26. "Do Your Job!" An Illustrated Bicentennial History of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, 1800-2000

by Richard E. Winslow III

As the first full-length book account of the Yard's history since 1978, this narrative covers many aspects of the PNSY's stirring contribution to the nation's past, replete with references to submarine skippers, commanders-in-chief secretaries of the Navy, and civilian employees. Responding to the public beyond its gates, the Yard has always been involved with reforms, social concerns, environmental issues, and community activities.

Author Dick Winslow, Portsmouth Marine Society historian, has spent years pursuing the Yard's fascinating history. Amply illustrated with heretofore unpublished photographs, this book demonstrates that the Yard's long, distinguished history mirrors that of the nation itself-a success story with a record of accomplishment.

In 1800 the United States government established the Portsmouth Navy Yard on an island in the Piscataqua River, the boundary between New Hampshire and Maine. Since its founding, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY), as it is now known, has expanded by annexing nearby islands to become a workhorse for the United States Navy in the defense of the nation's interests. Through the years the Yard has built and repaired ships, hosted a major peace conference, and developed inventions applicable for both military and civilian purposes.

During the yard's bicentennial anniversary "Open House" June 10-11, 2000, the Yard resembled a modern industrial facility, with its motto, "Sails to Atoms," defining its role in American naval history. Keenly abreast of the changing times technologically and scientifically, the PNSY has seen its mission evolve from constructing wooden sailing ships to repairing and overhauling nuclear-powered, missile-firing submarines. In recent years the Yard has experienced a phase of downsizing but has been able, nevertheless, to survive Base Closure and Realignrnent Commission (BRAC) decisions.

ISBN# 0-915819-26-0, 306 pgs, cloth, 163 photos (includes 1 foldout of a 1926 panoramic photo) $30

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