Norfolk Naval Shipyard Our Story
The Norfolk Naval Shipyard (originally Gosport Shipyard) , located in Portsmouth, Virginia is known for building, remodeling and repairing U.S. Navy ships. It is the oldest and largest industrial facilitythatbelongs totheU.S. Navy. It was established as Gosport Shipyard in 1767. It was destroyed during the American Revolutionary War in 1779 but was rebuilt and became home to the first operational drydock in the United States in the 1833. Changing hands during the American Civil War, it served the Confederate States Navy until it was again destroyed in1862, when itwas given its current name. The shipyard was again rebuilt, and has continued operation through the present day. The Dry Dock was designed by civil engineer, Loammi Baldwin Jr. Construction of the Dry Dock began in 1827. In 1833 the USS Delaware became the first ship to dock in the United States. The USS Delaware was an impressive 74 gun ship-of-the-line named after the state of Deleware. It lied dormant for many years before arriving at the shipyard for repairs. This Dry Dock is still in existence today and fully functioning. Norfolk Naval Shipyard is the nation’s oldest continuously operating shipyard that repairs, overhauls and refuels the most technologically advanced warships in the world. Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s long standing motto of “Any Ship, Any Time, Anywhere” underscores the capability of its personnel to operate around the world.
USS Deleware, June 17, 1833 The first ship to ever be drydocked in the Western Hemisphere. Sailors powering a capstan slowly drew the 74-gun Delaware into Dry Dock 1. Thousands of excited spectators watched as a powerful steam engine pumped the dock dry. This original painting previously hung in the halls of The Drydock Club and was currated at more than 1 million dollars by the Chrysler Museuem of Art in 2005. The painting now resides in the naval archives.
USS Delaware, June 17, 1833 Drydocked at The Norfolk Naval Shipyard Dry Dock (Gosport Shipyard)
Loammi Baldwin Jr., 1780 -1838 Portrait by Chester Harding The Norfolk Naval Shipyard Dry Dock (Gosport Shipyard) was designed by a famed civil engineer, Loammi Baldwin Jr. As a civil engineer, he designed and constructed public works, including canals, dams and tunnels. The Dry Dock continues to host the nation’s largest ships needing repair.
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD DRYDOCK CATERING AND CONFERENCE | 4
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs