Historical Snapshot

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.

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.