During his first visit to the shipyard since assuming his position in August 2026, Weeks met with shipyard leadership to discuss how PNSY is meeting mission-critical submarine maintenance requirements. Weeks also met with subject-matter experts to discuss workforce-driven innovations and cutting-edge repair capabilities executed through improved workforce processes and emerging technologies during a detailed tour of PNSY’s inside machine shop.
Weeks toured the P-381 multi-dry dock construction project and engaged in multiple interactions with the shipyard workforce to acquire full visibility of the critical work being done to meet the Navy’s mission. PNSY, as part of the Navy’s Foundry, drives the undersea warfighting advantage, by transforming raw inputs and forging them into lethal outputs — platforms and sustained readiness at the speed and scale necessary to win.
Following the discussions, Weeks received a ships tour of the Virginia-class fast-attack submarines USS Washington (SSN 787), USS New Mexico (SSN 779) and the Los Angeles-class USS Hampton (SSN 767).
“The technical expertise and the hands-on capability of the Portsmouth workforce are critical to sustaining our undersea advantage,” said Weeks. “By putting the right tools and decisional authority at the right level, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is removing barriers to production and accelerating the delivery of combat-ready submarines back to the Fleet. The dedication I saw here proves that Portsmouth is focused on the right priorities.”
The two-day visit provided PNSY an opportunity to showcase how it supports its workforce in exercising authority consistent with their expertise and focusing on outcomes over activity. PNSY is dedicated to putting decisional authority in the hands of the workforce and eliminating systemic barriers to ensure the Navy’s Fleet is consistently positioned for warfighting readiness.
“Through their expertise and dedication, our workforce is streamlining critical maintenance. These efforts are already showing real results across the shipyard,” said Capt. Jesse Nice, shipyard commander. “Rear Adm. Weeks witnessed our team’s daily commitment to overcoming challenges and accelerating production timelines, reinforcing how vital Portsmouth is to the Navy’s mission.”
As America’s leader for attack submarine maintenance, repair, and modernization, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard delivers the decisive edge required to master an era of evolving threats. It stands at the forefront of America’s commitment to peace through strength, delivering combat-ready submarines that are lethal, resilient, and prepared to win. The work performed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard directly contributes to national security, ensuring the U.S. Navy remains the most dominant maritime force anywhere in the world.
