What Congress can do to strengthen Puget Sound Naval Shipyard

Every few months, I visit the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) and talk to our service members and civilians. It’s an opportunity to hear their concerns and learn about issues that impact their work.

In these conversations, I hear about a variety of topics. I hear concerns about the need to upgrade facilities and equipment so shipyard workers can meet the mission. I hear concerns about the need for better wages – particularly at a time when costs are going up. I even hear concerns about parking troubles. 

The concerns of shipyard workers don’t get enough attention in our nation’s capital. With this in mind, I recently launched the bipartisan Congressional Public Shipyard Caucus with my colleague Rob Wittman from Virginia. Our group is focused on addressing the needs of our nation’s four public shipyards – and of the men and women who work for them. The Caucus also serves to raise awareness about the importance of our public shipyards within Congress.

Let’s talk about some of the issues I am hoping to push forward.

Upgrading shipyard infrastructure

Our public shipyards are at the core of our national defense strategy. Yet, all four public shipyards have substantial infrastructure needs. Just think of this: Puget Sound Naval Shipyard was established more than 130 years ago. Some of the structures and equipment are nearly that old. There are facilities that need seismic improvements. In addition, when the Ford-class carriers come on line next decade, there’s not a single shipyard on the West Coast with a drydock that will be large enough to service them. That’s a problem.