Command changes at PSNS & IMF

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) held a change of command ceremony, Friday, May 6, as Capt. Clarke Orzalli handed over the reigns to Capt. Daniel Peters.

Since taking command Sept. 16, 2002, Orzalli’s top priority has been the safety of the shipyard workers. He touched on this during his final day as commander, PSNS & IMF.

“We have made significant strides (in safety,) but as long as we still have injuries, there is still more room for improvement,” said Orzalli as he thanked his safety staff for a job well done. When he took command, PSNS & IMF had one of the worst safety records. Now they are being nationally recognized with a 45 percent reduction in injury rate.

Orzalli was in command when PSNS combined with IMF to create a workforce of more than 10,000. He thanked the difference makers in the shipyard for making his job easier.

“Imagine the power of an organization where everyone is striving to make a difference everyday. The bounds are limitless,” Orzalli said. “Those who wear the eagle on cannon emblem of a superintendent really run the shipyard. I am indebted to them for their patience with me, their leadership and their continuous patriotism in making our Navy and nation strong.”

Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Vice Adm. Phillip Balisle, was the guest speaker for the event and said not only did the members of the shipyard make a difference, but Orzalli himself made his presence known when he took command.

“Reporting for duty at a critical time in the Global War on Terror, Capt. Orzalli proceeded to quickly and decisively make a difference,” said Balisle. “Standing up the Pacific Northwest Regional Maintenance Center is the first example of his making a difference. The complex task of consolidating organizations such as the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, portions of the Commander, Naval Surface Group, the Pacific Northwest Maintenance Staff and the Fleet Technical Support Center in order to reduce costs to the Navy has been a great success.”

Among some of the other highlights during Orzalli’s time at PSNS & IMF, the shipyard conducted its first refueling of a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine and two 11-month aircraft carrier dry dockings.

Capt. Peters arrived at PSNS & IMF from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where he was the Operations Officer. “This is the job that I have wanted my entire career and it is hard to relinquish command,” said Orzalli before departing. He welcomed Peters to his new home. “I wish you all the best in your command tour. Enjoy working for these great people, they will support you well and take this maintenance giant to the next level.”

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