War Secretary Pete Hegseth made the first stop Monday of his month-long 2026 "Arsenal of Freedom Tour," which took place at a shipyard in Newport News, Virginia.

The multistate tour is expected to promote the War Department's efforts to rebuild the United States military by engaging with the country's defense industrial base at various shipyards and factories throughout the country.

"On this tour, we'll be traveling from the shipyards of the coast to the factories of the heartland to see the work being done by the military and our partners in American manufacturing, to usher in a new golden age of peace through strength — a revival of our industrial base — all-American, made by the best Americans," Hegseth said.

"So, I'm here to thank you — the men and women assembled here today, and those you represent — who are designing and constructing our weapons of war that my children and yours, my grandchildren and yours, will rely upon to ensure the peace, stability and security of the United States." 

The secretary said his department will focus on making investments in industrial technologies that will speed up the advancement of American defense capabilities, instead of accepting costly programs that are frequently delayed. 

Hegseth also thanked American workers who are contributing to the defense industry. 

"I want you to know that whether you're wearing a uniform, coveralls or a suit, the work you're doing is important; it's patriotic and essential to our nation; it is a noble calling in a world that has forgotten what nobility looks like," he said.  

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.