Jan. 16, 2018

Overcoming Hurdles - The Legacy of Master Chief Carl Brashear

Throughout mankind's history, there have been stories of individuals who have overcome extremely difficult odds in order to showcase the true strength of the human spirit with amazing results. Carl Maxie Brashear is one of those individuals who demonstrated unyielding tenacity to overcome his circumstances only to achieve his ultimate goal of

Jan. 9, 2018

Commanding the Waves: The Legacy of Surface Warfare Officers

The United States Navy is known for a colorful and illustrious history with opportunities in numerous warfare communities. But since its inception, the Navy has been known for fighting on the high-seas, and surface warfare remains our heart and soul. Much like it was 242 years ago, sea control is the precondition to all other Navy

Jan. 9, 2018

Theodore Roosevelt and Naval Aviation: Then and Now

Examine into this flying machineThere is a letter framed in the commanding officer's in port cabin aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The letter is from the ship's namesake, written in 1898 when Roosevelt was the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. The foresight of the author in regards to aviation and the importance he

Jan. 4, 2018

Naval War College Museum Exhibit - To Win or Lose All

In 1902, a young lieutenant in the United States Navy told a friend about his struggle to convince his superiors to adopt new gunnery methods: "I am playing this game to win or lose all. If I win (and success is assured), I will only claim as my reward the privilege of being left alone. I am not looking for anything; and I will not get in anybody's

Dec. 28, 2017

The Navy's Tradition of the New Year's Day Deck Log

Well, this is the watch on that special night,When the OD writes poetry by gangway lightTis the 1st of January, 1968 And I've the watch that runs quite late.USS Agerholm (DD 826)The naval service, by its very nature, thrives on rules and regulations. Above all else, a ship and her crew must promote self-reliance, discipline, and teamwork to

Dec. 21, 2017

U.S. Navy History Crossword Puzzle

Like crosswords? Love the U.S. Navy? Fancy yourself a history buff? Then try your luck at the Naval History and Heritage Command's crossword puzzle! Invented by New York journalist Arthur Wynne in 1913, these puzzles have engaged and enraged generations. In celebration of this classic American game, we've created a puzzle inspired by key figures

Nov. 19, 2017

Destroyer Hudner Remembers MOH Recipient Thomas Hudner

 At 10:01 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2017, Capt. Thomas J. Hudner Jr., USN (Ret.) took his last breath and passed into the afterlife surrounded by his daughter Shannon, his son Tommy, and his wife Georgea. He was 93 years old.My journey with Capt. Hudner began July 25, 2015. I received his home phone number from Naval Sea Systems Command during my one week

Nov. 17, 2017

Commemorating Peace with Allies: Honoring Battle Monuments from Paris to Tunis

 In honor of Armistice, Remembrance, and Veterans Day, leaders from Naval Forces Europe/Africa and Allied Joint Forces Command Naples, Italy, participated in commemorations across Europe and Africa. U.S. Navy flag officers spoke in American Battle Monuments and historic sites in France, and the Naval Forces Europe/Africa band played at the North

Nov. 6, 2017

The Brothers of Waterloo

When it comes to the history of our Navy - or the history of our nation for that matter - there are not too many families that have sacrificed more than the Sullivans. Shortly after the devastating Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor, the family would send all 5 of their sons to sea to serve their country together. Not one of the sons - Albert,

Nov. 6, 2017

The Burden of Command: The Experience of Captain Charles Butler McVay, III

The heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA 35) was struck by two Japanese torpedoes in the first minutes of July 30, 1945. She sank in less than fifteen minutes. Several hundred Sailors and Marines went down with their ship; the rest drifted at sea for four days with few or no supplies until a patrol plane found them by chance and the Navy organized a