PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD
NAVY
Kittery, ME
United States
PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD
NAVY
Kittery, ME
United States
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Base Essentials
Story by SN Tatyana Freeman on 04/18/2019 NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (April 11, 2019) While the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is undergoing refueling complex overhaul (RCOH), Sailors assigned to George Washington cannot live on the ship. However, the command affords Sailors many alternative housing options throughout the Hampton Roads area. "During RCOH, single junior Sailors have the option to reside in a Huntington Hall barracks room, get assigned to Navy Gateway Inns & Suites (NGIS) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard Portsmouth, be assigned to a government-leased apartment out...
Base Details
Type
Naval Station
Branch
NAVY
Command
NAVSEA
Status
Active
Est.
1800
Acres
278
Active Duty
—
Civilian
5,000
Population
250,000
Economic Impact
$1 billion
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard History
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, was established in 1800 and is the oldest continuously operating naval shipyard in the United States. Despite its name, it sits on the Maine side of the Piscataqua River. The shipyard specializes in submarine overhaul, repair, and modernization, performing depot-level maintenance on Los Angeles-class and Virginia-class attack submarines. Portsmouth is essential to maintaining the readiness of the submarine fleet and employs a large skilled civilian workforce.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (submarine overhaul)
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Historic Timeline
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Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Welcome Center
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In-Processing
Contact your assigned sponsor and gaining command before arriving at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The main PNSY switchboard is (207) 438-1690. Specific check-in procedures, including first-report location and PSD hours, are provided by your gaining command upon receipt of orders.
For temporary lodging, coordinate with the Housing Office through your sponsor before arrival. On-base housing options are administered through the CNIC Mid-Atlantic region Navy Fleet and Family Readiness program.
The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) coordinates sponsor assignments, relocation assistance, and newcomer orientation. FFSC can be reached at (207) 438-1835 or (207) 438-2600.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
On-Base Housing
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Cost of Living Around Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
115
15% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
School Liaison Officer
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Elementary Schools
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Middle Schools
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High Schools
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Colleges & Universities
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Popular Neighborhood
Suburban
Families
Short Commute
Neighborhood details coming soon
Nearby Community
Urban
Singles
Nightlife
Neighborhood details coming soon
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
State Income Tax
Military Pay
Retirement Pay
Vehicle Tax
Vehicle Registration
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Property Tax
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Spouse Income Tax
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Combat Zone
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Pet Policies at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Emergency Vet
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On-Base Vet Clinic
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Restricted Breeds
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Prohibited Animals
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Dog Parks
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Boarding & Kennels
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Pet Guidance
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Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Commissary
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Exchange
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Medical
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Childcare & Youth
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MWR & Recreation
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Employment & Education
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Gate 1 (Main Gate / Walker Street Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.