Shipyard Workers Assist U.S. Coast Guard

By Darcy Jenne, PSNS & IMF Bremerton, Public Affairs

Electricians from the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) Shop 51 traveled to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Yard in Baltimore, Md. to assist in repairs on the USCG cutter Cuttyhunk.

When the call came in looking for marine electrical support, electricians from the PSNS & IMF Bremerton, Wash. site were ready to help.

"The work is different here than back home," stated Bayani Essendencia, PSNS & IMF Shop 51 electrician working on the project. "This is a new experience working with the Coast Guard on a smaller boat with fewer ladders, which is a lot different from the carriers."

To ensure the timely delivery of the Cuttyhunk, workers performed various tasks such as pulling electrical and electronic cable, terminating wire runs and making needed connections.

Captain John Kaplan, USCG Yard Industrial Manager, is pleased with the efforts of the PSNS & IMF team.

"The PSNS & IMF electricians have proven to be a tremendous resource, filling a critical shortage of both electricians and electronics technicians at the Coast Guard Yard," said Kaplan. "Their hard work and dedication is helping get the Cuttyhunk back on schedule for her Oct. 12 delivery and return to Port Angeles, Washington."

The PSNS & IMF electrical team includes Richard Wilkinson, Patrick Warsalla, Chad Picard, Bayani Essendencia, and John Whistler.

"This was another tremendous example of PSNS & IMF contributing to the security of our country in a way that is outside of our traditional Navy role - and we did it with the excellent results the Navy and DOD have come to expect from our outstanding work force," said Capt. Stephen Iwanowicz, PSNS & IMF Production Resources Officer.