More concrete than the Pentagon
More iron by weight than the Eiffel Tower
The volume of the Roman Colosseum
Project Background
Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program
The Multi-Mission Dry Dock is a key part of the Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) initiative to reconfigure, optimize, and modernize the Navy’s four public shipyards. The Multi-Mission Dry Dock is just one aspect of the larger SIOP program. Under SIOP, $1.8 billion worth of work on 57 projects has been completed across the four shipyards, and another $6.9 billion worth of work is underway on 45 other projects. Improvements and investments in Navy facilities, dry docks, equipment, and infrastructure will support national defense and allow for the efficient maintenance of a combat-ready fleet.
Meeting Critical Needs
The Navy does not currently have the capacity and capability to perform depot-level maintenance on a Gerald R. Ford-class carrier in the Pacific Northwest.
PSNS & IMF is the only maintenance facility in the Pacific Theater that can support periodic docking planned incremental availabilities (DPIA) and emergent repair of the Pacific Fleet’s aircraft carriers. PSNS & IMF performs 50% of all aircraft carrier DPIAs. The Multi-Mission Dry Dock is essential for the continued operability and combat effectiveness of the Navy’s fleet. The Multi-Mission Dry Dock will enhance the Navy’s ability to provide combat power to Combatant Commands in accordance with its Title 10 responsibilities and the aircraft carrier deployment cycles defined in the Optimized Fleet Response Plan.
The Navy needs to upgrade and improve the shipyard’s capabilities and capacities to ensure PSNS & IMF can continue to meet its important mission to maintain, modernize, and retire the Navy’s nuclear-powered fleet into the foreseeable future.
Community Benefits
The Multi-Mission Dry Dock is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen the local workforce and support local businesses and communities.
The scale of this project will provide work and training opportunities for a variety of skilled trades, small businesses, and vendors. Partnerships with local workforce development organizations and industry groups will help strengthen the Navy’s connection to Bremerton and the greater Puget Sound area.
The Navy is committed to being a good neighbor to the surrounding community throughout project planning and construction by engaging with industry partners, undertaking robust public outreach efforts, and continuing to participate in government-to-government consultations. More information on community benefits and outreach will be available later in the year.
Shipyard History
In September 1891, the Navy purchased 190 acres of the Pacific Northwest wilderness for $10,000 to establish Naval Station Puget Sound in Bremerton, Washington. In 1900, the Naval Station became a shipyard and the only West Coast ship repair facility until 1941. By 1945, the wartime workforce reached more than 32,000 personnel. Between 1917 and 1969, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard constructed a total of 85 ships, including the largest vessels on the West Coast. In 1961, the shipyard became a certified nuclear repair facility.
In 1998, the Navy commissioned Naval Station Bremerton as its newest homeport. In June 2004, Naval Station Bremerton and Submarine Base Bangor joined to become one regional base known as Naval Base Kitsap, where PSNS& IMF is a tenant command on base.
