NAVAL GUN FACTORY AND BUREAU OF ORDNANCE (WASHINGTON, D.C.)

• Historic Origins: The Washington Navy Yard, home to the Naval Gun Factory, was established in 1799 and is the oldest shore establishment of the U.S. Navy. • Birthplace of Naval Artillery: The Naval Gun Factory (NGF) was officially designated in 1886 as a center for the design, manufacture, and repair of naval guns and ordnance. • World War II Production Powerhouse: During WWII, the NGF became one of the largest producers of naval guns, manufacturing thousands of large-caliber guns, mounts, and other ordnance. • Bureau of Ordnance (BuOrd): Established in 1862, BuOrd was responsible for all Navy shipboard guns, ammunition, torpedoes, mines, and ultimately guided missiles. • Innovative Testing: The factory featured a 1,100-foot-long test tunnel where naval guns could be proof-fired, an essential step in ensuring the reliability of U.S. naval artillery. • Women in War Effort: During WWII, the NGF employed thousands of "WOWs" (Women Ordnance Workers), playing a crucial role in wartime production. • Presidential Proximity: Located just a few miles from the White House, the Navy Yard and NGF often hosted visiting presidents and dignitaries for demonstrations and ceremonies. • First U.S. Naval Torpedo: The Bureau of Ordnance oversaw the development and production of the U.S. Navy’s first self-propelled torpedo in the late 19th century. • Cold War Innovation: After World War II, BuOrd helped pioneer the development of guided missiles, such as the Regulus and the Terrier, marking the Navy’s entry into the missile age. • Transformation and Legacy: The Naval Gun Factory ceased ordnance production in 1961, and today the Washington Navy Yard serves as headquarters for the Naval Sea Systems Command and hosts the National Museum of the U.S. Navy.