December 16, 2024 America’s Shipyard

Volume 27 | Issue 4

The Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) is the oldest and largest industrial facility of the U.S. Navy.

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The Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), located in Portsmouth Va. (despite its name, it is not located in Norfolk), is one of the largest, most comprehensive, and most significant shipyards in the United States. Originally established as the Gosport Shipyard in colonial America, destroyed and rebuilt twice in two wars, it became operational under its current name in 1866.

During World War II, NNYS was a major shipbuilding hub, producing numerous naval warships, including aircraft carriers, battleships, and destroyers. Today, under the command since 2023 of Navy Captain Jip Mosman, the shipyard is a key component of the U.S. Navy’s fleet support infrastructure, specializing in shipbuilding, repair and modernization, as well as support for decommissioning and dismantling older vessels. The shipyard is integral to the Navy’s lifecycle management of ships and submarines, providing critical support to ensure these vessels are mission-ready.

NNSY also serves as the U.S. Navy’s Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) Command’s chief East Coast repair, overhaul, and modernization facility, one of the largest such shipyards in the world as well as one of four public shipyards dedicated to maintaining the strength and preparedness of America’s fleet. It is the sole builder of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and one of two nuclear submarine builders. and has pioneered techniques in ship repair and modernization that have been adopted across all other Navy shipyards.

Located along the Hampton Roads harbor, NNSY is strategically positioned for access to both Atlantic shipping routes and U.S. military operations. The proximity to Norfolk, a major naval hub, further enhances its logistical and operational importance. It is situated near other key naval assets such as Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world.

Largest Industrial Employer

The largest industrial employer in Virginia, NNSY employs some 6,000 military personnel 11,000 military civilian workers, and between 1,500 and 3,000 contractors, comprising a range of engineers, skilled tradespeople, and administrative staffs.

To recruit and retain the civilian talent essential to carrying out its mission, NNSY offers a four-year apprenticeship program combining academics and trade theory with on-the-job training to quickly qualify journeymen tradespeople. Apprentices receive pay and academic tuition and book expense reimbursement as long as they remain in good academic standing. They get paid when working and are eligible to receive promotion upon successful completion of all program requirements. It held its most recent graduating class this November.

The shipyard encompasses several non-contiguous areas comprising 1,275 acres in total, with annexes along the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth and Chesapeake. The main 465- acre main site, the Industrial Area Precinct, provides ship berthing, fabrication, maintenance and repair facilities, along with five operable dry docks and four major piers.

Home to the largest dry dock and crane in the Western Hemisphere, NNSY can dry-dock, overhaul and repair any ship in the U.S. fleet, as well as perform most any naval technical, fabrication, manufacturing and engineering work. Planners and shops are linked by stateof- the-art computer systems for computer-aided design (CAD) work and automated information systems that provide quality services on time and within budget.

The shipyard’s Rapid Prototype Center and Technology and Innovation Laboratory utilizes and impressive array of advanced capabilities, including additive manufacturing, a tie bolt anti-rotation tool, a molded case breaker assembly test stand, a cable winch guide, and an ergonomic sanitary clamp wrench. All of these innovations aim to improve efficiencies and competencies, while also making work tasks easier and safer. As the Navy’s fleet modernizes with new, more sophisticated ships, NNSY is adapting by investing in advanced technologies, improving its infrastructure, and modernizing its workforce training to handle the complex systems of new vessels.

With a legacy that spans over 250 years, NNSY remains at the heart of U.S. naval power, providing world-class maintenance, repair, and modernization services for some of the most advanced warships in the world. Recognized as a world class organization in executing its mission, developing its people, and aggressively improving performance at a state-of-theart facility, NNSY is continuously striving to achieve excellence and deliver service to the nation’s fleet safely with the right quality on schedule and within budget.

The Navy’s emphasis on readiness, coupled with the increasing need to extend the service lives of older ships and submarines, is going to keep NNYS at the forefront of naval maintenance and modernization for some time to come. Its continued evolution is vital to ensure that the Navy remains ready to meet the demands of modern naval warfare and global security.

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