Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is a United States Navy shipyard that is responsible for the building, remodeling and repairing of thousands of the Navy's water vessels. It is located in Kittery, Maine and is opposite Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This should not be confused with the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, which is located in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Since the shipyard was established over 200 years ago, it is the oldest of the continuously operating shipyards of the US Navy. Fourteen years after its inception, it launched its first ship, the 74-gun ship of the Washington. This shipyard is also famous for housing the Portsmouth Naval Prison and has been nicknamed 'The Castle' because of its resemblance to a medieval castle. This location used to be the primary prison for individuals in the Navy and Marine Corp and German POWS who were captured during the World War II.

This yard hit its stride during World War I, when they began to build submarines. In World War II, they increased their production by 17% and built 70 submarines. After the end of the war, they began to make nuclear submarines. Today, the shipyard is still in operation but now focuses more on repair and modernization of old ships. During the Second World War, the civilian work force was much higher. As of 1994, it stood at 4,100 people who were permanently employed at the shipyard.

This is the most experienced naval yard when it comes to submarine design, construction, modernization and maintenance. It is making new innovations on a daily basis and is setting the worldwide standard for submarine design. The Navy used it as its planning yard for the deepest diving submarine. It is also used for scientific research, defense prototype testing, and submerged rescue platforms. Today, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is responsible for many new developments in technology as well as testing robotics, manipulators, laser communications and thermal electric cooling and composites.

After the end of the Second World War, this shipyard became the center for the Navy's submarine design and development. The USS Albacore set the standard for all submarines after it. It had the revolutionary 'tear- drop' shaped hull and round cross section. Submarines all over the world were looking to this yard for new ideas and innovations. It continued to excel at building submarines until 1969. Today, it is the oldest but most modern publicly owned naval shipyard in the US. It is the leading shipyard that is responsible for submarine overhaul and repair, employing experts in more than 44 different trades.

Just like any shipyard at the time, the employees were unfortunately exposed to asbestos while working there. This was most common when ship production levels were at the highest point. Not everyone was exposed to it, but those who repaired the ships were at a high danger level. Asbestos is only dangerous if it is disturbed and particles break free into the air. Individuals who were repairing the ships had the highest risk of developing an asbestos related illness. Once the asbestos particles become airborne they become lodged in the respiratory system causing different forms of lung ailments such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Ships built by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard:

Last modified: December 28, 2010.