Norfolk Naval Shipyard, located in Portsmouth, Virginia, is one of the largest navy shipyards in the world. Norfolk Naval Shipyard repairs, renovates, and builds navy ships, as well as ships from the Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and occasionally allied nations. It is also the oldest shipyard still in use by the navy. The base was originally created in 1767, and was named Gosport Shipyard at the time. It was run by the British Royal Navy, and was used to build and repair ships. The US Navy took over the base in 1862, and has used it ever since. The base has been named Norfolk Naval Shipyard since 1862.
Before Naval Station Norfolk existed, Norfolk Naval Shipyard was also used to host ships. Today, it doesn’t host ships for extended periods of time, but instead, repairs and renovates ships and sends them on their way to their destinations. During World War 2, the size of the base was doubled in order to meet wartime demands. From 1940-1945, 6,850 vessels were built, and 43,000 personnel were employed.