Next week Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard celebrates its 100th anniversary, ready for the next century as Hawaii's largest industrial employer.
Just a few years ago the shipyard was defending itself against a commission that studied whether to close it. They survived and say they will thrive as the pacific regains dominance in the nation's strategic balance.
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard grew from a coaling and repair station in the early 1900s into a huge part of the Hawaii economy. It employs tens of thousands of people over the decades -- for many it's something of a family trait.
"I had my three uncles, three cousins, an auntie, by brother -- my younger brother -- and of course my dad," said Richard Perriera, who has worked at the yard for 50 years as an electrician.
Today 5,000 sailors and civilians work there, including many young apprentices -- their newest employee works side by side with their longest-running worker.
"It makes me feel good, because he's in the same shop as me,” Kyle Yamasaki says of Perriera. Yamasaki has been on the job 5 months. “Hopefully I'm here as long as him."
The shipyard generates $600 million a year. But beyond its economic impact is its historical record. After the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the shipyard returned 15 out of 18 major ships to battle in record time. That's where their "Fit to Fight" motto came from. The tireless effort played a key role in helping turn the war tide at the Battle of Midway.
"We serve something larger than just ourselves,” said Capt. Gregory Thomas, commander of the shipyard. “We serve the greatest nation, the greatest navy the world has ever known."
The governor proclaimed next week Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard centennial week, and spoke of the close call a few years ago when the federal government looked at whether to close down the shipyard but instead agreed.
"Pearl Harbor is our country's most strategically valuable and productive shipyard," Gov. Linda Lingle said.
After decades of contraction, the shipyard is adding about another 100 positions over the coming years, getting ready for a new nuclear sub in 2009, the USS Hawaii. The shipyard is still accepting applications for its highly-sought apprenticeship program.