Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, New Hampshire
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard's primary mission is the overhaul, repair and modernization of LOS ANGELES Class submarines. With the commissioning of the VIRGINIA Class submarine, USS NEW HAMPSHIRE (SSN 778) in 2008, the Shipyard and the Seacoast Communities got their first look at the next generation of submarine technology and the future of ship repair. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard will perform the first availability on the new class of submarine when USS VIRGINIA (SSN 774) arrives in 2010.
Established by the Federal Government in 1800, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) launched its first product, the 74-gun warship USS WASHINGTON, in 1815. During World War I, the PNS workforce expanded to nearly 5,000. At this time, PNS took on a new and important role—the construction of submarines—in addition to the overhaul and repair of surface vessels. World War II saw the civilian employment rolls swell to over 25,000. Over the course of World War II over 70 submarines were constructed at PNS, with a record four submarines launched on one day. Following World War II, PNS was the Navy’s center for submarine design and development. The research submarine, USS ALBACORE, with its revolutionary “tear drop” shaped hull and round cross section, set the standard for all subsequent submarine hull design world-wide. PNS continued to build submarines until 1969, when the last submarine built in a public shipyard, the nuclear powered USS SAND LANCE, was launched. Today the Shipyard continues the tradition of excellence and service to the Navy and the nation by supplying the Submarine Fleet with high quality, affordable, overhaul, refueling and modernization work.
n 1898 a Prisoner of War encampment named Camp Long was established on Seavey’s Island where the former Naval Prison now stands. It was established to house over 1,600 Spanish Prisoners of War that were captured during the Spanish-American War. Ten years later the Portsmouth Naval Prison was opened on the same site. At its construction, the prison was considered the largest poured concrete building in the world. Over the years the Prison had an illustrious career and was known for its progressive and innovative efforts in the rehabilitation of naval personnel. The facility closed in 1974.
During World War I, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) work force expanded to nearly 5,000 people. At this time, the Shipyard took on a new and important role--the construction of submarines--in addition to the overhaul and repair of surface vessels. World War II saw the civilian employment rolls swell to over 25,000. Over the course of World War II over 70 submarines were constructed at PNS, with a record four submarines launched on one day. Following World War II, PNS was the Navy’s center for submarine design and development. The research submarine, USS ALBACORE with its revolutionary "tear drop" shaped hull and round cross section, set the standard for all subsequent submarine hull design world-wide. PNS continued to build submarines until 1969, when the last submarine built in a public shipyard, the nuclear powered USS SAND LANCE, was launched.
As the world recognized the dawning of a new century, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard celebrated 200 years of distinguished service to the Nation and the Navy. The Shipyard added to it's proud reputation by earning the Meritorious Unit Commendation, or MUC, in 2005. The MUC recognized the Shipyard for meritorious service from September 11, 2001 to August 30, 2004. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard accomplishments achieved during that period included completion of six major submarine availabilities early, exceeding Net Operation Results financial goals, reducing injuries by more than 50 percent, and exceeding the Secretary of Defense’s Fiscal Year 2006 Stretch Goal for lost workday compensation rates two years early.