Introduction to Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base
The Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base, also known as the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, is a United States Navy base located in Yorktown, Virginia. The base is situated on the York River and is approximately 20 miles northwest of Newport News, Virginia. The Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base is a key component of the US Navy’s Atlantic Fleet, providing support for a variety of naval operations, including mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, and naval gunfire.
History of the Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base
The Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base was established in 1918 as a naval mine depot. During World War I, the base played a crucial role in the production and storage of naval mines. In the years following the war, the base continued to expand and evolve, with the addition of new facilities and capabilities. Today, the Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base is a state-of-the-art facility, equipped with advanced technology and equipment to support a wide range of naval operations.
Facilities and Capabilities
The Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base is home to a variety of facilities and capabilities, including: * Ammunition storage and handling facilities: The base has extensive storage and handling facilities for a wide range of ammunition and explosives. * Mine countermeasures facilities: The base is equipped with advanced facilities for the production, testing, and maintenance of mine countermeasures equipment. * Explosive ordnance disposal facilities: The base has specialized facilities for the disposal of explosive ordnance, including bombs, grenades, and other explosive devices. * Naval gunfire facilities: The base is equipped with facilities for the testing and maintenance of naval gunfire systems, including guns and mounts.
Units and Tenants
The Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base is home to a variety of units and tenants, including: * Naval Munitions Command: The Naval Munitions Command is the primary tenant of the base, responsible for the storage and handling of ammunition and explosives. * Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2: The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 is a tenant command on the base, responsible for the disposal of explosive ordnance. * Mine Countermeasures Squadron 2: The Mine Countermeasures Squadron 2 is a tenant command on the base, responsible for the operation and maintenance of mine countermeasures equipment.
Environmental Concerns
The Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base has been the subject of environmental concerns in recent years, due to the presence of hazardous materials and pollutants on the base. The US Navy has implemented a variety of measures to mitigate these concerns, including the cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater.
Economic Impact
The Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base has a significant economic impact on the local community, with thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity generated by the base each year. The base is also a major contributor to the local tax base, with millions of dollars in tax revenue generated by the base annually.
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Ammunition Storage and Handling Facilities | Extensive storage and handling facilities for a wide range of ammunition and explosives |
| Mine Countermeasures Facilities | Advanced facilities for the production, testing, and maintenance of mine countermeasures equipment |
| Explosive Ordnance Disposal Facilities | Specialized facilities for the disposal of explosive ordnance, including bombs, grenades, and other explosive devices |
📝 Note: The Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base is a restricted area, and access is limited to authorized personnel only.
In summary, the Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base is a key component of the US Navy’s Atlantic Fleet, providing support for a variety of naval operations, including mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, and naval gunfire. The base has a significant economic impact on the local community, and is a major contributor to the local tax base.
What is the primary purpose of the Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base?
+
The primary purpose of the Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base is to provide support for a variety of naval operations, including mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, and naval gunfire.
What units and tenants are located on the Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base?
+
The Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base is home to a variety of units and tenants, including the Naval Munitions Command, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, and Mine Countermeasures Squadron 2.
What is the economic impact of the Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base on the local community?
+
The Naval Weapons Station Virginia Base has a significant economic impact on the local community, with thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity generated by the base each year.
