Book Review: The History of Norfolk Naval Shipyard

By James H. Shoemaker
Reviewed by Lee Duckworth
HRNM docent

The History of Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) is based largely on the unpublished history of a longtime shipyard public affairs officer. There is little documentation of original research, but it appears that much of the history was gleaned from shipboard logs and annual submissions to higher authority. This lack of historiography is evidenced in the first sentence of the acknowledgment section, which states, “This book does not introduce any new history to the long story of Norfolk Naval Shipyard.” The book was started and handed down over the years with seemingly no one able to make the time to complete the history of NNSY. Credit goes to James H. Shoemaker for completing this project, a service to those who will benefit most from reading the book—the workers who have served at the shipyard.

USS Delaware in Dry Dock #1 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NHHC)

The author does an outstanding job of relating the NNSY’s 255-year history in the context of what was occurring in America and in the U.S. Navy, and provides a good history review for the reader. Perhaps the most interesting portion of the book details actions within the shipyard during the Civil War. This chapter delves into the strategic importance of NNSY and highlights significant events at the facility as it twice changed hands during that conflict.

CSS Virginia being built during the Civil War (NHHC)

Presented chronologically, it makes for an easy read but too often bounces from topic to topic, frequently with no transition. For example, on pages 180-181, the author goes from describing USS Arthur Radford entering dry dock for repairs to the wage grade system of NNSY employees. There is no apparent connection between the two as it drifts from one paragraph to the next.

The author devotes three pages to enslaved workers, specifically highlighting mechanic George Teamoh and the positions he held and tasks performed. More detail about specific shipyard workers such as Teamoh and their work would have made the book more interesting. Photographs or drawings of many of the shipyard commanders and short accompanying narratives are interspersed throughout the book but unfortunately, there are few photographs of everyday shipyard workers and even less text about the work they conducted.

USS Shangri-La at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, 1944 (NHHC)

The first chapter identifies numerous locations throughout the NNSY area, but there is no accompanying map that allows the reader to determine their precise sites. The only map is one from perhaps the 1700s and is virtually unreadable. A modern-day map with significant annotated landmarks would be a huge help, especially for the reader not familiar with the area. In fact, the author never provides a definition/distinction of “Tidewater” or “Hampton Roads” which will undoubtedly further confuse many readers. The book suffers from too many photos and drawings, several of poor quality/resolution and some absolutely illegible.

The History of Norfolk Naval Shipyard will hold most appeal for its target audience—the personnel who have worked there over the years.