Located in the southeastern part of the state, Newport News is the fifth biggest city in Virginia and forms part of the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News Metropolitan Statistical Area. Newport News covers an area of 120 square miles and has an estimated population of 183,000.

The origin of this city's name is unclear, with various stories and theories being put forth over the years. The city is home to the largest employer in all of Virginia, the Newport News Shipbuilding. Other key locations around Newport News include the Joint Base Langley-Eustis military facility and the Newport News Victory Arch in the downtown district.