By Danna Eddy, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Public Affairs Officer
PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD, Maine - A 2002 McLoud Public School graduate and 2014 graduate of Southern Nazarene University is serving at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine, as part of the largest mobilization of reservists in Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) history. The mobilization is tied directly to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Serving in the Navy SurgeMain program at this shipyard means I'm not just a bystander,” Charlow said. “I'm here to help and actually make a difference in protecting both our citizens and those around the world.”
Between mid-March and late June, up to 25 percent of the naval shipyards’ production workforce had been on administrative leave due to being at high risk for severe complications tied to the COVID-19 virus. As a result, the four shipyards collectively experienced schedule impacts for most of the ships and submarines undergoing maintenance. This delayed maintenance work could result in delays to ship and submarine maintenance which could cause disruptions to the Navy’s deployment schedules and require ships and sailors to remain forward-deployed for longer periods of time.
NAVSEA, the largest command within the Navy, oversees the construction, delivery and maintenance of all the Navy’s commissioned ships and operates four naval shipyards - Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, WA, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Honolulu, HI. Workers at each of these shipyards perform a vital role in national defense by performing maintenance on ships, submarines and aircraft carriers required for combat-ready fleet forces.
“The four naval shipyards are critical to providing deployable, combat-ready warships for our Sailors and Marines,” said NAVSEA’s Commander Vice Adm. Bill Galinis. “Augmenting our organic civilian workforce with SurgeMain Reservists allows us to address the maintenance challenges generated by the pandemic so we can return ships back to the Fleet.”
Charlow is a boatswain’s mate responsible for docking and undocking submarines in dry dock and safe operation of various types of cranes, forklifts and rigging.
"I am also responsible for maintenance, load testing and certifying rigging gear," Charlow said. “I enjoy knowing the work that I do directly supports the Navy mission in defending our country.”
According to Charlow, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mcloud.
“My hometown taught me the importance of service to others," Charlow said. "The citizens of my town have a deep appreciation for military and first responders."
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Charlow, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“This is precisely the reason I joined the Navy,” Charlow added. "I am honored to serve my country in this difficult time.”