Photo Caption: Sailors assigned to the Ingalls-built USS America (LHA 6) and Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit stand in formation on August 2, 2025, for a photo commemorating the U.S. Navy’s 250 years of service. (U.S. Navy)
250 YEARS OF DEFENDING FREEDOM & PROTECTING PROSPERITY
Since 1775, the U.S. Navy has sailed the world’s oceans in defense of freedom, protecting our shores and deterring those who threaten peace. From the seabed to space, the Navy stands ready to fight and win, delivering peace through strength wherever the mission calls.
As the Navy celebrates its 250th anniversary on October 13, we honor that legacy and the vital role our shipyard has played for the past 87 years.
SCROLL to see photos from the Navy’s 250th birthday celebrations!
Since 1938, Ingalls shipbuilders have transformed raw steel into destroyers and amphibious assault ships that carry our Navy’s power and purpose across the globe.
These ships support and protect our Sailors and Marines, giving them the tools they need to defend our nation.
We build for the warfighter. That is more than a phrase. It is a promise and a responsibility. When peace is tested and presence matters, the United States depends on the ships we build and the shipbuilders behind them. They depend on you.
Each of us plays a role in keeping America’s Navy the world’s strongest maritime force. As we celebrate this anniversary, we also honor the people and partnerships that make its mission possible. And we remain committed to doing what we’ve always done best: building the strength our warfighters need.
From shipbuilder to Sailor, together we ensure the United States fleet stands ready to safeguard freedom for generations.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION!
Photo Caption: The craftsmanship of HII shipbuilders was on full display at the Titans of the Sea Presidential Review on Oct. 3, 2025. The Ingalls-built USS Ross (DDG 71), a Flight I Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, fired a MK 45 five-inch gun alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), which was built at Newport News Shipbuilding. (U.S. Navy)
Photo Caption: President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump observed an MH-60S Seahawk aboard USS Ross (DDG 71) during the Titans of the Sea Presidential Review on Oct. 5, 2025. (U.S. Navy)
Photo Caption: With the Ingalls-built USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and Newport News Shipbuilding’s USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as the backdrop, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan addressed nearly 15,000 Sailors and guests during an All Hands Call at Naval Station Norfolk on Oct. 5, 2025. (U.S. Navy)
“Today, we showed the world what American sea power means: deadly precision, meticulous execution, raw power and the will to use it." — Secretary of the Navy John Phelan
Photo Caption: Two HII ships — the Ingalls-build USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) from Newport News Shipbuilding — set the stage for the All Hands Call on Oct. 5, 2025, acting as the backdrop for the event. President Donald J. Trump addressed the crowd, admiring both HII ships. (U.S. Navy)
“Docked beside us today are a combined 150,000 tons of pure American naval supremacy and two colossal reasons why no one should ever want to start a fight with the USA.... Our incredible surface warriors are the reason America's enemies tremble at the site of a Navy ship." — President Donald J. Trump
Photo Caption: A celebration of both the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps 250th anniversary was held in the cities of Philadelphia, PA, and Camden, NJ. USS Arlington (LPD 24) and USS Lassen (DDG 82), both built at Ingalls, led a Parade of Ships on Oct. 9, 2025, to kick off the event. DDG 82 was then open to public tours. (U.S. Navy)
WANT TO SEE MORE FROM THE NAVY'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS?
VISIT THE NAVY 250 WEBSITE
Who inspires you to do what’s right for the warfighter? If you are a proud veteran or have a personal connection, such as a loved one who has served aboard a ship built at Ingalls, we want to know!
Share Your Story! Email IngallsEditor@hii.com with your name, phone number and what inspires you to work with the utmost quality standards every day.