For 250 years, America has stood as a beacon of strength and independence. It's a legacy Ingalls Shipbuilding has been proud to support and defend for nearly nine decades.
Founded in 1938 by Robert Ingalls in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Ingalls Shipbuilding quickly became a growing force in American industry.
In 1940, Ingalls launched and delivered SS Exchequer, the nation's first all-welded hull, helping usher in a new era of shipbuilding. It was later renamed USS Pocomake (AV 9) and went on to receive two battle stars for service in the war in the Pacific. During 1940 and 1941, Ingalls launched three more cargo ships and the venture was considered an early success.
Representing the many women entering the workforce during WWII, Ingalls Shipbuilding welder Vera Anderson won the title of “World’s Champion Welder” in the first Women’s National Welding Championship that was held at Ingalls Shipbuilding, along with $350 in war bonds and a trip to meet First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt at the White House.
The post-war decades marked rapid growth and innovation. In 1953, construction began on USS Thomaston (LSD 28), the lead ship in the Thomaston class. The ship was commissioned on September 17, 1954. Ingalls went on to build all eight ships in the class, including USS Spiegel Grove (LSD 32), which later became the test ship for the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC).
In 1959, Ingalls delivered its first destroyer, Forrest Sherman-class USS Morton (DD 948), beginning a legacy of surface combatant construction. The keel was laid for Morton on March 4, 1957, launched on May 23, 1958 and commissioned on May 26, 1959. Morton was followed by construction of its sister ship, USS Parsons (DD 949).
Ingalls was awarded a contract to build the first large-deck amphibious assault ship, USS Tripoli in 1962 and its sister ship, USS Inchon (LPH/MCS 12) in 1966. The USS Tripoli keel was laid on June 15, 1964. In 1995, the USS Inchon returned to Ingalls for a major refit. It entered the yard as LPH 12, and 15 months later, it left as MCS 12. The ship is known for its significant role in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm.
In 1969, Ingalls was awarded a contract to build the first-of-class USS Tarawa (LHA 1). The Tarawa class became the first multi-purpose amphibious assault platform designed to launch both helicopters and landing craft. Ingalls went on to build all five ships in the class. LHA 1 started the family of ship hulls that are still being produced today for the America-class ships.
In the 1970’s, USS Spruance (DD-963) was the lead ship of the Navy's Spruance class and was the first of a highly-successful class of anti-submarine warfare and anti-ship destroyers, and was the first destroyer powered by gas turbines. The Spruance hull supported three classes of ships: DD 963, DDG 993 and CG 47.
Ingalls entered the age of AEGIS combat system in 1978 with a contract to build USS Ticonderoga (CG 47), the lead ship in the class. The ship’s design carried the Navy’s new AEGIS Combat System with the SPY 1 Phased Array Radar. Of the 27 ships in the class, Ingalls built 19. USS Ticonderoga was launched in April 25, 1981, with First Lady Nancy Reagan christening the ship on May 16, 1981. Ingalls Planning Yard has maintained this entire class of ships throughout their lifecycle.
The Ingalls-built USS Cole (DDG 67) arrived at Ingalls after a devastating attack near Yemen on October 12, 2000, that claimed the lives of 17 Sailors and wounded 39 more, Ingalls shipbuilders stood ready, not just to repair the ship, but to honor their sacrifice. Nearly 1,000 shipbuilders worked with purpose and pride to rebuild the Cole, returning the ship back to service on April 19, 2022, as a symbol of strength, endurance and unity.
In 2007, Ingalls was awarded the contract for USS America (LHA 6), the lead ship of a new generation of amphibious assault ships. LHA 6 is the fourth warship to be named for the United States of America. The keel was laid in 2009 and itf was christened in 2012 with Mrs. Lynne Pace, wife of retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acting as ship sponsor. The ship was commissioned in 2014. Ingalls also currently serves as the planning yard for LHA 6.
By 2014, Ingalls delivered USS New York (LPD 21), USS Arlington (LPD 24) and USS Somerset (LPD 25)— these ships were built to honor the cities and carry the memory of the nearly 3,000 victims killed on September 11, 2001. USS New York features 7.5 tons of steel recovered from the World Trade Center, melted and forged into the bow stem. The ship also features a floating museum, serving to carry forward the memory of the 2,977 people who died in the towers. Ingalls is proud to be the builder and planning yard for this class of ships.
The years that followed the mid-2000s marked continued modernization, investment and innovation for Ingalls. From Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to Shipyard of the Future initiatives, to the new Frigate-class ships, Ingalls has remained focused on meeting the Navy's evolving mission.
For 87 years, Ingalls shipbuilders have helped shape the fleet that defends our nation. As America celebrates 250 years, we continue that work with the same commitment to innovation and excellence that has defined us from the start.