Leaders from the U.S. Pacific Fleet and the Hawaii Regional Maintenance Center recognized the joint government-industry team during a ceremony on March 19, 2026. Navy officials described the project as an example of effective coordination and professionalism across multiple maintenance activities.
“This maintenance period for USS Daniel Inouye set the highest standards across the Pearl Harbor waterfront,” said Brian Ryglowski, deputy commander of Hawaii Regional Maintenance Center.
He praised the crew’s “culture, mindset, and positive attitude,” which allowed them to work alongside nearly 20 separate maintenance activities. “The ship definitely went ‘for broke’,” Ryglowski added, referring to the vessel’s motto.
“This was an unprecedented performance that gave back significant operational time,” he said. The Navy stated that timely and effective maintenance helps sustain operational readiness and extend the service life of fleet vessels.
The maintenance work was managed by Hawaii Regional Maintenance Center and carried out by lead contractor Pacific Shipyards International. Navy regional maintenance centers are responsible for repairs and upgrades beyond the capability of ship crews.
Ryan Kelly, commanding officer of USS Daniel Inouye, said the project’s success was linked to the team’s working culture. “Our Project Team culture was founded on three main principles: team cohesion, a solution-driven mindset and deliberate communication,” Kelly said.
“No matter the barrier or challenge we faced, there was a level of commitment to each other that ensured our success,” he added. “I am convinced that our people made the difference.”
The destroyer is named after the late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, who served with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II. The ship carries the unit’s historic motto, “Go for Broke.”
The Hawaii Regional Maintenance Center works alongside Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility to maintain and modernize surface ships and submarines. The facility is one of the U.S. Navy’s primary repair and maintenance centers in the Pacific region.
