March 26, 2024

Some Obsolete Navy Ratings

Pigeon trainers, airship riggers, and buglers—these are just a few of the enlisted Navy ratings (jobs) no longer in use due to technological advances. Let’s take a look at some of these ratings and the part they played in the Navy’s history. (Note: this overview is not all-inclusive.)Ratings Established before or during World War IBugler (BUG) The

Dec. 12, 2023

Uniforms for Changing Times

In the early 1970s, the military’s recruiting and retention efforts drew even greater scrutiny in anticipation of President Richard M. Nixon’s announcement that the United States would end the draft, even as operations continued in support of the Vietnam War. The Department of Defense set July 1, 1973, as the target date for the transition to an

April 5, 2023

“A Tall Ship and A Star to Steer Her By:” Star Trek and Naval History

In the fictional history of Star Trek[1] there are few days more important than 5 April. On that day in 2063, Vulcans landed in Bozeman, Montana following Zefram Cochrane’s successful test of a faster-than-light engine built from a modified ICBM. In Star Trek’s utopian future, this event led to the creation of the peaceful and prosperous United

Feb. 2, 2021

Immunization and the Fight against Disease: A Short History of Vaccines in the U.S. Navy

On December 14, 2020 the Naval Medical Center San Diego became one of the first US military installations to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Over the next days photographs of Sailors, and Marines getting the "shot in the arm" became more widespread and with it the prospect of a post-COVID-19 world became all the more real. The administration

Jan. 15, 2021

Bridging the Gap between Sea and Shore

Celebrating 15 Years of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command through Pictures.

June 11, 2020

What So Proudly We Hail

Every morning at 0800, Sailors around the world hear the call to colors. They take a moment of silence, stop what they are doing, and stand at attention to salute the national ensign while the Star-Bangled Banner plays.Title 4, Section 6 of the United States Code (4 U.S.C. 6), states that "the flag represents a living country and is itself

March 30, 2020

Weathering the Storm Aboard USS Constitution

On behalf of the crew of USS Constitution, thank you to our partners, fans, and supporters who have celebrated and shared our many accomplishments and events over the years.We also share our trials, and there is no doubt that the global pandemic of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a time that demands strong leaders and unity.In the naval profession,

June 26, 2019

Nautical Terms and Naval Expressions: Seamanship Edition Part 2

Basic seamanship is the foundation for a Sailor's life at sea. Whether it's line handling, understanding basic navigation, or just knowing your way around the decks of a ship, understanding basic seamanship plays a role in keeping Sailors organized, oriented and SAFE.In part two of our Seamanship Series, we will explore some terms that relate to

June 14, 2019

NHHC Director Delivers Remarks at USS Missouri Stamp Launch Ceremony

On June 11, 2019, Director of Naval History and Heritage Command Rear Admiral Samuel Cox, U.S. Navy (retired) attended the launch of a USS Missouri (BB 63) commemorative stamp by the U.S. Postal Service. The date of the ceremony coincided with the 75th anniversary of the commissioning of the famed WWII vessel and was held aboard the battleship in

June 7, 2019

Nautical Terms and Naval Expressions: Seamanship Edition Part 1

Basic seamanship is the foundation for a Sailor's life at sea. Whether it's line handling, understanding basic navigation, or just knowing your way around the decks of a ship - understanding basic seamanship plays a role in keeping Sailors organized, oriented and SAFE. In this series of infographics, we will explore the meaning and history behind a