Pearl Harbor Transforms: Massive Construction Unveiled at Navy Base

The U.S. Navy is currently constructing a cutting-edge dry dock at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, which is located within Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. This new facility will serve as a critical hub for maintaining the most advanced nuclear submarines in the fleet. It is set to replace an existing dry dock that was built in 1942, highlighting the long-term commitment to modernizing naval infrastructure.

Recent images shared by the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard on Facebook in September provide a glimpse into the progress of this $3.42 billion project, just over two months ago. The construction of Dry Dock 5 has been a significant undertaking, reflecting the importance of maintaining a strong and capable submarine force in the Pacific region.

Why It Matters

The overhaul at Pearl Harbor is part of a broader, multi-year initiative by the U.S. Navy aimed at addressing aging infrastructure and adapting to the evolving security landscape. With China expanding its naval capabilities and building the world’s largest fleet by hull count, the U.S. must ensure its own forces remain ready and resilient. A large portion of the Navy’s submarine fleet is based at Pearl Harbor, a location with deep historical significance due to the surprise attack by Japan on December 7, 1941, which led to America’s entry into World War II.

What To Know

Construction on Dry Dock 5 began in August 2023, marked by a traditional Hawaiian blessing at the site. This gesture acknowledges the cultural and economic significance of the base to Hawaii. Once completed, Dry Dock 5 will measure 657 feet in length and will be constructed next to Dry Dock 3, which is 497 feet long. The other dry docks at Pearl Harbor—Dry Docks 1, 2, and 4—are significantly longer, measuring 1,001, 975, and 1,099 feet respectively.

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Once operational, Dry Dock 5 will play a crucial role in maintaining the Navy’s Virginia-class submarines and future submarine classes for the next 150 years. This requirement stems from both changes in force structure and the increasing demands of modern technology.

In May, U.S. Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Daryl Caudle visited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a tour of the future Dry Dock 5. During the visit, he witnessed the transportation of nine massive 4,600-ton concrete and steel precast floor units from Waipio Peninsula via the Pisha to their permanent location in Dry Dock 5, according to a post from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.

What People Are Saying

Capt. Chris Coggins, the Pacific’s Officer-in-Charge of Construction at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, stated: “Our mission is clear, to complete the quality construction and modernization of key SIOP facilities which contribute to Hawaii’s legendary No Ka ‘OI shipyard.”

Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, said during a 2024 ceremony: “This is the jewel in the crown of all of the Navy’s shipyards, right here in our island home in the Pacific. And its people serve in the spirit of their World War II forebears.”

What Happens Next

The construction of Dry Dock 5 is expected to be completed by 2027. Upon completion, the new dry dock will immediately take over key maintenance functions as older submarine classes are retired and the Navy transitions to the next generation of vessels. This transition underscores the strategic importance of Pearl Harbor in maintaining the readiness of the U.S. submarine force.

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