Hampton Roads
The 757 Rundown $180M Ship-Repair Boom Brings 414 Jobs—Can Newport News Train Aviation Workers Too?
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The 757 Rundown $180M Ship-Repair Boom Brings 414 Jobs—Can Newport News Train Aviation Workers Too?
S23's $180M ship repair expansion brings 414 jobs—plus Newport News eyes aviation training!
Greg Smith

Greg Smith

Sep 29, 2026

The 757 Rundown is your weekly shortcut to what’s happening across Hampton Roads. Discover local news, upcoming events, great places to eat, live entertainment, business buzz, community highlights, and more—all in one quick, easy-to-read rundown.

 

Trivia Question❓

In which year did the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel—the first bridge-tunnel complex in the United States—open to traffic?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

S23 Holdings invests $180M in Newport News ship repair expansion, bringing 414 new jobs

S23 Holdings is set to invest $180 million to expand ship repair and maritime manufacturing operations in Newport News, a project expected to generate 414 new jobs.

 

The redevelopment of the River Port facility will include a modern shiplift system and increased production space, enhancing capabilities for fabrication, machining, and repairs for both Navy and commercial vessels.

 

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has committed $4 million in grants to support this initiative, which more than doubles S23’s previous investment in the city and cements Newport News’ role as a leading maritime industry center.

Newport News wants Virginia lawmakers to provide $3 million for aviation workforce training at Newport News-Williamsburg Airport, creating paths to skilled jobs for Hampton Roads residents.

 

City Council unanimously backed the request, saying demand for aviation and aerospace workers is outpacing training.

 

The push comes as airport passenger traffic fell about 20% in the fiscal year ending in June, with American Airlines its only commercial carrier.

 

City leaders are planning an air commerce park that would bring research, testing and training to the airport.

 

A separate $3 million state grant secured earlier this year supports a facility built around federal aviation standards; the new request would build on that investment.

 

Newport News also wants more authority to fund homeowner and rental assistance.

 

Applications for its income-based homeowner pilot open October 1, while renter assistance could follow.

 

For local workers, the goal is access to both careers and affordable housing.


Read More...

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Quote Of The Day

“We have to do with the past only as we can make it useful to the present and to the future.”

— Frederick Douglass

Interesting Facts
  • Not a highway: The “roads” in Hampton Roads means roadstead—a sheltered place where ships can anchor.
  • Hidden crater: A meteorite impact about 35 million years ago left a crater buried beneath the lower Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding area.
  • Freedom’s Fortress: In 1861, three men escaping slavery reached Fort Monroe. The Union commander refused to return them, calling them “contraband of war”—an early turning point in the Civil War.
  • Before NASA: Langley in Hampton was established in 1917 as the nation’s first civilian aeronautics laboratory, decades before NASA existed.
  • A landfill’s second life: Virginia Beach’s Mount Trashmore Park was built by covering and compacting layers of solid waste and soil.
Joke Of The Day

In Hampton Roads, the roads really go the extra mile.

They climb onto bridges, dive into tunnels, and still manage to be late.

🎵 FANTASY: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire

• Authentic tribute to the legendary funk/soul band
• High-energy show with classic hits like "September," "Boogie Wonderland," "Shining Star"
• Great for fans of 70s-80s funk and R&B

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🎵 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

• Grammy-nominated blues rock guitarist
• Known for hits like "Blue on Black," "Born with a Broken Heart"
• High-energy blues rock performance

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🎵 Wednesday Wind Down Lawn Concert (Sep 30 & Oct 1)

• Free outdoor concert series by Virginia Opera
• Relaxed lawn setting at Harrison Opera House
• Perfect after-work wind-down with classical/opera selections
• Bring a blanket or chair

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🎵 U.S. Marine Band Concert

• Free performance by "The President's Own" military band
• Patriotic and classical repertoire
• Family-friendly event at the Sandler Center

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🎵 Barktoberfest

• Pet-friendly outdoor festival with live music
• Local craft brews and food trucks
• Bring your dog and enjoy fall weather (before Saturday's rain!)

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🎵 Chapter I — Ceremony & Conviction

• Symphonicity orchestra performance
• Classical symphonic program
• Sunday matinee at the Sandler Center

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🎵 Jazz Nights (Weekly)

• Every Wednesday at Froggies on the Chesapeake Bay
• Live jazz from 7-10 PM
• Waterfront venue with casual vibe

Harvest Fair
DateSeptember 26 – November 1, 2026
Time10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
LocationHunt Club Farm
Price$18 per person; ages 2 and under free

Welcome autumn at Hunt Club Farm’s Harvest Fair, running September 26 through November 1. Explore the giant pumpkin patch, meet animals at the petting farm, take a scenic hayride, or try the treewalk adventure and massive straw pile.

Weekends bring tasty treats, a live DJ, and games for the family. Admission is $18 per person, with children ages 2 and under free. The petting farm is open 10 AM–6 PM, and pony rides are available for an additional charge.

2388 London Bridge Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23456
757-427-9520
Click to find out more

• Hampton vs. Howard — Saturday, October 3

• Football (CAA)
• Away game in Washington, D.C.
• Annual "Battle of the Real HU" rivalry game

• Crawlin' Crab Half Marathon & 5K — Saturday–Sunday, October 3–4

• Running/Road Race
• Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton
• Fast, flat waterfront course; post-race "SHELLebration"

• U.S. Kids Golf Local Tour — Sunday, October 4

• Junior Golf Tournament
• Bide-A-Wee Golf Course, Portsmouth
• Registration deadline was September 29

• Hampton Roads Fall Golf Tournament — Monday, October 5

• Golf
• Location TBD (Hampton Roads area)
• Organized by Associated Builders & Contractors of Virginia

Secret Little Hack

Skip the Downtown Tunnel roulette

For a walkable Norfolk outing, park near Portsmouth’s High Street Landing and take the Elizabeth River Ferry across to Waterside. It turns a tunnel-and-parking gamble into a short harbor ride, with both waterfronts easy to explore on foot. Check the return schedule before making evening plans; the last crossing matters more than the drive home.

The Vibe: Modern, warm, farm-to-table sophistication tucked away in the Princess Anne corridor near Red Mill

• What They're Known For:

• Seasonal Virginia ingredients — menu rotates with what's fresh
• Local oysters and lump crab cakes
• Roasted duck and craft cocktails

• Why It Stands Out: Chef Brent Cowan puts local farmers and fishermen front and center. It's fine dining without the pretension — just really good food sourced close to home.

• Local Tip: Reservations fill up fast — book ahead for date night, it's one of the most sought-after tables in Virginia Beach

• Location: 2484 North Landing Rd #113, Virginia Beach, VA 23456


• Best For: Foodies, date nights, anyone who cares where their food comes from

PENINSULA

• Electric Service Worker, 1st Class — Dominion Energy, Hampton

• $55.54/hour, union position (IBEW Local 50)
• Requires high school diploma/GED, must lift 75 lbs
• Must obtain Class A CDL within 5 months
• Apply Here: careers.dominionenergy.com

• Network Engineer — City of Newport News

• Full-time, Bachelor's Degree required
• Government/defense-related IT work
• Apply Here: selfservice.nnva.gov/ess/employmentopportunities

• Police Officer Recruit — City of Newport News Police Department

• Starting salary: $55,960
• Full hiring process: written exam, physical test, background check, polygraph
• Apply Here: joinnnpd.com

• Rigger (Entry-Level) — HII / Newport News Shipbuilding

• For 2026 high school seniors or graduates
• $57,283–$62,067/year + $500 sign-on bonus
• Operate cranes, forklifts, and tug boats
• Apply Here: careers.huntingtoningalls.com

• Clinical Nurse I (RN) — Riverside Health System, Williamsburg

• Full-time, BSN or ADN required
• Active Virginia RN license needed
• Apply Here: riversideonline.com/careers

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SOUTHSIDE

• Computer Engineer III — Maritime/Defense, Norfolk

• Full-time, Bachelor's Degree required
• Naval/military contractor work
• Apply Here: engage.theworkforcecouncil.org/portal/jobs_board

• CANES Technician — Cybersecurity/IT, Virginia Beach

• Defense technology position
• Security clearance likely required
• Apply Here: indeed.com/q-CANES-Technician-l-Virginia-Beach-VA

• Bus Operator Trainee — Hampton Roads Transit, Norfolk

• Full & part-time positions available
• Entry-level with paid training provided
• Apply Here: gohrt.com/careers

• Field Engineer Internship 2026 — Allan Myers, Chesapeake

• $23–$26/hour, 3–6 month assignment
• Heavy civil construction (bridges, highways)
• Apply Here: allanmyers.com/careers

• CNC Machinist — Manufacturing/Maritime, Portsmouth

• Full-time skilled trade position
• Shipyard/maritime industry
• Apply Here: indeed.com/q-CNC-Machinist-l-Portsmouth-VA

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
1957
The 757 Rundown

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The 757 Rundown is your go-to source for everything happening across Hampton Roads — from local news and hidden gem restaurants to events, entertainment, and community stories. Stay connected to the pulse of the 757 with fresh updates delivered in a fun, modern, and easy-to-read format.

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