keyport navel shipyard

• Establishment: Keyport Naval Shipyard, officially known as Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport, was established in 1914 on Puget Sound, Washington, as a torpedo station to support the Pacific Fleet. • Nickname: The facility is often referred to as “Torpedo Town, USA” due to its long history of torpedo development, testing, and maintenance. • World War II Role: During World War II, Keyport played a crucial role by repairing, maintaining, and supplying torpedoes and mines, supporting the massive naval operations in the Pacific Theater. • Testing Ranges: Keyport operates extensive undersea test ranges, including the Dabob Bay Range, used to evaluate torpedoes, undersea vehicles, and sonar systems. • Environmental Stewardship: Keyport is known for its environmental efforts, including habitat restoration projects and the cleanup of legacy contamination from early 20th-century operations. • Torpedo Innovations: The shipyard has been the site of major technological advances, including the development and refinement of the Mark 48 and Mark 54 torpedoes used by the US Navy. • Not Just Torpedoes: Beyond torpedoes, Keyport has supported work on Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), mine countermeasures, and submarine rescue technology. • Cold War Activities: During the Cold War, Keyport was instrumental in maintaining the readiness of the Navy’s submarine-launched torpedo arsenal, including secretive work on advanced acoustic homing devices. • Historic Landmark: Several buildings at Keyport are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting its over 100 years of naval heritage. • Community Integration: Keyport is a vital part of the local community, hosting annual open house events, educational tours, and supporting STEM outreach to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists.