FACILITY

The "first and the finest" started in 1833 with the completion of the country's first ever Naval Medical Hospital, Building 1. Now a Virginia Historical Landmark the hospital began treating its first war causalities in 1847 during the Spanish-American War.

By 1917 patient load rocketed from 200 a day to 1,400 a day signaling the need to expand. Over 38 new patient care buildings and four corpsmen barracks were added. Then again, in 1937 two four-story wings, a chapel, officer quarters, an occupational health facility and library were added.

By 1957, additional space was again necessary. Construction on Building 3 began and was complete in 1960. This building would serve as the new patient care facility until 1990.

With continual growth, construction began on a third building in 1990. Building 2, a 1 million+ square foot acute care facility, car garage and ancillary support centers began. Now complete, Building 2 serves as the heart of the medical center's functions.

The Naval Hospital in Portsmouth was the first in the Navy medical system. Under its roof, sick and wounded from all wars the United States has been involved with have received care. As well, the center continues its service of care, by providing medical attention to the families of those who serve.

PHOTOS