Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Located on Seavey's Island in the Piscataqua River between Kittery, Maine and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, it is one of the oldest continuously operating shipyards of the United States Navy. Established by the First United States Congress in 1800, the facility has played a critical role in naval construction, maintenance, and innovation through every major conflict in American history. Today, it is a premier public shipyard specializing in the overhaul, repair, and modernization of Los Angeles-class and Virginia-class submarines for the United States Atlantic Fleet.

History

The shipyard's origins trace to the Presidency of John Adams and the Naval Act of 1794, with its first commander being Captain John Langdon. It saw early action supporting the War of 1812, constructing vessels like the USS *Washington* and contributing to the development of American naval power. During the American Civil War, the yard gained fame for building the USS *Kearsarge*, which famously defeated the Confederate States Navy raider CSS Alabama off Cherbourg in the Battle of Cherbourg (1864). The 20th century ushered in an era of technological transformation, with the yard constructing its first submarine, USS *L-8*, in 1917 and later becoming a central hub for diesel-electric submarine construction during World War II. The Cold War solidified its strategic importance, as it pioneered the design and construction of the pioneering USS *Albacore*, a test platform whose revolutionary teardrop hull influenced all subsequent American submarine classes.

Facilities and operations

The shipyard encompasses a complex of dry docks, industrial shops, and specialized facilities on over 200 acres. Its four major dry docks, including the massive Dry Dock #1 completed in 1892, are capable of servicing the largest attack submarines in the fleet. Key operational areas include the Shiplift and Transfer System, which allows for the efficient movement of vessels, and extensive shops dedicated to naval reactor component work, propeller machining, and hull fabrication. The facility operates under the command of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and works in close coordination with private sector partners like General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries. Its workforce of over 7,000 federal civilians and military personnel specializes in complex maintenance availabilities, known as Engineered Refueling Overhauls (EROs) and Depot Modernization Periods (DMPs), which extend the service life of the fleet.

Notable ships and projects

Beyond the historic *Kearsarge* and *Albacore*, the shipyard has been associated with numerous iconic vessels. It built the USS *Raleigh*, one of the first modern cruisers for the New Steel Navy, and later the USS *Squalus*, whose tragic sinking and subsequent dramatic salvage operation in 1939 advanced submarine rescue technology. During World War II, it constructed the *Gato*-class submarines USS *Barb* and USS *Trigger*, both celebrated for their combat records in the Pacific War. In the modern era, its projects have included the overhaul and refueling of numerous *Los Angeles*-class boats, such as the USS *Providence*, and the ongoing maintenance of the newer *Virginia*-class.

Environmental and community impact

The shipyard's long industrial history has necessitated significant environmental stewardship efforts, managed under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Maine. Cleanup initiatives have addressed historical contamination in the surrounding sediments of the Piscataqua River. As one of the largest employers in the Seacoast Region, the yard is an economic cornerstone for southern Maine and New Hampshire, with its skilled workforce contributing substantially to the local economy. The facility maintains active community relations, supporting local events and partnering with educational institutions like the University of New Hampshire and York County Community College for workforce development programs.

Future developments

The future of the shipyard is anchored in the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), a multi-billion dollar United States Department of Defense initiative to modernize the nation's public naval infrastructure. Planned investments include upgrades to dry docks, utilities, and industrial plant equipment to ensure the yard can efficiently service the next generation of submarines, including the Columbia-class submarine. These improvements are deemed essential for maintaining undersea warfare superiority in an era of strategic competition with powers like the People's Liberation Army Navy of China and the Russian Navy. The ongoing evolution of its mission ensures the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard will remain a vital asset to the United States Department of the Navy and United States Strategic Command for decades to come.

Category:United States Navy shipyards Category:Buildings and structures in Kittery, Maine Category:1800 establishments in the United States