Bremerton's Navy shipyard is getting a $15B makeover
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Change is coming to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Rendering: Courtesy of U.S. Navy
The Navy is preparing for a once-in-a-generation overhaul of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, a nearly $15 billion transformation that could secure the city's role in maintaining the nation's warships for decades.
Why it matters: The shipyard has been an economic backbone of the region since 1891, and Navy officials say modernization is critical to keeping it operational.
- This single most expensive shore infrastructure investment the Navy has ever proposed is a "once-in-a-generation investment," said Capt. Troy Brown, who leads the newly established Navy command overseeing the work.
Driving the news: The Navy on Sept. 30 began soliciting contractors for the decade of work that will remake the shipyard's waterfront.
What's happening: The plan centers on building a larger and deeper dry dock capable of servicing the newest Ford-class aircraft carriers, which the existing facilities cannot accommodate.
- That requires demolishing or replacing piers, wharves and major buildings, moving the shipyard's forge operation to Bangor and constructing new workshops and support facilities, Brown told Axios.
- The shipyard also needs to be able to keep working on aircraft carriers and submarines while the upgrades occur, he said.
- To minimize disruption, the Navy aims to transport as much construction material as possible by barge rather than truck it through Bremerton.
Jobs report: Brown expects construction employment to peak around 2031 or 2032, with roughly 1,000 workers per shift and potentially two shifts.
- Most added workers will be employed by private construction contractors rather than the Navy.
- Brown said job seekers can watch for openings after contractors are selected, while tradespeople may want to speak with their unions.
The big picture: The Navy's effort to modernize its four shipyards — Puget Sound, Portsmouth, Norfolk and Pearl Harbor — could cost more than $200 billion and take over 50 years, according to the Government Accountability Office.
- When the program launched in 2018, the Navy estimated it would cost at least $21 billion over 20 years.
- At Puget Sound alone, there are 50 modernization projects completed, underway or proposed at about $19.6 billion, including the planned dry dock.
What's next: Demolition is scheduled to begin next year, with construction of the new dry dock planned for 2030 and completion targeted for 2038, according to the GAO.
- The Navy is also accepting public comments through Oct. 19 on how the project could affect historic properties at the shipyard.
The bottom line: Brown said there's something remarkable about seeing young people working in buildings constructed a century ago — and knowing the Navy is preparing the shipyard for another century of service.