities sponsored by the WRN.

Four subgroups drive the ideas, planning, scheduling and facilitation of wellness, community growth, awareness and professional development activities:

During the second quarter, financial wellness is the focus. In September 2023, the Hope Lights the Way Walk for suicide awareness and prevention drew attention to emotional wellness in the third quarter. Plans are that this event will continue on an annual basis.

For the fourth quarter, the PNSY Giving Trees, in collaboration with the Thresher Memorial Chapel

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Professional Development group of the WRN presented several Lunch & Learn events to assist attendees in setting themselves up for success. Initiatives that were introduced or continued during the past year: a resume workshop, navigating USAJobs, one-on-one

interview tips, mock interview panel for production shops, speed mentoring and a panel discussion supporting future leaders.

All events and professional development opportunities are open to all. Shipyard employees are welcome to attend with supervisor

WOMEN’S RESOURCE NETWORK

Thrive, Community Support, Communcations and Professional Development.

Monthly meeting guest speakers over the past year provided informative presentations about the Command University Career Center, physical fitness, leveraging workplace diversity, AmeriCorps at PNSY and a historical look at women’s employment during WWII.

Visit the PNSY homepage to find information about all the ERGs. The WRN welcomes your knowledge, ideas and voice.

pantry, support community wellness by providing areas around the shipyard where anyone can take what they need or leave what they can. The group meets on the last Thursday of each month from 12:301:30 p.m. in the NH Conference Room, Building 22/1. All shipyard employees are welcome to attend with supervisor approval.

approval. Meetings and events can be attended virtually via Teams. The Professional Development Group planning meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month, 10:30-11:30 a.m., in the NH Conference Room, Building 22/1.

The WRN cultivates an environment that values women in the workforce, fosters innovation and provides employees opportunities to develop and grow, both personally and professionally. Networking is an essential part of the mission. The WRN welcomes your knowledge, ideas and voice. Contact the WRN at: PNS-ERG-WRN@us.navy.mil

Shipyard Project Team Training

Available

Interactive Multimedia Instructions (IMIs) will now be available to project team members across all four shipyards through Waypoints. These resources aim to address common gaps in the adherence to the principles and processes of Advanced Industrial Management - Next Generation (AIM-NG) Project Management Fundamentals (PMF). The highlyinteractive IMI modules will act as a refresher for those who have taken the full eight-day PMF training course,

on

while introducing important concepts to those who have yet to take the course. Depicting real-life shipyard scenarios with process-driven animations, these IMI modules will encourage the transfer of skills and knowledge from theory to practice to foster more confident use of the PMF principles and processes by shipyard workers. They will be available for any project manager or group superintendent as needed throughout various stages of a vessel’s maintenance

Greeneville Deplaquing

(l to r) Dover, New Hampshire, Mayor Robert Carrier; Greeneville Project Superintendent Ray Mondor; Greeneville Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Chad Tella; Commodore, COMSUBRON

Two, Capt. Daniel Reiss; Shipyard Commander, Capt. Michael Oberdorf.

USS Greeneville (SSN 772) was one step closer to returning to the fleet on Feb. 15 when crewmembers of Greeneville and other commands, representatives of the town of Dover, New Hampshire, Greeneville’s host city, and multiple project personnel gathered for a deplaquing ceremony held at Tirante Tavern at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY).

When a submarine arrives at PNSY, a plaque and photo of the submarine are placed on the display board highlighting subs currently on yard. When the boat reaches the milestone of nearing completion, the plaque is removed.

“Taking down this plaque symbolizes the pending completion of warship Greeneville’s shipyard availability,” said Cmdr. Chad Tella, Greeneville’s commanding officer. “During this time our crew and project team worked tirelessly to maintain and modernize Greeneville, ensuring [it] is ready to rejoin the fleet in the highest possible condition.”

and modernization at the shipyard. The training will also address skill and behavioral issues that could negatively impact the ability of the shipyard to get the vessels back to the Navy on or ahead of schedule, while staying within the requisite cost and quality parameters. The overall goal of these modules is to drive improvements in performance predictability, firsttime quality, and the smooth operation of project teams throughout the four public shipyards.

Chaplain’s Note

Greetings! Since coming onboard here at the shipyard back in March 2023, Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Justin Carr and I have been very busy rebuilding various parts of the Command Religious Program to benefit the military and civilian population on the yard. So far we’ve been able to establish a weekly Bible study called Word Warrior’s Fellowship, which meets at Thresher Memorial Chapel (TMC) every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to noon. If interested, it is a great place to start learning about God!

We are planning a National Day of Prayer Breakfast for May 2. The Chaplain’s Office will push out more information closer to the date.

To keep up with what is going on at TMC, look for flyers posted around the shipyard, e-mails, digital signage, and announcements on the PNSY Facebook page. Check the TMC sign on the hill next to the chapel. It may look dormant, but we’ve been updating it to reflect various religious services and activities at TMC. From the Religious Ministry Team to the entire PNSY Team, we pray that God will bless and protect everyone in 2024!

Lt. Nathanael Gentilhomme Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Chaplain

Article and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charlotte C. Oliver

Article by Periscope Writer Hanna Lanoie

The Command University (CU) mission is to provide learning and development opportunities for all Portsmouth Naval Shipyard civilian employees and U.S. Navy partners.

CU is dedicated to cultivating a culture of excellence by providing opportunities to empower the workforce with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to succeed in their careers, foster collaboration

Command University Offers Development Opportunities

and uphold the highest standards of performance and professionalism. The CU vision is to enable all members of the Portsmouth team to achieve their maximum potential. Through a wide range of courses tailored to meet the diverse needs of the workforce, CU strives to inspire individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to mission readiness with strong leadership capabilities,

effective communication skills and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Topics such as introductory leadership principles, supervisory responsibilities, team building and communication strategies are covered in training for every level of career development, whether participants are just beginning their journey or are seasoned employees.

Individual Development Plan, Retirement Seminars, Dale Carnegie, Executive Development Program, GI Bill for veterans enrolled in the Trades Apprenticeship and Worker Skills Progression Program (WSPP)

“As a Waypoints Champion, I support the team effort to incorporate CU leadership courses into Waypoints. I provide a retirement seminar called Lunch and Learn for newer employees on base, and I assist with the submission of veterans' work hours for both the Trades Apprenticeship Program and WSPP. I am an active member of Employee Resource Groups. My philosophy is you can either have a fixed mindset and achieve nothing, or you can have a growth mindset where the sky is the limit.”

-Juliet Freeman, Training Specialist

Freeman

Four Lenses Temperament Discovery Program, Third Level Manager Program, Second Level Supervisor Program, safeTALK Suicide Awareness Program

“Training is the lifeblood of a world-class organization such as Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. It is critical that we provide the right training, to the right audience, at the right time while also maximizing resources. Every shipyard employee should take full advantage of the opportunities we provide to grow or refresh their leadership and soft skills.”

-Randy Stevens, Training Specialist

ATMS, Waypoints

“Effective communication and thinking skills are necessary for Command University, which will provide you with experience and knowledge in leadership and teamwork development. Through Command University, I am able to understand how to promote the development of workers’ skills.

-Simona Blackshear, Training Technician

First Level Supervisor (1LS)

“My role at CU encompasses program management, logistical coordination, curriculum development, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement in the enhancement and expansion of the 1LS program. I am committed to empowering and equipping every member of our shipyard community with essential leadership skills, and driving organizational success. Embrace challenges, embrace growth, and always strive to make a positive impact wherever you go. This mindset has been my guiding light, propelling me through challenges with strength and grace. With each obstacle overcome, I’ve emerged stronger and more determined to empower others and make a lasting impact.”

-Nate Civitella, Training Specialist

photo provided by Juliet

COMMAND UNIVERSITY TRAINING

Four Lenses Temperament Discovery

Monthly Leadership

1LS - First Level Supervisor

2LS - Second Level Supervisor

3LM - Third Level Manager

safeTALK Suicide Awareness Program

Individual Development Plan

Shipyard Mentoring Retirement Seminars: Basic Retirement Information, Mid-Career, and Within Five Years of Retirement

Dale Carnegie Effective Communications and Human Relations Executive Development Program

GI Bill for veterans enrolled in the Trades Apprenticeship and Worker Skills Progression Program (WSPP)

NAVSEA Rotational Assignment Program

NAVSEA Next Generation Leadership (NextGen)

NAVSEA Journey Level Leadership

NAVSEA Commander’s Executive Fellows

Command University

“The primary focus of Command University is the investment in our shipyard’s most valued resource, which is people. While some would argue that leaders are born, I believe they are made through hard work, experience, mentoring, and intentional development. Leadership isn’t easy but it also isn’t complicated. Part of our role in Command University is to provide the opportunities for aspiring leaders to learn and apply their knowledge as part of our shipyard team.”

-Jared Avery, Director

New Leadership Development Series

Leadership Development Series sign up via

Command University is offering a monthly Leadership Development series focusing on soft skills training and development needs. Topics will vary and be refreshed often. Initial offerings include developing personal leadership, handling mistakes, difficult conversations, leadership with a project team, Four Lenses Temperament Discovery, Inside Out Coaching, running an effective meeting, and more.

Command University Distance Learning Team

The Distance Learning Team was established to develop a crossdepartmental, cross-location team dedicated to enhancing training and rotational opportunities between Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) and Detachment-San Diego (DET-SD) at all levels. The benefits include increasing experience, awareness, and training, as well as building morale and developing trust.

Members of the Distance Learning Team are PNSY Executive Director Kim Hubby, Deputy Executive Director Brian Gauthier, Command University Director Jared Avery, and PNSY DET-SD Director Tony Giles. The team is evaluating options to ensure all employees are able to participate in desired training either by bringing the instruction to employees or bringing the employees to the training via temporary duty assignment. Microsoft Teams, WayPoints and LinkedIn Learning present remote training possibilities and independent self-study courses.

Director

“To date, we’ve brought Four Lenses training and leadership courses here to San Diego, and we are pursuing retirement seminars,” said Giles. “Additionally, we brought mentoring and resume preparation with the Women’s Resource Network, a PNSY Employee Resource Group.

“Investing in our people is the best way to develop high levels of job satisfaction while increasing our professional skills. I am in the fortunate position of being able to approve these training opportunities and am always looking at ways to promote employee development.”

Over the Side: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Divers

Submerging into the dark depths of the Piscataqua River on a dreary February morning, two divers sink beneath the surface of the chilly 41-degree river. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) divers Xavier Framilla and Jackson Howarth are over the side of the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775). It’s business as usual for the members of the PNSY dive locker.

The divers conduct various repairs and inspections of the submarines at PNSY yearround and set up the keel blocks in the dry docks. They are also responsible for the hull maintenance of the barges, including the removal of sea deposits such as algae and barnacles.

As PNSY grows, so does the need for divers. Following a recent Navy Manpower Analysis Center review of all Underwater Ships Husbandry commands, PNSY will be looking to request additional Navy billets. The shipyard seeks to add a chief warrant officer, an additional chief and first class petty officer, as well as more second class petty officers. The once all-civilian crew has now expanded to include Master Chief Navy Diver (master diver) Justin Stehr and Chief Navy Diver Jordan Mcelyea and soon will add a first class and second class Navy diver.

PNSY divers, both civilian and Navy, have common paths. They both attend the Naval Diving

and Salvage Training Center, located at Naval Support Activity Panama City, Florida. It is the largest diving facility in the world.

Each diver at PNSY has different story of how they came to join this small, but growing team of elite technicians.

“Another rigger who I was working with at the time told me about the dive team here at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard,” said Howarth. “I liked how it was a small group of tight-knit people who specialize in a skill that not many others have. I grew up playing sports so I was attracted to that kind of team that can work together to achieve a common goal.”

Trust is everything. Prior to attending dive school, applicants are interviewed by members of the dive locker to ensure they will be a good fit to work with the team. The dive team also puts applicants through a physical screening test (PST). The PST consists of a 500-yard swim in 12:30 minutes or less; 50 push-ups in 2 minutes; 50 curl-ups in 2 minutes; 6 pull-ups with no time limit; and a 1.5 mile run in 12:30 minutes or less.

“I took the PST supervised by the dive crew and learned that swimming for distance is much harder than I thought,” Howarth said of his dive school preparation. “I was told this is the bare minimum and that at dive school the PST is the easiest evolution you will be put through. I instantly took to the challenge to give myself

Article and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charlotte C. Oliver

Diver Adam Bate assists Diver Xavier Framilla suiting up.

Diver Xavier Framilla adjusts his mask and regulator for a tight fit.

a new goal to accomplish. The water component to the training was something I had never experienced before and the difficulty of it made me want to accomplish my goal of graduating Navy Dive School even more.”

If applicants can pass these requirements, they may apply to attend dive school. The grueling 20-week course will push even the most seasoned athlete and diver to their physical and mental limits. U.S. Navy Dive School has

one of the highest attrition rates of all Navy schools with a 40 to 50 percent failure rate.

“We are looking for athletes,” said Stehr. “Navy divers, both civilian and active duty military, must be able to handle the physical stresses of the job but also have the mental toughness to overcome the arduous nature of diving. Above all else, however, they must have the ability to work well in a team environment. Divers rely on each other with their lives, literally.”

Even though many of the civilian divers at PNSY come from the rigger shop, Diving Supervisor, Jared Richards, wants to ensure that anyone from any shop is not only welcome, but encouraged to come visit the dive locker if they are interested in becoming a diver.

“As volunteer personnel within from the rigger shop decreased, we have started recruiting from other trades,” said Richards of finding diver applicants. “Ideally, candidates will have a good amount of experience working throughout Los Angeles-class and Virginia-class submarines. They should be comfortable in confined spaces, mechanically versatile, and physically fit.”

For more information on becoming a Navy diver, visit www.netc.navy.mil/NDSTC/ or contact Master Diver Justin Stehr at: justin.p.stehr.mil@us.navy.mil or Jared Richards at: jared.a.richards4.civ@us.navy.mil

Diver Framilla steps off the platform to enter the water.

Graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charlotte C. Oliver

How Their Work is Empowering Mechanics and Saving Valuable Time

Article by Periscope Writer Hanna Lanoie

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening my axe.” These famed words illustrate the value of proper planning and preparation prior to execution, a concept that Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s (PNSY) Inside Machine Shop has applied to the development of their ground-breaking initiative.

The Inside Machine Shop (Shop 31) repairs, overhauls, and tests mechanical components.This critical work must be done with timeliness and first-time quality as the utmost priority, as any delays potentially affect the ability to complete these boats on time. However, the current production process is challenged with repeated stoppages and long periods of down-time.

When Shop 31 receives a component, mechanics create a condition report based upon their initial inspection. It is determined whether or not it needs to be ordered, or if machinists will manufacture the part themselves. Outcomes involve waiting for necessary materials, technical directions, permissions, and paperwork processing. The result is mechanics starting a job, only to be forced to stop, wait and repeat; a cycle that results in an abundance of delayed projects, frustrated mechanics, and the unfavorable loss of valuable time - a pattern Shop Superintendent Justin Orr and Code 100TO Transformation Officer Aaron Economou were inspired to change.

collaborator Dr. Steven Spear, the team began brainstorming possible solutions. “We started process mapping with [Dr. Spear] and realized how much starting and stopping we were doing on jobs just waiting for material and paperwork,” said Orr. “We came up with this idea of ‘what would it look like if the mechanic had everything they could possibly need before they even received the component they were

advance. It also includes revising the forms referenced throughout the job process, creating ‘standard work books’ with photos and diagrams for clarity, and organizing areas in the shop where parts and tools are stored to further encourage efficiency.

Late last year, Shop 31 launched a pilot project to test their model line process. Previously, the part restoration took roughly 150 days from start to finish. Astonishingly, the implementation of the model line practices shaved the project down to just 82 days. The complete restoration was done in 55% of the average overall time during the pilot.

fixing?’ And so the initiative was born.” According to Spear, this commitment to be “ready to work” became a strong test of all supporting codes. “When something necessary was not available, it was an immediate indication of a disconnect between supporting codes and the machinist. Fixing this connection ensured necessary elements were always ready when and where they were needed,” noted Spear.

Machinist Work Leader, Christina Jaques was among those who worked on the pilot project. “This is the first job I’ve done where I’ve felt like I had everything I needed before the job started,” she noted. Despite the undeniable success of the pilot, the team identified areas that could be improved even further – a process the team plans to continue until the maximum time-saving efficiency is achieved.

Supported by Nuclear Engineering and Planning Manager

Steve Fahey and and Shop 31

The Model Line Initiative is all about creating a stronger emphasis on the preparation period prior to the start of a project, allowing time-consuming actions like paperwork processing and part orders to be completed in

Economou and Orr are currently working with a dedicated team of support groups to scale this successful model line process to other jobs in the shop and throughout the shipyard. “Our goal in Shop 31 is to be as efficient as possible. As machinists, it’s in our DNA to reduce waste and come up with the fastest and safest ways to achieve first-time quality,” said Orr. “More efficiency throughout Shop 31 means we can get refurbished components and parts back out to the other shops so they can install them and get the boats out of the dock faster.”

Model Line Initiative Pilot Machinists (l to r) Machinist Kyle Durost, Supervisor Aaron Meyer, Machinist Emery Newton, Machinist Rob Green, and Work Leader Christina Jaques

Photo by Periscope Editor Selena Brock

Keeping the Beat: Sailors Complete CPR Course

In early February 2023, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare and Director of Naval Intelligence, Vice Adm. Jeffrey Trussler, suddenly collapsed while using a rowing machine in a gym in Springfield, Virginia.

The decisive actions of five people including an off-duty Fairfax County Police officer clearing the scene, and taking turns performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) until emergency services arrived, saved his life.

According to the National Heart Association, about 90 percent of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital don’t survive. Thanks to the quick action of his fellow gym goers and the presence of the AED, Trussler is now one of the 10 percent who do make it.

“I am now a walking public service announcement for CPR and AED training,” Trussler said in a press conference a few weeks after he recovered. He went on to say that wherever he goes, he points out the AED and lets people know how easy it is to use.

Electrician’s Mate (nuclear) 1st Class Brian Kehoe, assigned to Commander Submarine Squadron Two, practices rescue breaths on a CPR dummy during a CPR qualification course at Naval Health Branch Clinic Portsmouth at PNSY, Feb. 23, 2024.

That incident motivated Trussler, now since retired, to encourage his shipmates to push their commands to attend CPR courses.

One of those shipmates is Capt. Daniel Reiss, Commodore, Commander Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) Two, at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He worked with Naval Branch Health Clinic Portsmouth to qualify as many Sailors in CPR and AED usage as possible.

“My staff and I at COMSUBRON Two were thrilled to work with the clinic to learn first responder actions, use of an AED, and how to administer CPR,” Reiss said. “I was inspired by Trussler to help folks in crisis. He survived a cardiac event because someone knew what to do and took action to help him. As a result, that shipmate is still here to tell the tale, and I want my Sailors and myself to be ready to help, when needed.”

National Association of Superintendents Welcomes New Members

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Operations Manager

Mark Evans inducted five new members into the National Association of Superintendents (NAS) since Sept. 28, 2023. (clockwise from top left)

Timothy Karolides, Code 938 Marine Machinery Superintendent; David Veino, Code 970 Coatings and Coverings Superintendent; Kevin Flanagan, USS Asheville (SSN 758) Code 358 Project Superintendent; Karl Paterson, Production Division Director NAVFAC MIDLANT PWD Maine; and Justin Orr, Code 931 Inside Machine Shop Superintendent.

Article and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class

Charlotte C. Oliver

Photos by Shipyard Photographer Jim Cleveland

Captain Chad Brooks: Enabling Fleet Readiness

Article by OICC PNSY Public Affairs Specialist Janice Hussey

Wherever you look at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY), there is a bustling hive of construction activity unfolding in all directions. Every available space seems to be dedicated to staging materials for use in the shipyard’s continuing transformation. Let’s not overlook the multitude of cranes adorning the waterfront skyline, poised to support work on construction projects and

shipyard leadership and personnel, the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), and the Public Works Department (PWD)—all united in their dedication to carry these projects from concept to completion. The MILCON projects are funded by SIOP and a continuation of the U.S. Navy’s commitment to invest in the nation’s critical naval facilities.

Joining the shipyard team in June 2023, Brooks has been leading construction of the multi-mission dry dock in and around the Dry Dock 1 basin.

“Our projects are the most complex and consequential some will work on during their professional careers,” Brooks said in a recent address to his team. “This work is an investment in our future capacity expanding PNSY from three dry docks to five, along with the associated berth space, waterfront production facilities, and utilities infrastructure to execute timely submarine maintenance.”

Technology with a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He completed a Master of Business Administration degree at the Naval Postgraduate School in 2004 and a Master of Strategic Studies degree at the U.S. Army War College in 2012. He has served in operational, contingency, and shore installation assignments of increasing complexity and responsibility throughout his career as a Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer. His most recent position was Deputy Director of Navy Shore Readiness on the Chief of Naval Operations staff in Washington, D.C. OICC PNSY is an Echelon IV command of the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command

submarines undergoing maintenance, repair, and modernization simultaneously.

Captain Chad Brooks, Officer in Charge of Construction (OICC) PNSY is at the helm of this transformation and currently executes military construction (MILCON) projects valued over $2.5 billion. Brooks is responsible for the oversight and successful execution of 11 projects currently underway, with many more in the pipeline. He is leading the charge toward modernization and recapitalization of facilities, dry docks, utilities and industrial plant equipment that will continue to launch the shipyard into the 21st century.

Brooks’s OICC team of professionals collaborates daily with

Brooks is the second commanding officer of OICC PNSY. A native of Greenland, New Hampshire, he returned to his home state with his family from assignments that spanned the globe. His distinguished Navy career of more than 28 years has prepared him well to lead the OICC effort to deliver a modernized facility to the Navy.

“I deeply understand the significance of PNSY and its mission to the Navy and to the Maine and New Hampshire seacoast area,” Brooks said. “I am grateful to contribute to this generational investment in our waterfront facilities.”

Brooks was commissioned as an Ensign through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps in May 1995 after graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of

accountable for post-award execution of SIOP construction projects within cost, schedule, and performance parameters. The diverse and growing team is comprised of engineers, architects, construction managers, engineering technicians, contract specialists, procurement technicians, cost and schedule analysts, and data analysts.

Officer in Charge of Construction, Capt. Chad Brooks (right front) briefs Under Secretary of the Navy, Erik Raven (left) and U.S. Senator Angus King (2nd from left) on current and future states of construction in the Dry Dock 1 construction zone.

Photo by Matt Maher

Rear Adm. Lore Aguayo, commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Atlantic (center), tours current projects underway at PNSY with Capt. Chad Brooks, commander, Officer in Charge of Construction PNSY (left).

Photo by Janice Hussey

Planning Charrette: Building for a Successful Shipyard Infrastructure

Article by OICC PNSY Public Affairs Specialist Janice Hussey

In late November, 70 representatives of shipyard leadership attended the Infrastructure Planning Charrette (IPC) organized by the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) team at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). The charrette provides a collaborative environment to facilitate the planning and development of future shipyard infrastructure projects. This year, the event concluded with significant accomplishments in prioritizing future facility needs and investments.

The event kicked off with a presentation by PNSY SIOP Director Russ Gagner, capturing the program objectives and highlighting current and future SIOP projects. Afterward, the participants broke out into six diverse groups to dive deeper into critical issues. The groups tackled complex topics and creative solutions to the lack of available space for new facilities.

the shipyard’s future development the most.

The priorities identified during the charrette critically informed the next enterprise-level SIOP Project Assessment Review in March 2024. This review’s aim was to develop and update the Military Construction Capability Plan for the next ten fiscal years (2027–2036) and the Service and Repair Maintenance Investment Plan for the next five years, both pivotal in steering SIOP’s facility requirements and investments.

What is a charrette?

It is a gathering of subject matter experts to chart the best way forward for the installation and to share ideas and perspectives.

The format provides the means for collaboration and immediate feedback from participants. The result is a focused and strategic plan of future priorities.

“Each department faces unique challenges, but they also share common hurdles,” said Gagner. “The charrette offered participants a format to share their perspectives and requirements, as they worked together to generate ideas and solutions.”

The breakout groups concluded their sessions by ranking topics in terms of greatest need and priority. These rankings, captured by group leaders and combined by the SIOP team, resulted in a comprehensive picture of the infrastructure projects and improvements that would impact

“The results are a testament to effective leadership, strategic planning, and collaboration,” said Gagner. “The outcomes achieved lay a solid foundation for developing and enhancing the shipyard’s capabilities.” With preparations for the next IPC already in motion, this initiative marks a proactive approach to strategic planning, aiming to leverage past successes and lessons for future advancements.

SIOP is a holistic plan that integrates all infrastructure and industrial plant equipment investments at the Navy’s four public shipyards to meet nuclear fleet maintenance requirements, as well as improve Navy maintenance capabilities by expanding shipyard capacity and optimizing shipyard configuration. SIOP projects are essential to the on-time completion of submarine availabilities at PNSY and critical to maintaining the U.S. Navy’s maritime superiority.

For more information about SIOP, visit: navfac.navy.mil/PEO-Industrial-Infrastructure/PMO-555-SIOP/

HALF MAST

DOVER - Joshua Robert Seibold, 33, passed away on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 after complications from diabetes. Seibold was born April 30, 1990 in Torrington, Connecticut. He attended Barkhamsted Elementary School, graduated from Northwestern Regional #7 High School in 2008 and attended University of Connecticut. He was a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He also loved his part time job at La Festa Brick and Brew where he made many very close friends.

Seibold was quick to make friends with his smile and sense of humor. He loved hanging out with his friends on the golf course, hiking and traveling the country to see his favorite bands. His friends were always like family to him, especially those from his school years. He relished being an uncle and will be dearly missed.

ROCHESTER - Gary M. Mosher, 74, passed away on Feb. 5, 2024 at the Rochester Manor in Rochester, New Hampshire, after a long battle with diabetes. He was born Sept. 23, 1949 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Mosher grew up in both Haverhill, Massachusetts, and Plaistow, New Hampshire and was a graduate of Sanborn Regional High School in Kingston, New Hampshire. He served honorably for four years in the Army including a one-year tour in Vietnam, after which he returned to New Hampshire and married. He began an apprenticeship in electronics at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard where he was employed his entire career. Near retirement, Mosher earned a certificate recognizing his government service for 50 years. He was adept at his work and enjoyed being called on to solve problems and fix things. During his career, he travelled both inside the U.S. and abroad. Mosher moved to Exeter, New Hampshire, in 1976 and started his family. He was devoted to Boy Scouts of America, based out of their church and was the District Commissioner for the Daniel Webster Council. Mosher was a member of the SAU 16 school budget committee. He will be missed.

history aBove and Beneath the Waves: The U.S. Navy’s First Female Deep-Sea Diver

At

the end of World War II, the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, better known as WAVES, had demobilized and most women had been discharged from active-duty service. Though some WAVES were allowed to stay in the reserves, it was unclear if women would be allowed on active duty. On July 30, 1948, the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act (Public Law 625) was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman, allowing the women to serve in the regular Army or Navy on a permanent basis.

Women were still prohibited in many job fields, such as combat roles and serving on ships. However, women were undeterred and continued to make waves, proving themselves capable.

On Aug. 7, 1972, then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, Jr., issued a directive known as Z-gram 116, that expanded opportunities for women in the Navy. Women were still mainly serving in support roles, but some were striving for more and Zumwalt’s directive enabled women to enter an array of roles that had previously been dominated by their male counterparts.

In 1973, the Navy allowed for women to apply to become Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) qualified. Personnelman Seaman Nancy “Kati” Garner was eager to apply. At the time, she was assigned to the Personnel Office at Recruit Training Command, San Diego (RTC SD). Garner found a mentor in Chief Signalman (SEAL) Bob Diecks, the swim coordinator at the RTC SD, who trained her for four weeks before she attended dive training.

Garner graduated on Nov. 30, 1973, qualifying as the Navy’s first female SCUBA diver. She went on to work at the Navy’s Water Survival Department and the Marine Mammal Program.

Garner’s achievement helped pave the way for the next women to take their career from the shore to beneath the waves.

Just over a year later, Donna Tobias enlisted in the Navy and asked about attending the harder, more strenuous Second Class Dive School to become a Navy deep-sea diver. The course was still closed to women at the time because of “tradition and equipment used,” according to Naval History and Heritage Command. Men had dominated the Navy dive community for more than 100 years, and the dive gear they used was designed specifically for them. It was deemed oversized to fit women and wouldn’t be changed. She was told by her recruiter, “No way. Women can’t get in [to dive school].”

Tobias is pinned following graduating second class dive school March 14, 1975.

Article by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charlotte C. Oliver Photos Courtesy of the U.S. Navy

Just like Garner before her, Tobias didn’t let that deter her from her goal. Her love of hard work and physical labor inspired her to become a hull maintenance technician (HT), knowing it was a skill that could be used underwater.

After completing HT ‘A’ school, Tobias worked as a shipfitter and began the lengthy process of obtaining a waiver to attend dive school, circumventing the gender restriction that was in place at the time.

In January 1975, just two days before the class was to begin, Tobias received word that she had earned the chance to attend dive school.

Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman and second class diver, Chris West, who was one of the dive school instructors, was brutally honest with the unyielding warning that she would have to be “nearly flawless” because of the extra scrutiny she would be under.

Over the 10-week course, Tobias excelled, but her one struggle was with the heavy MK-V dive boots. The boots, weighing in at 17-pounds each, were difficult to lift with her small feet that took up just over half the boot.

“On a daily basis, it was the single biggest obstacle,” Tobias said in an interview with The Palm Beach Post in 2001. “I even had dreams about those shoes.”

Her instructors taught her to rock her weight side to side to move her feet. Additionally, they made her wear the boots all day and night for a week to strengthen her muscles, thus removing the obstacle.

“I told myself they’d have to make me leave,” Tobias said of dive school in an interview with The Virginia Pilot in 1975. “I wouldn’t quit. If you ever uttered the words, ‘I quit,’ you could never take them back, and there were plenty of eyes waiting to see me fail. I didn’t want them asking less of women, for anything.”

Tobias graduated from Second Class Dive School on March 14, 1975, making her the Navy’s first female deep-sea diver. Even in 1975, there were limited duty stations Tobias could go to as sea duty billets would not open to women until 1978. She eventually took a position at Submarine Naval Base New London, Connecticut, as an instructor at the submarine escape trainer.

“She had to prove herself, to be twice as good at everything, and she was,” retired Master Diver Steven Lechner told The Palm Beach Post in 2001. Lechner had worked with Tobias while at the escape trainer. “After she proved herself, everyone looked up to her and admired her, because they knew she was the only woman in the whole Navy at the time doing that.”

During her time at New London, Tobias took part in experimental physiological research and helped evaluate the Navy’s new MK-12 diving system.

Tobias left active duty in 1980, when she took her experience as an instructor and became a special education teacher who advocated passionately for her special needs students.

Tobias was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2001.

Tobias prepares to make a dive in an undated photo.

Tobias dons the MK-V dive suit in an undated photo.

NEXT GEN

FUTURE LEADERS OF PORTSMOUTH SELECTED FOR PROGRAM

Two Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) employees recently graduated from the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Next Generation Program (NextGen). NextGen is the first tier of the NAVSEA Leadership Continuum. The continuum allows employees to focus on leadership development through various stages

of their careers, in preparation for future opportunities within the organization. NextGen promotes leadership skills through a blended course approach (classroom and online) involving assessment, experiential learning and individual development opportunities. The program also gives an opportunity for cross-command networking,

team building and a capstone project pursuing an issue that aligns with the NAVSEA Campaign Plan. The program’s focus is to broaden the horizons of participants by connecting them to NAVSEA Headquarters, shipyards, warfare centers, regional maintenance centers and other elements within the enterprise.

Terrence C. Swiger, Jr. works as a Support Service Specialist assisting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Outreach, Engineering Recruitment, Diversity & Inclusion and the American Sign Language Interpreter programs. Swiger is a data driven analyst. Outside of his daily duties, Swiger supports the emergency response on the Public Affairs team and mentors Shapleigh Middle School students through robotics programming. He joined the shipyard workforce in August 2018 as a Marine Machinery Mechanic. Prior to coming to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Swiger worked for over 15 years in finance and operations for Fortune 500 companies.

“NextGen was brilliant,” said Swiger. “My boss a few years ago encouraged me to apply, which I’m so thankful for now. Right out of the gate, we went to NAVSEA HQ at the Washington Navy Yard for orientation with about 75 people from all over the country and different business units. Being at HQ gave me an entirely different perspective on NAVSEA. What we do here in Kittery is extremely important and has an invaluable impact for the Navy and national security, and I feel privileged to be a part of the mission. My biggest takeaway is if you focus hard enough, and are willing to fall a few times, dust yourself off, and continue moving forward, then you can gain essential leadership skills from that. I encourage others to submit their applications for this program.”

Jill A. Ferrelli is an Environmental Protection Specialist in the Hazardous Waste Storage Facility where she supports the transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes from PNSY to various disposal facilities. She also maintains multiple tracking sheets for warehouse inventories, job orders, quarterly and yearly reports, as well as inventories for the waste disposal contract. Jill is also a boat operator and member of the Facilities Response Team. Prior to coming to PNSY in 2016 as a secretary, she worked in waste transportation and disposal as an office manager, dispatcher and technical service support person for over 20 years.

“The Next Generation Leadership Program motivated me to step outside of my comfort zone to meet and network with others enterprise-wide. NextGen has helped me learn more about myself, my strengths, weaknesses, career goals and how to achieve them.”

The NAVSEA Next Generation program is sponsered by NAVSEA 10. The 2024 application period is expected to open on May 1, 2024. More information will be announced as it becomes available. For questions about this program, please contact Command University at PNS_C1180@us.navy.mil.

Article by Terrence C. Swiger, Jr. Photos by Jim Cleveland

SAAPM and CAP Proclamation Signing

Shipyard Commander, Capt. Michael Oberdorf (seated), signed the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), and Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month Proclamations. This year’s SAAPM theme is: “STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate.” This year’s CAP month theme is: “MilParents Rock” and “Rock-Solid Families Start Here.” Standing (l to r): Family Advocacy Center (FAC) Educational Services Facilitator, Lauren Tella; Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Kerry Weber; FAC Administrative Assistant, Rhianna O’Connor; Sexual Assault Prevention Response Victim Advocate, Brianne Deyermond; Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Kelsea Webb; and Acting Site Director/FAC Representative, Leigh Kayes. Photo by Shipyard Photographer Jim Cleveland

PNSY Presents: YardBot 2.0

Introducing YardBot 2.0: the shipyard’s newly improved virtual assistant for all things material. Have you ever wanted to know the status of a requisition without having to access the Material Access Technology? Know the status of all material ordered for a specific job? Or maybe check how much stock is available for a specific National Item Identification Number (NIIN) or if there are approved alternate stock numbers that could be used in place of the original? All of these questions and more can be answered by YardBot with a quick email. This elevated version of the original YardBot technology also comes with a considerable list of improvements.

YardBot 2.0 is equipped with enhanced security measures, including multi-layered screening logic of all YardBot requests, increased protection against cyber-security attack methods. Users can now also send requests to a dedicated email address: yardbot@us.navy.mil.

YardBot 2.0 can process up to five requisitions, job orders, or NIIN at a time, with the estimated delivery date of the requisition conveniently included in the YardBot reply message. Additionally, the YardBot also now has access to all requisitions going back two years.

Note: If you already have a “navy.mil” or “dla. mil” email address then you do not require additional authorization to access YardBot. All YardBot requests should be sent via Microsoft Outlook on your desktop computer or through the Outlook app on your government -furnished cellphone. YardBot will automatically reject all requests originating from any email address not ending in “navy.mil” or “dla.mil.”

Article by Periscope Writer Hanna Lanoie

VANPOOL LISTINGS

Multiple Locations - WHITE KNUCKLE TRANSIT

LLC: 1st shift 0630-1500, (3) 15-passenger vans serving the Brunswick area, Sanford/Springvale/Wells and Limington/Waterboro/Alfred. Space available. Contact Matt: (207) 252-0584 or wtnukltransit@gmail.com.

Multiple Locations - BINETTE BUS is looking for riders, 3 vans:

Biddeford - Mercedes bus has high-top roof and leather captain’s chairs

Wells - High-top roof, individual leather captain’s chairs w/cup holders and USB ports Call/Text (207) 590-6954

Email: c.binette23@gmail.com.

Alfred/Lyman/Kennebunk/Sanford/WellsCUNNINGHAM VAN, 10-hour van, 0600-1630, 5 days a week, 10 riders in a 15-passenger van. Contact Ken Cunningham: Call or text (207) 608-9402 or CunninghaVan@gmail.com.

Lebanon/Berwick/S. BerwickAT BUS 1: Lebanon, ME (Upper Cross Road), Berwick (via Long Swamp Rd), Berwick, Berwick Park & Ride, South Berwick (via Rte. 236) 0600-1430, M-F (8 hour day shift).

AT BUS 2: Lebanon, ME (Town Hall Park & Ride), Berwick via Long Swap Rd & Berwick (Park & Ride), South Berwick (Rte. 236) 0600-1530 5/4/9 shift

Call Lee for details: ext. 4531, daytime cell (207) 703-3769, evening cell (603)312-7956

Biddeford - O’BRIENS VANPOOL: 0700-1530

Two vans, 1st picks up at Biddeford Park & Ride; 2nd picks up at Five Points Shopping Center in Biddeford. Pickups also available at homes on Village Lane, Westmore Ave. or near this area. Registered with TIP. Contact Mike: ext. 3737 or (207) 590-0546.

Biddeford/Saco - ACIN VANPOOL: 1st shift. Picks up at Biddeford Park & Ride, 10 passenger limit. Arrives on-yard by 0615. Contact Phil: ext. 1682 or (207) 423-6142.

Biddeford/Saco area - PERHAM VANPOOL: 1st shift, (2) vanpools. Meet at Biddeford Park & Ride. Second vanpool meets at Saco Park & Ride. Space available. Contact Chris: ext. 1821 or (207) 590-2378.

Portland/Saco - CHURCH VANPOOL: 1st shift, reliable drivers. Space available. Contact Randy: ext. 4790 or (207) 450-5824.

Biddeford - SWANK VANPOOL LLC: Two 15-passenger vans from Biddeford (1) 0600-1500 leaves Biddeford Park & Ride at 0500, (2) 0600-1530 5/4/9 Friday SDO leaves Biddeford Park & Ride at 0500. Please contact Kevin Swank 207-205-1311

Biddeford - BENNER’S VANPOOL: 1st shift riders wanted. 0700-1530, pickup at Biddeford Park & Ride, registered with TIP, no out of pocket expense. Contact Jason: ext. 6480 or cell (207)-590-1955, call or text.

Dayton/Lyman/Kennebunk - DANLEY VAN POOL: (2) 15-Passenger vans serving the same route. 10 riders max per van. Will pick up rider along route 35. No out-of-pocket expense when enrolled in TIP. Contact Tyler: (207) 590-3279.

Saco - GREENLAW'S VAN POOL: First Shift 0615-1445, leaves Saco Park & Ride at 0525. Contact Kyle at (207)-229-3378 or ext. 5350. Biddeford/Gray - JOE’S VAN LLC: 1st shift riders wanted. 0630-1500. No out-of-pocket expense. Pickup at exits: 75 Auburn, 63 Gray, 53 Falmouth, 45 Portland, 32 Biddeford, 19 Wells Contact Joe: ext. 5371, or (207) 320-0941

Dover - J.R.’s VANPOOL: 1st shift. Departs from Exit 9 Park & Ride at 0540. Large comfortable van, space available. Contact J.R.: ext. 1123 or (603) 749-1409.

Brunswick/Topsham/Yarmouth/Portland/ South Portland - CRONIN VANPOOL: 1st shift 0700-1530. Reliable drivers, newer 12-passenger Chevrolet van. With Transportation Incentive Program, $0 out-ofpocket cost. For more info, call Kevin ext. 2531 or (207)837-3561.

Hollis/Waterboro/Alfred/Sanford/WellsMADORE VANPOOL: 1st shift, via Rt. 117/202/4/109/I-95. Non-smoking. Riders wanted. Contact Cory: (207) 752-6019 or (207) 423-3774.

Lebanon-North Berwick/Berwick/ South Berwick/Eliot/Kittery – FARREN TRANSPORTATION: 1st Shift; On schedule means on yard by 5:40. 15-passanger van. Berwick, South Berwick, Kittery Park & Ride. Will pick up along Little River Rd, 236, Goodwin Rd. Contact Dan: (207) 451-7092, (207) 475-6325, email RidewithFT@gmail.com.

Lebanon/Berwick/South Berwick/EliotPERRY VANPOOL: 1st shift. Free rides for TIP members! Space available, contact Andrew: ext. 5407 or (207) 457-1986.

W. Newfield - NEWFIELD EXPRESS: 1st shift (0630-1530). 15-passenger. Multiple pickup spots include W. Newfield, Shapleigh, Springvale, Sanford, N. Berwick, Berwick, Contact Ben x5873 or sign up on TIPS directly. newfieldexpress@gmail.com, (207) 806-7043

Biddeford - BENNER VANPOOL: 1st shift riders wanted. 0600-1500, pickup at Biddeford Park & Ride, registered with TIP, no out of pocket expense. Contact Jason: (207) 590-1955. Call or text.

Gray - TRACY VANPOOL: 1st shift, 1 (no stops). Accommodates 5 8-hour shifts and 5/4/9 schedules. Contact Derek (207) 615-4905. Call or text.

Gray - BENNER VANPOOL: 1st shift, (no stops). Accommodates 0600-1500 shift. Registered with TIP, no out of pocket expense. Contact Jason (207) 590-1955. Call or text.

Saco/Wells - LECLAIR VANPOOL: Always a free ride! 0600 to 1530 SDO shift. Comfortable new 15-passenger van, never overcrowded. Space available. Contact Kevin: ext. 5784, (207) 475-8245 or leclair.kevin@yahoo.com.

Lebanon/Berwick/South Berwick - DEVOLL’S VAN POOLS: 1st shift, non-smoking, 15 passenger van that only takes 12 passengers, TIP participant, Lebanon Park & Ride, Little River Road, Lebanon Road, Beach Ridge Road, Rt 9 to Berwick, Rt 236 to shipyard. Contact Kip (H) 457-1241, (C) 451-3257.

Lebanon/Berwick/South Berwick - DK TRANSPORTATION: 15 passenger van. Plenty of seats available! 10-hour shifts. 0600-1630. TIP participant. 1st pick up at Lebanon Park & Ride, into Berwick via Long Swamp Rd., stop at Berwick Park & Ride, into South Berwick via 236. Multiple stops along the way. Call or text Drew: (978)305-0537

Springvale/Sanford/Berwick - MATHIEU VANPOOL: 1st shift. No overcrowding, 10 riders in a 15-passenger van. Dependable drivers, no out-of-pocket expense with TIP. 2 openings available, call Shawn: (207) 651-4975.

Farmington/Lebanon - GRANITE STATE TRANSIT 2 Buses: Farmington, NH 25- Passenger, leaves daily from old Fire Station downtown 0515, leaves from Shipyard Mall 1500.

Lebanon, ME 32-Passenger, 3 pickup locations: Lebanon Town Office 0505, Berwick Park & Ride - corner of Sullivan St. and Wilson St., bus stop - corner of Norton St. and Main St., South Berwick. Leaves from Shipyard parking garage 1500. Contact Lee: Personal (603) 781-3402, Work (207) 451-7497.

Rochester/Milton/Farmington/BarringtonSEACOAST EXPRESS: 3 buses running daily covering 0500-1530, 0600-1430, 0600-1530, 07001530 and “5/4/9” shifts. Seacoast Express users can switch buses at any time throughout the month if they would like to work overtime, switch shifts or leave early. All buses leave from Rochester Home Depot parking lot. Vehicle available at shipyard if passengers have an emergency situation and need to leave early. For more information, contact Aaron: (603) 337-5137.

Dayton/Lyman/Kennebunk - DANLEY VANPOOL: 1st shift (7-3:30). 15-passenger van with seats available. 10 riders max. Will pick up riders along route 35. No out-of-pocket expense when enrolled in the TIP program. Contact Tyler: (207)590-3279.

Sanford/Wells/Kittery - CCR EXPRESS: 1st shift (0630-1500) pickup at Hannaford-Sanford (0445), Marden's-Sanford (0455), Hannaford-N. Berwick (0505), Aroma Joes-S. Berwick (0515), Kittery Masonic Lodge #184(0600). Either snooze or watch a movie on the way to work. Come give it a try. 100% Free ride to work with TIP. Contact Milton: (207) 604-4936.

Sanford/Wells - DELISLE VANPOOL: Sanford seats available, non-smoking 15-passenger van, M-F 0700-1530. Biddeford/Wells Park & Ride seats available, non-smoking 12-passenger van, M-F 0700-1530. Vans are very dependable, clean, and safe. Out-of-pocket cost: $0 Call Matt work cell phone (207) 468-5280, personal cell (207) 289-8556.

Springvale/Sanford/North BerwickHILLS NEW ENGLAND TRANSIT: 1st shift vanpool, M-F, 0630-1500 schedule with multiple locations available for pickup. 15-passenger van with only 10 riders and multiple open spots. Text or call James Hill (603) 337-5668.

Sanford/Springvale/Berwicks - COUSENS

VANPOOL: 1st shift, comfortable, new 15-passenger van. Non-smoking. TIP participant. Space available, contact Mike: (207) 651-7411.

Wells area - PERHAM VANPOOL: 1st shift. Meet at Wells Park & Ride. Space available. Contact Chris: ext. 1821 or (207) 590-2378.

Sanford/Springvale/points southTURNER VAN POOL: Arrives 0545 am, departs 1500, 8-hr shift. Contact Herv: cell (207) 4323779, email herveyturner@gmail.com

Waterboro/Alfred/Sanford/Wells - AB VANPOOL: 1st shift. Clean, comfortable, and reliable. Arrives on yard around 0615. No outof-pocket expenses for TIP participants once enrolled. For more information, contact Cory: ext. 1442 or (207) 651-1526.

Springvale/Sanford/Wells - KGR RIDESHARE: 1st shift. Rt. 109 to Rt. 95, flexible stops. 10 passenger limit in 15-passenger van, never overcrowded. No out-of-pocket cost for commuters participating in TIP. Openings available. Contact Michael: (207) 651-2712 or soccergod007@yahoo.com for more info. Saco/Biddeford/Wells - WISE MAN

TRANSPORTATION: 10-hour days, 0600-1630, 5 days a week, non-smoking, 25-passenger limo bus from the Park & Rides with no out-of-pocket fee after TIP reimbursement. Pick up Saco-0450, Biddeford-0457, Kennebunk-0505, Wells-0515 arrive at shipyard-0545. 2nd bus running 8-hour shift, 0630-1500, in a non-smoking 32-passenger bus with no out-of-pocket fee if signed up on TIP. Pick up at Park & Rides Saco-0520 and Biddeford-0530. Contact Brad: ext. 1228, (207) 219-2474 or nascardriver_39@hotmail.com

Shapleigh/Sanford/Wells -TRIPLE C&K

TRANSPORT: 1st shift. Participates in the Transportation Incentive Program (TIP). No out-of-pocket expense for riders once enrolled in TIP. For more information contact Darrell: (207) 752-7886.

Hooksett/Raymond/Exeter - CAPITAL CITY

VAN POOL: Commute for FREE with TIP debit card, servicing I-93, exit 11 and Rt. 101, exits 5 &11, 1st shift (0600-1500) Fees covered by TIP, 15-passenger van with bench seats, Nonsmoking. For more information call, text or on Facebook Jeff (603) 682-6124.

Sanford/Lebanon/Berwick/South BerwickSPR TRANSPORTATION: 15-passenger van working 10-hour shifts (0600-1630) free with TIP. Contact Rich (207) 608-3906

Manchester/Epping - QUEEN CITY AND EPPING VAN POOL: Commute for free, picks up in Manchester and the Epping Park & Ride (Exit 7, Rt-101) First shift (0630-1530). 15-passenger van. No smoking or out-of-pocket costs, fees covered by TIP program. Call or text Pete, cell (603) 505-5508, home (732) 397-0429.

Rochester/Somersworth/Dover – PLATT VANPOOL: 1st shift 4/10s, 0600-1630. Main pickups are Rochester Park & Ride and Tuckers off Exit 9 in Dover/ Somersworth. Route starts from Parsonsfield, ME; Newfield, ME; and Wakefield, NH; so if you are in the north country, call for details. Contact John Platt ext. 2912; text or call (603) 923-3979; email jpe.john@gmail.com.

Lebanon/Berwick/South BerwickPOPLAR HILL TRANSPORTATION LLC: 1st shift. Picks up at Lebanon Park & Ride, Berwick Park & Ride, and South Berwick Park & Ride. Contact Jake: (207) 608-3879 or email at poplarhillllc@yahoo.com.

Wells/Sanford/Alfred/WaterboroSLICK VANPOOL: 15-passenger van looking for riders. For more info call or text: Jack Howard (207) 251-9292.

Lebanon/Berwick/South BerwickDK TRANSPORTATION: 15-passenger van. Plenty of seats available! 10-hour shifts. 0600-1630. TIP participant. 1st pick up at Lebanon Park & Ride, into Berwick via Long Swamp Rd., stop at Berwick Park & Ride, into South Berwick via 236. Multiple stops along the way. Call or text Drew: (978)305-0537

Southern NH/Berwick/Kittery – COAST Bus Public Transit Bus System – First arrival at Gate 1 is at 0600, then 45 minutes past the hour every hour from 0745-2045. TIP-registered. Contact: COASTBUS.ORG, or call/text (603) 743-5777.

For more commuter information or information on the TIP, check out the ‘Rides and Riders’ section under the Resources tab on the PNS Intranet or contact the TIP coordinator at ext. 6635, or via email: tips_ pns.fct@navy.mil

For posting, removing, or editing Vanpool Ads, email: submit_periscope@navy.mil

Tired of the struggle to find parking on the shipyard? Struggle no further! The shipyard now has a free shuttle service to and from the MaineDOT Park n’ Ride (located southwest of the Kittery Premium Outlets) and drops off at 60 Wallingford Square - just steps from the PNSY Pedestrian Gate. Park n’ Ride Shuttle

Hours of Operation:

Morning: 5:30am - 8:30am, starting from Park n’ Ride

Afternoon: 2:15pm - 5:45pm, starting from CVIS lot Buses will run every 30 minutes.

The shuttle is operated by C&J Bus Lines, requires no reservation, but is first-come, first-served and there are 50 seats available per trip. For more information about the shuttle, visit the PNS homepage.

PNSY AWARDED SECNAV ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) was announced March 11 as the Secretary of the Navy's (SECNAV) Environmental Award winner for environmental restoration.

The SECNAV Environmental Awards recognize Navy and Marine Corps individuals, teams, ships, and installations for exceptional environmental stewardship.

“Our commitment to deliver excellence for the Navy is not limited to the delivery of attack submarines,” said Shipyard Commander, Capt. Michael Oberdorf. “Environmental stewardship builds public trust and enhances the mission capability and

working environment of our shipyard. We understand and appreciate our important role in protecting the natural resources of the Seacoast.”

The shipyard on Feb. 16 was removed from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund list after a 30-year environmental cleanup using green remediation and technology. The United States’ oldest public shipyard was deemed a Superfund site on May 31, 1994 because of toxic materials that had been inadequately disposed of in years past.

“The success of the shipyard's environmental restoration program

is truly a testament to the value of continual partnerships with federal and state regulators and collaboration with local community stakeholders,” said Installation Environmental Program Director Kari Moore. “We are proud of the work we do and will continue to integrate environmental stewardship into day-to-day activities and long-term processes at PNSY and throughout our region.”

As a SECNAV Environmental Award winner, PNSY moves on to compete for the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards.

ASN Meredith Berger Celebrates Women’s History Month at PNSY

Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment, and Chief Sustainability Officer Meredith Berger was the guest of honor at a luncheon hosted by the Women’s Resource Network (WRN), an Employee Resource Group at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). Attendees included female Sailors, officers and WRN leadership.

The gathering highlighted Women’s History Month and coincided with Berger’s shipyard visit to attend the Superfund Delisting Ceremony, where she was the keynote speaker. “I focus my work on the three Cs: Critical Infrastructure, Communities and Climate Action,” said Berger. “We are all that we are because of the work we can do together.”

The luncheon featured an open roundtable discussion. Participants took advantage of the opportunity to ask questions, address concerns and relate first-hand experiences as activeduty military or civilian employees at PNSY. ASN Berger gave insightful responses on several topics including water quality, resiliency programs and infrastructure.

Article by Periscope Editor Selena Brock

USS THRESHER (SSN 593)

Lost at Sea April 10, 1963

On board were 129 men: 12 officers and 96 enlisted men of the submarine’s crew, one Submarine Force staff officer, three officers and 13 civilian employees of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, two civilian engineers from Sperry Gyroscope Company, one civilian engineer from Raytheon Company and one civilian engineer from the Naval Ordnance laboratory.

REMEMBERING USS THRESHER (SSN 593) APRIL 10, 1963

The early 1960s were a time of great unrest worldwide, with freedom and democracy being challenged in many countries. The nation was at the height of the Cold War, countering Soviet aggression at every turn. However, America was secure - for our Navy was on patrol. The Navy operated nearly 120 submarines, over twice the size of today’s force, as we ushered in more nuclear-powered submarines with greater endurance and lethality than ever before.

This was a critical time for America to prove that we were the premier technological power, and for the Submarine Force, USS Thresher (SSN 593) was the firstin-class to be commissioned by the Navy on August 3, 1961. A nuclear-powered attack submarine, Thresher was designed for optimum performance and equipped with state-of-the-art technology of its time. The modern design was an engineering marvel – certainly the most technically complex machine ever devised and constructed, with capabilities unimaginable just a few years prior. Thresher was able to dive deeper, run quieter, and execute missions better than any other submarine of its day. The selected crew was top-notch, the very best of the best. In short, Thresher was the Navy’s best step into the future.

The submarine craftsmen at the shipyard who constructed Thresher were relentless in their drive for excellence. They shared our nation’s pioneering spirit to press forward through seemingly impenetrable boundaries, to give America’s Navy every technological advantage in the defense of our nation.

Then, suddenly, Thresher was gone. On April 10, 1963, while on a training mission off the coast of Massachusetts, Thresher, with 129 men aboard: 12 officers and 96 enlisted men of the submarine’s crew, a Submarine Force staff officer, three officers and 13 civilian employees of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, two civilian engineers from Sperry Gyroscope Company, one civilian engineer from Raytheon Company and one civilian engineer from the Naval Ordnance Laboratory

were tragically lost. The loss reverberated throughout the shipyard and across the globe.

It was reported that when the news of the loss of Thresher reached the shipyard, all machinery came to a halt and the yard became eerily quiet. Shipyard workers congregated briefly on the Shipyard Mall to pay their respects before drifting home in a state of stunned silence. The tragedy was a profound loss to the nation, to the submarine Navy, but most of all, to 129 families. Thresher and its beloved crew continues to top the list as one of the most dreadful American tragedies.

At this shipyard, this loss is personal. From the youngest apprentice on the shop floor, to senior shipyard management, the loss of Thresher, the crew, and the civilians still pervades all of our hearts and minds. Not a day passes that we don’t work just a little harder, just a little smarter, ensuring that our work is of the highest quality. We know that we cannot afford to rest on past performance or the rapid changes in technology when the lives of our submariners are at stake.

The aftermath of the loss of Thresher led the Navy to implement extensive changes in design, procedure, operations and processes. Thresher would become synonymous with a new approach to submarine safety – the SUBSAFE Program, a program which has successfully kept our Submarine Force safe from a similar event for more than 60 years now.

A foundational element of our SUBSAFE culture is the personal responsibility, accountability and integrity of those individuals involved. Our SUBSAFE culture dictates that these personnel are absolutely responsible and accountable for the safety of the men and women who take our submarines to sea. Therefore they are expected to execute their work with precision, integrity, and the highest quality.

Our tradition of handing down trade experience from generation to generation helps ensure that the men and women who accept the call of honor, courage and commitment, and who take their ships down into the deep, to defend freedom and preserve peace around the world, are safe and that they return home safely. We vowed to the brave patriots lost that fateful day on Thresher that a tragedy like this would never happen again.

The SUBSAFE Program has also provided that the loss of those 129 patriots was not in vain. The margin for error in building and maintaining our submarine fleet is incredibly small. The submarine community must guard against complacency and rigidly uphold the highest standards of design, operation, and training lest we be reminded by the power of the sea and the loss of irreplaceable loved ones.

May God bless Thresher, its 129 souls on eternal patrol, and their families.

SUBSAFE Program: The Legacy of USS

Thresher

By Rear Adm. J. Clarke Orzalli, USN (Ret.), Chairman SUBSAFE Oversight Committee (2010-2012) from an April 9, 2021 speech

The SUBSAFE Program provides maximum reasonable assurance of the watertight integrity and recovery capability of a submarine. A culture of safety is central to the entire Navy submarine community. This starts at the designers, and includes builders, operational crews and maintenance organizations. The SUBSAFE Program clearly defines non-negotiable requirements, demands annual training of personnel and ensures compliance with reviews including audits and independent oversight.

In order to submerge, a submarine must be SUBSAFE certified. The SUBSAFE certification covers design, installed material, fabrication processes and comprehensive testing. In these areas, documentation must be exact and based on objective quality evidence. This means that records back to original material composition as well as detailed testing results must be reviewed and retained throughout the life of a submarine.

For many, the detailed requirements, rigorous training, constant review, questioning attitude and the meticulous record keeping may seem excessive, but the program is successful. In the 48 years before SUBSAFE there were 16 non-combat related submarine losses, an average of one every three years. Since inception of the SUBSAFE program, only one submarine, USS Scorpion (SSN 589) has been lost, and it was not a SUBSAFE-certified submarine. In the more than 60 years since the inception of the SUBSAFE program, there has not been a loss of a SUBSAFE-certified submarine. The program has been utilized as a safety standard when analyzing the loss of both space shuttles Challenger and Columbia.

The SUBSAFE program is the legacy of those lost on Thresher, and it has made a lasting significant contribution to the Submarine Force, the United States Navy and to the nation.

“USS Thresher / Bruce Harvey / crayon,”

“The young son of Commander John Harvey, skipper of Thresher, drew the boat on the ocean floor after hearing of its loss. Bruce’s father and 128 other men died when the submarine sank off the New England coast.”

The drawing (right), on display at the National Museum of the Navy, was created by Lt. Cmdr. Harvey’s son in 1963 after learning of his father’s death onboard Thresher. Bruce was 8 years old at the time of the Thresher loss. The powerful image serves as an emotional reminder of the importance of executing quality work so no child will ever have to draw a picture like this again.

Article compiled by Jim Cleveland