Harker, who was guided through his visit by Capt. Jip Mosman, commander, PSNS & IMF, talked with PSNS & IMF leaders about the U.S. Navy’s Public Shipyard Improvement Plan and the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) being spearheaded by Naval Sea Systems Command, and observed how the command has embraced high-velocity training and innovation to maintain, modernize and retire the Navy’s fleet. U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer joined for part of the visit.

Mosman also discussed how a proposed multi-mission dry dock at PSNS & IMF, in concert with other SIOP initiatives, will allow PSNS & IMF to meet the Navy’s and the nation’s needs for the foreseeable future.

“We are grateful the secretary spent time with us today to engage on the future of maintenance and discuss PSNS & IMF’s continued efforts to improve and transform the waterfront to meet the needs of the Navy,” said Mosman. “I was proud to show him, firsthand, the quality work this workforce does, day-in and day-out, to keep the active Navy fleet at-sea and ready for any operational tasking that comes its way.”

Harker learned that PSNS & IMF is laser-focused on process improvements and innovation solutions that can help get ships and submarines out on time or early, without waiting on infrastructure improvements that may take decades to be fully-built and implemented.

Harker also spent time discussing the shipyard’s COVID-19 mitigations, to include mandatory mask-wearing, mass vaccination efforts, and the production of barriers, hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer.

“It’s an honor to be here today, to see this shipyard and to see the important work being done to keep our ships at sea and our Navy operationally ready for any tasking that comes our way,” said Harker. “I am also impressed to see how our shipyards are improving their infrastructure to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the fleet for generations to come.”