Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Located in the Piscataqua River Estuary between New Hampshire and Maine, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) is the oldest continuously operating government-run shipyard in the United States, founded in 1800. Built by a mandate from Thomas Jefferson, this shipyard continues to operate more than 2 centuries later.  PNS’s first project was a 74-gun warship, completed in 1815.  Its claim-to-fame, however, came to light during World War I, when the shipyard began to build submarines.  During World War II, PNS built 70 submarines and later, in the 1950s, began to construct submarines and submersibles of the nuclear variety. Today, the shipyard’s primary mission is the overhaul, repair, and modernization of LOS ANGELES-class nuclear powered submarines.

Like any shipyard, employees at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard were exposed to asbestos for several decades, especially during the peak war years when construction and renovation of ships and submarines was at its highest. Those who dismantled and repaired ships were at especially high risk as damaged asbestos materials cause airborne fibers which are, in turn, inhaled by workers.

Those employers that may have been at risk include included pipe fitters, steamfitters, boiler technicians, construction mechanics, electrical technicians, enginemen, fire control technicians, and many others.

If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos due to employment at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, order our free Mesothelioma Resource Kit to learn more about the disease and your legal rights as a victim of asbestos-related cancer.