Members from Naval Base Kitsap (NBK), USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS-IMF) and the city of Bremerton gathered at Samuel Adams Restaurant & Brewery on NBK, Bremerton for a “Welcome Aboard Nimitz” party, Feb. 15.

The gathering was to officially welcome the Nimitz to the shipyard and wish the crew a pleasant stay on NBK during her time in dry-dock.

“This party was an informal meeting to give us the opportunity to meet the commanding officer, the executive officer and senior enlisted members of the ship’s command,” said Greg Wheeler, a Bremerton city council member and a guest at the party.

The party kicked off with introductions and friendly greetings from the VIPs of the party; the Nimitz command, and Bremerton’s dignitaries.

“It’s a nice exclamation point to add to the continuous welcoming of the Nimitz to Bremerton,” said Capt. John Ring, the executive officer of the Nimitz. “It has been a phenomenal experience and every need has been met, the transition from San Diego has been a smooth one for us.”

Capt. Paul Monger, the commanding officer of the Nimitz, received a special welcome from Bremerton’s Mayor Patty Lent, and a signed plaque from Capt. Steve Williamson, the PSNS-IMF strategic planning officer.

“[The Nimitz] was only half of what it took to make the transition to Bremerton, it took a team [NBK] on the other side that was willing to jump in and help,” said Monger during his speech to thank the guests for a friendly welcome.

Monger then distributed a ship’s plaque to the mayor and key members of NBK and PSNS as a thank you gift.

The Nimitz will be dry-docked at PSNS for its Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA). During DPIA, Nimitz will receive upgrades to its combat, self-defense, navigation and potable water systems and numerous other components. Once DPIA has been completed she is scheduled to move to Naval Station Everett to complete the final transition of her homeport change.