Newport News Shipbuilding Celebrates 140 Years of Maritime Excellence

On January 28, 2026, Newport News Shipbuilding commemorated 140 years of dedicated service to the United States.

 

Established in 1886 by Collis P. Huntington, the shipyard began as the Chesapeake Dry Dock and Construction Co., later evolving into its current identity.

 

The inaugural vessel, the tugboat Dorothy, was delivered a few years after the shipyard's founding.

 

Today, Dorothy stands proudly outside the shipyard's gates, symbolizing its modest origins.

 

Over the decades, Newport News Shipbuilding has constructed over 800 ships for both commercial and military clients.

 

Presently, the shipyard specializes in designing, building, maintaining, refueling, and inactivating nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the U.S. Navy.

 

Spanning 550 acres along two miles of the James River, the facility employs 26,000 shipbuilders, making it the largest industrial employer in Virginia.

 

In recent developments, the shipyard marked one year of operations at its Charleston facility in Goose Creek, South Carolina, on January 22, 2026.

 

This expansion underscores the company's commitment to enhancing production capabilities and supporting national defense initiatives.

 

Reflecting on this milestone, NNS President Kari Wilkinson stated, "For 140 years, NNS shipbuilders have answered the call to serve our nation."

 

She emphasized the enduring legacy of shipbuilding excellence that continues to thrive within the organization.

 

As Newport News Shipbuilding celebrates this significant anniversary, it remains steadfast in its mission to support the nation's maritime strength and security.