Newport News Shipbuilding Celebrates 140 Years of Service
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Jan. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division proudly commemorates its 140th anniversary today. Established on January 28, 1886, by Collis P. Huntington, a prominent businessman known for his investments in the U.S. transcontinental railroad, the shipyard was initially chartered as Chesapeake Dry Dock and Construction Company. It later adopted the name Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company.
The shipyard’s legacy began with the delivery of its first vessel, the tugboat *Dorothy*, named after the daughter of William C. Whitney, who served as the 31st Secretary of the Navy. Today, the *Dorothy* stands as a historical marker outside the gates of NNS, symbolizing the shipyard’s modest beginnings and its evolution into a key player in the maritime industry.
Legacy of Shipbuilding Excellence
NNS has a rich history of serving both commercial and military customers, having delivered over 800 ships since its inception. The shipyard specializes in the design, construction, maintenance, refueling, and inactivation of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the U.S. Navy. This focus on advanced naval technology underscores NNS’s critical role in national defense.
Kari Wilkinson, President of NNS, emphasized the dedication of the shipbuilders throughout the years. “For 140 years, NNS shipbuilders have answered the call to serve our nation,” she stated. “Generations of families have carried forward the noble profession of shipbuilding, proudly maintaining the Newport News Shipbuilding legacy.” Wilkinson expressed gratitude for the contributions of past shipbuilders, acknowledging their efforts in establishing the foundation upon which current operations are built.
The shipyard spans 550 acres along two miles of the James River and employs approximately 26,000 shipbuilders, making it the largest industrial employer in Virginia. In addition to its main facility in Newport News, NNS operates additional locations in Norfolk, Virginia, and Goose Creek, South Carolina, to support its extensive production capabilities.
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Looking Ahead
As Newport News Shipbuilding celebrates this significant milestone, it continues to look toward the future. The shipyard remains committed to innovation and excellence in shipbuilding, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of the U.S. Navy and its allies. With a strong workforce and a legacy of quality, NNS is poised to maintain its status as a leader in the maritime industry for years to come. The anniversary serves not only as a celebration of the past but also as a reminder of the shipyard’s ongoing mission to support national security through advanced shipbuilding technologies.
