What was Hull #1 at NNS?

• A. USS Enterprise
• B. USS Ranger
• C. Tugboat Dorothy
• D. USS Robert E. Lee

Answer: (C)

Hull #1 at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company (NNS) refers specifically to the tugboat Dorothy. This vessel was significant as it marked the first ship launched by the yard in 1886 and represents the beginnings of NNS as a shipbuilding facility. The construction of the tugboat showcased the initial capabilities of the shipyard and its commitment to maritime operations.

The other vessels mentioned, such as the USS Enterprise, USS Ranger, and USS Robert E. Lee, are notable ships, but they were constructed later and are not related to the initial output of NNS. The naming and identification of Hull #1 helps emphasize the historical context of shipbuilding at NNS and the importance of Dorothy in establishing the yard's legacy in maritime history.