Naval Station Bremerton estabilshed adjacent to PSNS

Sea Power, Dec 1998

The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton, Wash., has been divided into two bases in recognition of its expanded role as a homeport for operational ships. PSNS continues its previous mission under the command of Capt. Dale E. Baugh. The new base-which takes over the active-ship berths adjacent to the shipyard-has been established as Naval Station Bremerton.

Vice Adm. James F. Amerault, deputy chief of naval operations for logistics, was the principal speaker at the 1 October ceremonies, held on board the decommissioned aircraft carrier Independence. Also speaking at the establishment ceremonies were Rear Adm. George R. Yount, commander for engineering, Naval Sea Systems Command; Rear Adm. William D. Center, commander, Naval Base, Seattle; Baugh; and Capt. Judith A. Holden, the first commanding officer of Naval Station Bremerton.

"In recent years the shift in the [U.S.] global strategy and the composition of the Navy's fleet has continued to change and Bremerton is again playing a pivotal role in that changeevolving into a homeport and a fullfledged naval station with a premier industrial shipyard close at hand," said Yount. "The Naval Sea Systems Command is proud to transfer-lock, stock, and barrel-an excellent naval station and homeport that will provide our valued sailors and their precious families the quality of life they richly deserve."

The Navy has invested more than $175 million in renovations and new construction at the Bremerton facilities in recent years. Bremerton is homeport to one nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, an ammunition ship, and four fast combat support ships.