103rd Year Anniversary of the Shipyard’s Apprentice Program

Capt. Richard Jones, USN, 48th Commander Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility

Congratulations to this year’s Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF) Class of 2022 Apprentice graduates!

Four years ago, 148 men and women, started their path to becoming full-time PHNSY & IMF journey mechanics. Through hard work and commitment, they have all earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Applied Trades from Honolulu Community College (HCC), achieved a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor, and earned a Department of Navy Certificate of Completion and Journey Mechanic Card.

On Friday, May 12, 2023, I proudly witnessed the next Apprentice class, Class of 2025, accept their hard-earned AAS degrees at the HCC graduation ceremony held at the iconic Waikiki Shell. It was the first in-person ceremony since COVID-19. It was truly heartwarming to see family, friends and loved ones celebrate with each graduate.

The class of 2025 will spend the next two years learning on the job to complete their apprenticeship programs and become journey mechanics. Each apprentice now formally takes their place in a legacy steeped in the shipyard’s core values of Aloha, Honor, Courage and Commitment coupled with the Navy’s attributes of Integrity, Accountability, Initiative and Toughness. Congratulations Class of 2025, keep up the good work!

This year marks the 103nd year anniversary of the apprenticeship program, which began in 1920, when Leonard H. Dexter and Fred C. Douse were hired as machinist apprentices. As of 2023, more than 6,300 men and women have graduated from PHNSY & IMF’s apprentice program. The program is vital to our shipyard’s growth and stability, without it, the shipyard would not be able to maintain the Pacific Fleet.

Our Apprentices will join a hallowed fraternity of highly skilled journey mechanics that are committed to executing our national mission. Each graduate develops unique skillsets to repair and modernize our Navy’s intricate warfighting vessels through hard work and perseverance. This endeavor demands a focus on technical education, deckplate experience and a commitment to our Culture of Excellence.

PHNSY & IMF’s Apprentice Program best exemplifies how a federal and community partnership can be successful. Many thanks to everyone in our PHNSY & IMF community who helped this year’s class earn their degrees. The National Association of Superintendents, PHNSY & IMF’s trade instructors and coordinators, shipyard leadership in partnership with union leadership and stewards, the Navy League, the Federal Managers Association and the HCC instructors. It is through your personal efforts and dedication that our PHNSY & IMF workforce can keep our fleet, ‘Fit to Fight.’

To the classes of 2022 and 2025: you’re well on you way to becoming a highly competent professional in your field. The knowledge, skills and hands-on experience you have gained will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation for a successful career at PHNSY & IMF. I have no doubt that you will continue to excel and make significant contributions in your chosen path. As you embark on this new chapter of your lives, I encourage you to continue pursuing excellence, embracing growth opportunities and nurturing your passion. Remember that learning is a lifelong journey and every experience, whether big or small, will contribute to your personal and professional development.