08/13/2026
Commander’s corner
By Capt. JD Crinklaw, commander, PSNS & IMF
Team PSNS & IMF,
Serving as your commander at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility these past three years has been the honor of a lifetime, and I’m grateful for the many opportunities it has afforded me both professionally and personally. The success of a shipyard commander depends greatly on the support of each member of the team, and I have been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from so many during my tenure here. From the mechanics working on the deck plate to the engineers, division heads, support staff and command senior leadership, you all have been gracious enough to share with me your decades of experience, extensive knowledge, and lessons learned. We truly are one team here at PSNS & IMF, pulling together in common purpose.
As I reflect on my time here, I feel fortunate to have been a part of the history of this command and its mission. I leave here knowing that there is a dedicated team of skilled professionals who will continue to press forward on the vital work, innovation and accomplishment of our mission. I’m also excited about the future of PSNS & IMF under the leadership of your new commander, Capt. William Sumsion, who has the experience, understanding and determination to lead this command in the years to come. I know you will do me the honor of welcoming him into the fold with open arms and giving him the same support, guidance and insight that you gave me. This command will only become more critical in the years to come, and we will all have a role to play in ensuring the Navy’s fleet maintains its dominance at sea.
This is truly an exciting time for the shipyard, and I leave here fully confident that our embrace of innovation and technology will help propel PSNS & IMF well into the future. Technology is rapidly evolving, and now is the time to get on board or risk being left behind. The implementation of Model Line, for example, is empowering front line workers to engage in solutions and drive success across deckplates. We know too well the daily frustrations that slow our teams down—whether they’re waiting for materials, dealing with outdated procedures, or fighting administrative hurdles. This operator-led tool allows us to change by challenging our current processes, mapping workflows to identify pain points and quickly identifying ways to resolve them.
Meanwhile, the adoption of AI will help digest large amounts of data quickly, reducing the amount of administrative overhead, and allowing the workforce time to do what it does best: executing our mission to maintain, modernize and retire the Navy’s fleet. AI is a powerful tool, and there’s no time like the present to take advantage of it. This technology will provide real value for the workforce, and you are the key to unlocking its full potential. As I leave here, I am reminded of the professionals I will miss and the great memories we have made to drive innovation and advance infrastructure improvements. Through strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to continuous progress, together we have helped identify opportunities, implement effective solutions, and build stronger systems for our shipyard’s future. These efforts have not only enhanced efficiency and performance but also created a foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success.
Thank you for the teamwork and support, but more importantly thank you for your friendship. You have personally offered to help lead this command through our many challenges and incredible accomplishments these past three years. You have my deepest gratitude for continuing to dedicate yourselves to our mission, our Sailors, the fleet and each other. With that, my family and I are looking forward to seeing you all at the Change of Command ceremony on Aug. 14. I hope you’ll join us for this momentous occasion.
A Ready Team Defines Us. Quality Drives Us. Mission Unites Us.
