The Navy Reserve’s motto, “Ready Now. Anytime, Anywhere,” encapsulates its mission to provide strategic depth and operational capabilities to the Navy and Marine Corps. This commitment has proven especially crucial during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when U.S. Navy shipyards confronted significant workforce shortages. Approximately 25 percent of personnel at high risk for severe complications from the highly infectious disease were placed on leave, resulting in a backlog of maintenance work that threatened the timely return of ships to the fleet.

In response to this pressing issue, the Navy's Surge Maintenance program mobilized over 1,600 reservists with technical and trade backgrounds to support four key naval shipyards: Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in Pearl Harbor, HI, and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME. This initiative effectively addressed the maintenance backlog while adhering to health policies, ensuring fleet readiness.

Today, Surge Maintenance consists of approximately 2,400 Reserve Sailors across 75 units, making it Naval Sea System Command’s largest and most successful Reserve program. These Sailors, skilled in various trades such as electrical work, pipe fitting, and mechanics, are essential in maintaining operational readiness. Many, like Machinist Mate 1st Class Trenton Passey, continue to support the shipyards as civilians.

MM1 Passey, who hails from The Dalles, Oregon, and later moved to Richland, Washington, began his Navy journey by enlisting in the nuclear community as a nuclear machinist mate. He completed a vigorous 18-month training program at the Naval Nuclear Power School in South Carolina, preparing him for his first assignment aboard the fast attack submarine USS Seawolf (SSN-21). With nearly 12 years of service comprising nine years of active duty and three years in the reserves, Passey reflects on his transition from active duty, which was influenced by his desire to maintain a better work-life balance for his family. Although he faced the decision of whether to serve for 20 years or leave the military altogether, he found the reserves allowed him to continue serving while being present for his loved ones.

Initially motivated by the opportunities available in the nuclear field—advertised by an ex-naval officer he knew—Passey approached the Navy recruiter himself. He was drawn to the challenge and the promise of career potential that lay ahead. Now, as the leading petty officer of the administrative division within the SurgeMain Kitsap unit, he leads efforts to ensure evaluations and awards are processed on time and that drill weekends are organized efficiently.

Based at Bremerton, Washington, Passey has completed annual training at the shipyard and had the unique opportunity to train in Yokosuka, Japan. There, he worked alongside civilians in the outside machinist shop, gaining valuable training that prepares him for future mobilizations.

In his civilian role at the Trident Refit Facility Bangor, Passey focuses on submarine repairs, specifically on Trident-class submarines. Working within the quality assurance auditing office, he conducts audits and oversight on the jobs to ensure the safety and health of the program.

Balancing his commitments between reserve duty, civilian employment, and family life has been manageable, particularly due to the supportive environment provided for federal employees. With only one weekend a month and two weeks a year of reserve duty, the paid leave offered allows him to serve without financial strain. Even during the demanding periods of annual training, his wife adeptly managed while pregnant with their two-month-old child.

The most gratifying part of being in the Navy Reserve, according to Passey, is the opportunity to serve in uniform while maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance. However, he acknowledges the challenges that come with military life, particularly the difficulties of being away from family during mobilizations. Establishing a clear understanding of this commitment with loved ones is paramount.

Describing his service to someone unfamiliar with the Navy Reserve, Passey emphasizes the critical role the Navy plays in national defense. Without it, he explains, global shipping and the economy would be severely affected. The Navy Reserve supports this mission by providing a ready workforce whenever the Navy calls upon them to meet operational demands.

Summarizing his experience, Passey simply states, “It’s hard but fulfilling work.”

The Navy Reserve component currently constitutes about 20 percent of the Navy’s total force, supplementing the active component by playing a vital role in maintaining operational readiness. In times of need, activated reservists are mobilized at the right time and deployed to the right place to meet the mission readiness demands of the fleet.