Feb. 1, 2021

Perseverance: Lt. j.g. Harriet Ida Pickens and Ensign Frances Wills

In November 2020, CNO and Mrs. Gilday installed a new exhibit entitled "Celebrating Navy Women: Perseverance and Achievements" in the Tingey House. The pioneers proudly served their country and in 2021, the Naval History and Heritage Command will be sharing their stories.Two women who persevered were LTJG Harriet Ida Pickens and Ensign Frances

Feb. 27, 2018

America's First Black Sailors

British gold and promises of personal freedom served as futile incentives among the Negroes of the American Navy; for them, the proud consciousness of duty well done served as a constant monitor and nerved their strong black arms when thundering shot and shell menaced the future of the country; and, although African slavery was still a recognized

Feb. 21, 2018

The History of African American History Month

Along with the rest of the country, the Navy History and Heritage Command observes February as African American Heritage Month. African Americans have served with distinction in every war and conflict in the history of the United States and have earned the highest awards our country bestows, including the Congressional Medal of Honor and Navy

Feb. 24, 2016

The Legacy of African American Leadership

Editor's Note: Sailors find the greatest mentorship by watching their leader's everyday actions. Often times we do not know which Sailors of today will be the trail blazers written about in history tomorrow; but one thing we do know is their success is forged, in part, by the Sailors that served before them. Growing up in humble settings, I had no

Jan. 29, 2016

In February, We Honor the Contributions of African-Americans to our Proud Naval History

February is BLACK HISTORY MONTH, a time to commemorate the history and heritage of African Americans and for us, their accomplishments in the U.S. Navy. Here are a few notable figures from naval history.Carl M. Brashear, while on assignment during bomb recovery operations in March 1966, a line used for towing broke loose, causing a pipe to strike

Oct. 17, 2014

Remembering the First Black Women Naval Officers

"Navy to admit Negroes into the WAVES," so read the newspaper headlines Oct. 19, 1944. For the first time black women would be commissioned naval officers as members of the Navy's female reserve program.The program first made news July 30, 1942, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed it into law. Their official nickname was WAVES, an acronym

March 4, 2014

Building for a Nation and for Equality: African American Seabees in World War II

   Visitors to the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum may wish to walk to the display of battalion plaques from World War II. Among the blur of polished wood, painted plaster, and engraved metal one may gaze upon the plaques of the 34th, 20th (Special), and 80th Naval Construction Battalions (NCB). The plaque for the 20th bears the motto "Proving Our Worth,"