Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was founded on June 12, 1800 when John Adams was the President of Unites States is the oldest operational navy shipyard in the country. It is situated in Kittery in the southern part of Maine close to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The shipyard is positioned on a group of small islands known as the Seavey’s Island placed in the Piscataquis River. This is a very good location for a shipyard because the ice is prevented by the rapid tidal waves of the Atlantic Ocean for easy navigation.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Facts

  • Location: Kittery, near Portsmouth, New Hampshire
  • Website:
    Visit Portsmouth Website ›
  • Phone: (207) 438-1000
  • Longitude:
    -70.808418
  • Latitude:
    43.081139
  • DSN:
    684-1000

The shipyard is used mainly for repairing and remodeling the Navy ships and the place has a history of shipbuilding. The first shipyard creation was opened on 1814, the 74 gun Washington line of ship under the supervision of William Badger. This is also the place where the first submarines were constructed; the L-8 submarine is the first submarine constructed here. Following this, barracks were constructed, the workforce multiplies rapidly. After the World War II they continue designing and constructing submarines while the submarine constructed made a great impact on today’s submarines technology and models.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Areal view

Cool boat at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Submarine like monument at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Main sign at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

More than 70 submarines were built at the time of World War II making a record of 4 submarines created daily with over 25,000 workers at the shipyard. Because of this, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is the hub for their development and design of submarines. An example of this is the Albacore which started the round cross section and the teardrop hull design of the submarine and the shipyard is also proud to say that the first American submarine powered by nuclear the Swordfish is constructed here.

At present, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard primary’s aim is to offer the US Navy their services in the modernization, overhaul and repairs of all the submarines and other surface vehicle.

About Richard Wilson

Military veteran who spent most if his active military career outside US and never made back and currently lives in Europe but still haven't lost passion about military forces.

No comments yet.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.