Employees from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility took part in an ‘Ohana tribute gathering to show support for Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, during a lunchtime event Dec. 6, 2019, in Bremerton, Washington.



The event featured remarks from senior leaders, a moment of silence and a group photo. Several thousand employees wearing aloha shirts attended the tribute, held outside the command’s headquarters building. Additionally, more than 50 employees at PSNS & IMF Detachment Everett held a concurrent tribute.


Dwight Otis, deputy production and resources manager, highlighted the importance of demonstrating solidarity during difficult times.


“This showing is a huge display of unity, compassion and respect for all of us who serve our Navy,” said Otis. “We wish this gathering was under different circumstances, but it is vitally important we come together in times like this and make sure we connect, to be there for those who may be hurting and to let those affected by these tragedies know they are in our hearts and minds.”


After a moment of silence, Rick Tift, PSNS & IMF executive director, reminded shipyard employees of the wellness and wellbeing resources available to them, and he encouraged them to look out for each other.


“If you’re hurting, there is help available,” said Tift. “You can reach out through your supervisor, chain of command or take advantage of some of the services we have arranged. We suffered a great loss this week, and your shipyard family is here for you.”


Following the ceremony, employees gathered to take a group photo and record a video tribute for their counterparts in Pearl Harbor.



Otis closed out the ceremony by thanking those in attendance and reminding them of the shared mission of all Navy shipyards.



“To look out and see all of you gathered today is a huge sign of support for our ‘Ohana at Pearl, our shipyard family and for our Navy,” said Otis. “To echo the words shared by a member of the Pearl Harbor workforce, ‘we are all interconnected, all tied by mission and purpose.’ We are one family.”