About this Unit
Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, established in 1918 in Virginia, was originally created to support the U.S. Navy during World War I by providing a safe location for the storage and loading of naval munitions. Over the decades, it expanded its mission, playing a critical role in supplying ammunition and ordnance for the Atlantic Fleet during World War II and subsequent conflicts. The station has continued to evolve, supporting a wide range of Navy and joint-service operations, including logistics, training, and maintenance. Today, it remains a vital component of U.S. naval power, serving as both an ordnance hub and a support installation for numerous tenant commands.
Historical Facts
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Established in World War I: Naval Weapons Station Yorktown was created in 1918 as the Navy Mine Depot to support U.S. mine warfare during World War I, rapidly constructed to meet urgent wartime needs.
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Strategic Location: The station is located on the Virginia Peninsula, along the York River, close to the historic site of the 1781 Siege of Yorktown—the decisive battle of the American Revolutionary War.
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Largest Naval Ordnance Depot: During World War II, the facility became the largest naval ordnance depot in the world, storing and supplying massive quantities of munitions for Allied forces.
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German POW Labor: During WWII, German prisoners of war were housed at the facility and employed in non-sensitive labor roles, such as maintenance and agriculture.
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Underwater Weapons Testing: The York River's unique characteristics made it ideal for testing underwater ordnance, including torpedoes and mines, contributing to technological advances.
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Support to Multiple Conflicts: The station has supported U.S. military operations in every major conflict since World War I, including Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror.
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Historic Rail Connection: The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway built a dedicated spur line to the station during WWI, facilitating rapid shipment of munitions and supplies.
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Home to Navy Munitions Command Atlantic: Today, the station is the headquarters for Navy Munitions Command Atlantic, which oversees the Navy's Atlantic Fleet ordnance logistics.
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Environmental Stewardship: The station encompasses over 10,000 acres, much of it forested or wetland, and has won awards for its conservation and wildlife management programs.
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Co-location with Cheatham Annex: Naval Weapons Station Yorktown operates jointly with Cheatham Annex, a logistics and supply hub, making it a critical node in the Navy's global supply chain.
