Aug. 14, 2024

“We pronounce her to be the Non Pareil”: The launching of USS Congress

Editor’s note: On May 10, 2022, Naval History and Heritage Command announced its commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the launch of the first of the U.S. Navy’s six frigates, which began the new United States Navy, including: United States (launched May 10, 1797), Constellation (September 7, 1797), Constitution (October 21, 1797), Congress

Aug. 9, 2024

100 Years Ago: The U.S. Navy at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris

Any servicemember who wished to train was considered for temporary duty in connection with the Olympic tryouts, which started with regional tryouts in April 1924.Tryouts were held across the country for all sporting events. The servicemembers and civilians competing for the Olympic rifle team gathered at Quantico, Virginia, for the national

Aug. 6, 2024

The U.S. Navy at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp, Belgium

“We swear that we will take part in the Olympic Games in a spirit of chivalry, for the honour of our country and for the glory of sport.”–Olympic oath, written by Baron Pierre de Courbetin, the founder of International Olympic Committee (IOC), first introduced at VII Olympiad, April 20–September 12, 1920, in Antwerp, Belgium The Navy at the 1920

Aug. 2, 2024

U.S Navy WAVES on Top Secret Duty in America’s Heartland

In 1943, the U.S. Navy began sending groups of WAVES by train from Washington, DC, to Dayton, Ohio, to work on a top secret project.Due to the highly secretive nature of their assignment, the WAVES were not told where they were going or what they would be doing, only that they were headed “west.” Some thought they were going to California and were

Aug. 1, 2024

U.S. Navy Sailors Bear Witness to History: USS San Francisco at the 1896 Olympics in Athens, Greece

This delegation was largely comprised of student-athletes from athletic clubs in New England—most prominently the Boston Athletic Association.Taking a break from cruising the eastern Mediterranean, USS San Francisco anchored at the port of Piraeus to allow sailors to attend the games. Assigned to the European squadron in 1895, it was the flagship

July 23, 2024

In Memoriam: Rear Admiral Noel Kennedy Dysart Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.)

It is with deep regret I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral (lower half) Noel Kennedy Dysart Jr. on 23 March 2023 at age 79. Rear Admiral Dysart entered the U.S. Naval Reserve in May 1966 and served in the Medical Corps until his retirement in March 2002. His commands included Naval Hospital Groton, Connecticut, and Naval Hospital

July 22, 2024

In Memoriam: Vice Admiral Robert Rawson “Bob” Monroe, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

It is with deep regret I inform you of the passing of Vice Admiral Robert Rawson “Bob” Monroe on 1 July 2024 at age 96. Vice Admiral Monroe enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in April 1945, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1950, and served as a surface line officer until his retirement in September 1983 as the director of research,

July 16, 2024

“Second-Class Citizens Fighting in a First-Class War” Part I: The Deadly Munitions Explosion and Its Immediate Aftershocks

“Second-Class Citizens Fighting in a First-Class War”[1]Part I: The Deadly Munitions Explosion and Its Immediate Aftershocks This is the first part in a series researched and written by NHHC Historian Dr. Heather Haley that centers the Port Chicago explosion, work stoppage, subsequent mutiny trial, and the establishment of the site as a National

July 12, 2024

In Memoriam: Rear Admiral Jerry R. Kelley, MC, USNR

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral (lower half) Jerry Robert Kelley on 30 December 2023 at age 75. Rear Admiral Kelley entered the Medical Corps, U.S. Naval Reserve, in September 1991. He served as a surgeon and then senior health care executive, until his retirement in May 2011 as deputy medical officer of the

July 10, 2024

In Memoriam: Rear Admiral Donald L. Sturtz, USN (Ret.)

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral (lower half) Donald Lee Sturtz on 15 April 2024 at age 90. Rear Admiral Sturtz entered the U.S. Naval Academy in July 1951 and served as a naval aviator and then in the Medical Corps until his retirement in March 1991 as fleet surgeon for Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic