Portsmouth Naval Shipyard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Portsmouth Naval Shipyard |
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Seavey's Island, Kittery, Maine | |
![]() Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 2004
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Coordinates | 43°4′44″N 70°44′3″W / 43.07889°N 70.73417°W |
Type | Shipyard |
Site information | |
Controlled by | United States Navy |
Open to the public |
No |
Site history | |
Built | 1800 |
In use | 1800–Present |
Battles/wars | |
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
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Location | Seavey Island, Kittery, Maine |
Area | 54 acres (22 ha) |
Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Greek Revival |
NRHP reference No. | 77000141 |
Added to NRHP | November 17, 1977 |
Garrison information | |
Current commander |
Capt. Daniel Ettlich (August 2019-present) |
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, also known as the Portsmouth Navy Yard, is a special place where the United States Navy fixes, updates, and builds ships. It's located in Kittery, Maine, right near the city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This shipyard is mainly responsible for taking care of US Navy submarines.
Contents
History of the Shipyard
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard started on June 12, 1800. This was during the time of President John Adams. It is the oldest shipyard of the U.S. Navy that has been working non-stop since it opened. The shipyard is built on a group of connected islands called Seavey's Island. These islands are in the Piscataqua River. The river's strong currents keep ice from blocking ships from reaching the Atlantic Ocean.
Early Shipbuilding in the Area
The area around the shipyard has a long history of building ships. Even before the shipyard was officially created, people here built wooden boats. The forests of New Hampshire and Maine provided plenty of wood. In 1696, a British warship called HMS Falkland was built here. This was one of the first British warships made in the Thirteen Colonies.
During the American Revolution, the Raleigh was built in 1776. It was made on Badger's Island in Kittery. This ship was the first American vessel to fly an American flag into battle. Another important ship, Ranger, was launched in 1777. It was commanded by Captain John Paul Jones. This ship was the first U.S. Navy vessel to get an official salute from another country at sea.
Founding the Federal Shipyard
In the 1790s, the first Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddert, decided to build a federal shipyard. He chose Fernald's Island because there were skilled workers and lots of wood. The government paid $5,500 for the island. To protect the new shipyard, an old fort was rebuilt and named Fort Constitution.
Commodore Isaac Hull was the first naval officer to lead the shipyard. He was in charge from 1800 to 1802, and again in 1812 during the War of 1812. The first big ship built here was the Washington. It was a 74-gun ship launched in 1814.
Over the years, more buildings were added. Barracks for sailors were built in 1820. A hospital was set up in 1834. A huge building called the Franklin Shiphouse was finished in 1838. It was one of the biggest shiphouses in the country. The famous ship Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides," was repaired here in 1855.
Important Events and Growth
In 1905, the Portsmouth Navy Yard was the location for the Treaty of Portsmouth. This treaty officially ended the Russo-Japanese War. President Theodore Roosevelt won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for helping to arrange this peace meeting. The delegates met in what is now called the Administration Building. In 2005, there were celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the treaty.
During World War I, the shipyard started building submarines. The L-8 was the first submarine ever built by a U.S. Navy yard. The shipyard also continued to fix other ships. Because of this, the number of workers grew to almost 5,000 people.
World War II and Submarine Focus
The shipyard grew even more during World War II. Nearly 25,000 civilians worked there. Over 70 submarines were built, with a record of four launched in a single day! After the war, the shipyard became the Navy's main center for designing and improving submarines.
In 1953, the Albacore was built here. Its unique teardrop hull design changed how submarines were built around the world. Today, the Albacore is a museum in Portsmouth. The Swordfish, the first nuclear-powered submarine built at the base, was launched in 1957. The last submarine built here was the Sand Lance, launched in 1969. Today, the shipyard focuses on fixing, refueling, and updating submarines.
Modern Operations and Recognition
In 2005, the shipyard was considered for closure. However, employees started a campaign called "Save Our Shipyard." Their efforts worked, and the base stayed open. It continues to operate under its motto: "From Sails to Atoms."
The shipyard received the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 2005. This award recognized the shipyard's excellent work from September 2001 to August 2004. They finished six major submarine projects early, saved money, and greatly reduced injuries.
Besides the Navy, the United States Coast Guard also uses the Portsmouth Navy Yard. It is the home port for several Coast Guard ships, including the Reliance, Tahoma, and Campbell.
Boundary Dispute
Piscataqua River border dispute For a long time, New Hampshire claimed that the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard belonged to them. However, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in 2001 that the shipyard is in Maine. Even after this ruling, New Hampshire still says the island and base are theirs.
Worker Safety
A study in 2005 looked at the health of workers at the shipyard. It found that some workers who were exposed to certain types of radiation had a higher risk of developing a specific illness. The shipyard works to ensure a safe environment for all its employees.
Notable Ships Built at Shipyard Predecessors
These ships were built in the Piscataqua River region or on Badger's Island before the official Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was established.
Ships Built in the Piscataqua River Region
- 1690 — HMS Falkland - (50-gun fourth-rate)
- 1696 — HMS Bedford Galley - (32-gun fifth-rate)
- 1749 — HMS America - (60-gun fourth-rate)
Ships Built on Badger's Island
- 1776 — Raleigh - (32-gun frigate)
- 1777 — Ranger - (18-gun sloop-of-war)
- 1782 — America - (74-gun ship of the line)
- 1791 — Scammel - (14-gun schooner)
- 1797 — Crescent - (36-gun frigate)
- 1798 — Portsmouth - (24-gun sloop-of-war)
- 1799 — Congress - (38-gun frigate)

- 1814 — Washington - (74-gun ship of the line)
- 1820 — Porpoise - (11-gun schooner)
- 1828 — Concord - (24-gun sloop-of-war)
- 1839 — Preble - (20-gun sloop-of-war)
- 1841 — Congress - (50-gun frigate)
- 1842 — Saratoga - (24-gun sloop-of-war)
- 1843 — Portsmouth - (24-gun sloop-of-war)
- 1848 — Saranac - (steam sloop)
- 1855 — Santee - (44-gun frigate)
- 1855 — LV-1 - Lightship Nantucket
- 1859 — Mohican - (steam sloop)
- 1861 — Kearsarge - (steam sloop)
- 1861 — Ossipee - (steam sloop)
- 1861 — Sebago - (side-wheel steam gunboat)
- 1861 — Mahaska - (side-wheel steam gunboat)
- 1862 — Sonoma - (side-wheel steam gunboat)
- 1862 — Conemaugh - (side-wheel steam gunboat)
- 1862 — Sassacus - (side-wheel steam gunboat)
- 1862 — Sacramento - (steam sloop)
- 1863 — Nipsic - (steam gunboat)
- 1863 — Shawmut - (steam gunboat)
- 1863 — Agamenticus - (Miantonomoh-class monitor)
- 1864 — New Hampshire - (74-gun ship of the line)
- 1864 — Contoocook - (steam sloop)
- 1864 — Franklin - (steam frigate)
- 1864 — Pawtuxet - (side-wheel steam gunboat)
- 1864 — Blue Light - (tugboat)
- 1864 — Port Fire - (tugboat)
- 1865 — Resaca - (steam gunboat)
- 1866 — Piscataqua - (steam frigate)
- 1867 — Minnetonka - (steam frigate)
- 1868 — Benicia - (steam sloop)
- 1874 — Enterprise - (steam sloop)
- 1905 — Boxer - (training brigantine)
- 1908 — Patapsco - (tugboat)
- 1917 — L-8 - (United States L-class submarine)
- 1918 — O-1 - (United States O-class submarine)
- 1918 — S-3 - (United States S-class submarine)
- 1919 — S-4 - (United States S-class submarine)
- 1919 — S-5 - (United States S-class submarine)
- 1919 — S-6 - (United States S-class submarine)
- 1920 — S-7 - (United States S-class submarine)
- 1920 — S-8 - (United States S-class submarine)
- 1920 — S-9 - (United States S-class submarine)
- 1920 — S-10 - (United States S-class submarine)
- 1921 — S-11 - (United States S-class submarine)
- 1921 — S-12 - (United States S-class submarine)
- 1921 — S-13 - (United States S-class submarine)
- 1924 — Barracuda - (diesel submarine)
- 1924 — Bass - (diesel submarine)
- 1924 — Bonita - (diesel submarine)
- 1928 — Argonaut - (diesel submarine minelayer)
- 1929 — Narwhal - (diesel submarine cruiser)
- 1932 — Dolphin - (diesel submarine)
- 1933 — Cachalot - (diesel submarine)
- 1934 — Hudson - (USCG Calumet-class harbor tug)
- 1935 — Porpoise - (fleet submarine)
- 1935 — Pike - (fleet submarine)
- 1936 — Plunger - (fleet submarine)
- 1936 — Pollack - (fleet submarine)
- 1937 — Snapper - (fleet submarine)
- 1937 — Stingray - (fleet submarine)
- 1938 — Sculpin - (fleet submarine)
- 1939 — Sailfish - (fleet submarine)
- 1939 — Searaven - (fleet submarine)
- 1939 — Seawolf - (fleet submarine)
- 1940 — Triton - (fleet submarine)
- 1940 — Trout - (fleet submarine)
- 1941 — Marlin - (coastal submarine)
- 1940 — Grayling - (fleet submarine)
- 1940 — Grenadier - (fleet submarine)
- 1941 — Drum - (fleet submarine)
- 1941 — Flying Fish - (fleet submarine)
- 1941 — Finback - (fleet submarine)
- 1941 — Haddock - (fleet submarine)
- 1941 — Halibut - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Herring - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Kingfish - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Shad - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Runner - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Sawfish - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Scamp - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Scorpion - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Snook - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Steelhead - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Balao - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Billfish - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Bowfin - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Cabrilla - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Capelin - (fleet submarine)
- 1942 — Cisco - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Crevalle - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Apogon - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Aspro - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Batfish - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Archerfish - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Burrfish - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Sand Lance - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Picuda - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Pampanito - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Parche - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Bang - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Pilotfish - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Pintado - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Pipefish - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Piranha - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Plaice - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Pomfret - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Sterlet - (fleet submarine)
- 1943 — Queenfish - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Razorback - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Redfish - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Ronquil - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Scabbardfish - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Segundo - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Sea Cat - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Sea Devil - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Sea Dog - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Sea Fox - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Atule - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Spikefish - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Sea Owl - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Sea Poacher - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Sea Robin - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Sennet - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Piper - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Threadfin - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Tench - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Thornback - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Tigrone - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Tirante - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Trutta - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Toro - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Torsk - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Quillback - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Argonaut - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Runner - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Conger - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Cutlass - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Diablo - (fleet submarine)
- 1944 — Medregal - (fleet submarine)
- 1945 — Requin - (fleet submarine)
- 1945 — Irex - (fleet submarine)
- 1945 — Sea Leopard - (fleet submarine)
- 1945 — Odax - (fleet submarine)
- 1945 — Sirago - (fleet submarine)
- 1945 — Pomodon - (fleet submarine)
- 1945 — Remora - (fleet submarine)
- 1945 — Sarda - (fleet submarine)
- 1945 — Spinax - (fleet submarine)
- 1945 — Volador - (fleet submarine)
- 1951 — Tang - (diesel submarine)
- 1951 — Wahoo - (diesel submarine)

- 1951 — Gudgeon - (diesel submarine)
- 1953 — Albacore - (experimental diesel submarine)
- 1955 — Sailfish - (RADAR picket submarine)
- 1956 — Salmon - (RADAR picket submarine)
- 1958 — Growler - (guided missile diesel submarine)
- 1958 — Swordfish - (nuclear submarine)
- 1958 — Barbel - (fast diesel submarine)
- 1958 — Seadragon - (nuclear submarine)
- 1960 — Thresher - (nuclear fast attack submarine)
- 1960 — Abraham Lincoln - (nuclear ballistic missile submarine)
- 1963 — Jack - (nuclear fast attack submarine)
- 1961 — Tinosa - (nuclear fast attack submarine)
- 1963 — John Adams - (nuclear ballistic missile submarine)
- 1964 — Nathanael Greene - (nuclear ballistic missile submarine)
- 1967 — Grayling - (nuclear fast attack submarine)
- 1968 — Dolphin - (experimental diesel submarine)
- 1969 — Sand Lance - (nuclear fast attack submarine)