Historical Snapshot

Most of these stories from the past are written by Andy Toppan and featured in BIW News.

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BIW and the Hyde Windlass Company

The histories of Bath Iron Works and Hyde Windlass Company have long been intertwined.

A Brief History of the Hardings Plant

Part of BIW’s WWII expansion continues to play a key role today.

BIW Ships During the Pearl Harbor Attack

Bath Iron Works built several of the ships that played a role in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

The South Portland Shipyards

BIW’s role in the WWII emergency shipyards in South Portland.

The Postwar Years

BIW’s history with the transition to peacetime shipbuilding after WWII.

Into the 1950s – Modernizing the Shipyard and Supporting the Fleet

Continuing BIW’s evolution into the Cold War era and the arrival of guided missile warships.

Into the Guided Missile Era and the 1960’s

Guided missile technology evolved rapidly since WWII, and by the mid-1950’s, destroyers were armed primarily with missiles.

Modernization and Commercial Shipbuilding

BIW diversifies to survive after loss of a key contract.

A Return to U.S. Navy Shipbuilding with the FFG Program

By the early 1970s the Navy was ready for a class of smaller frigates. BIW was ready to meet the demand.

Frigates to Cruisers to Destroyers

BIW’s exceptional performance set the stage for construction of Aegis cruisers and today’s destroyer programs.

The Portland Ship Repair Facility

From 1983 to 2001, BIW’s Portland facility played a key role in the growth of the shipyard.

The DDG 51 Program and Today’s Shipyard

With a steady workload and new ownership, BIW matures into today’s modern shipyard.

Notable Sea Trials of the Past

We will look back at some notable sea trials from BIW’s early days.

The Racing Sloop Ranger

The 1937 America’s Cup defender is among BIW’s most famous vessels.

USS Buchanan (DD 131)

Buchanan served three navies and met her end on an unprecedented, no-return mission.

USS O’Bannon (DD 450)

The most decorated destroyer of World War II.

USS Belknap (DLG 26/CG 26)

Belknap had an eventful career during the latter part of the Cold War.

USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58)

The frigate Samuel B. Roberts added new chapters to a proud heritage.