March 8, 2017

LIONS and ACORNS and CUBS, Oh My!!

By now we know why the Seabees were created, but in creating a new type of fighting force came a new challenge: how does the Navy equip the men that are meant to equip the fleet? During World War II the Navy began an extensive advance base construction program that spanned the globe, but which also created massive planning, construction, and

March 3, 2017

10 Things You Need to Know About Your Seabees!

Did you know March 5th marks the 75th anniversary of the Seabees? Celebrate with us! Seabees young and old are celebrating the birthday of this unique organization; here are 10 facts you probably didn't know about Navy's builders, who can fight!Since March 5, 1942, the U.S. Navy has employed an elite cadre of construction battalion Sailors, better

March 3, 2017

Code Name: BOBCAT - Part Two

Editor's note: This is Part Two in the series about how the Seabee's were created. Read Part One here.From 1940-1941, BuDocks used contractors to develop and construct outlying bases on territories owned or governed by the United States. But, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Bureau of Yards and Docks (BuDocks) could no longer utilize service

March 3, 2017

Code Name: BOBCAT - Part One

Editor's note: What does a Bobcat, Pearl Harbor and the South Pacific have to do with the creation of the Seabees? A lot. Read this two-part blog series to find out how 75 years ago, the Navy established a fighting force unlike any other!Codenamed "BOBCAT," the small island of Bora Bora in the Society Islands, was destined to become the first

Feb. 28, 2017

Naval Gunfire During the Battle of Java Sea

Before World War II, most naval planners believed that a surface action between two fleets would last just minutes before one side or another was completely mauled by the effects of modern gun and torpedo fire. During the Battle of Java Sea, the Allied and Japanese fleets fought intermittently for seven hours before the Allied fleet was defeated -

Feb. 20, 2017

"Honor the Past, Inspire the Future" LCDR O'Hare Remembered

Editor's note: On Friday, February 17th, Vice Admiral Cullom, along with Chicago's Mayor, Rahm Emanuel, honored the toughness of LCDR Edward O'Hare.  75 years ago, on February 20th, 1942, during the early days of World War II, without supporting aircraft and without hesitation, O'Hare challenged nine enemy bombers headed for the carrier Lexington.

Feb. 17, 2017

Navy Ships Honoring Presidents of the United States

While not inclusive of EVERY ship named after a President (that would be a MUCH longer blog!), here are a few chosen ships along with some famous quotes spoken by our leaders.George Washington III (SSBN 598) is The United States Navy's first fleet ballistic missile submarine named after the first President of the United States. The ship was

Feb. 2, 2017

NHHC Curators Preserve Enterprise Story

Fifty-five years after she first entered naval service, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) will be officially decommissioned tomorrow. The Navy's first nuclear powered aircraft carrier has played a pivotal role in defending freedom around the world for more than a half century; from the Cuban missile crisis in 1962 through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Jan. 11, 2017

The Evolution of Navy Lethality in Maintaining Sea Control

Whenever you put together a top 10 list related to an organization with a 241-year history, there's really no way to get it right. It's one of the reasons we asked our fans on Facebook and Twitter for input on the 10 most important innovations in Navy lethality. As always, our fans came through with quite a few good ones included in the list

Jan. 10, 2017

Patrol Boat River (PBR) Lethality in Vietnam

During the Vietnam War, the Navy deployed a variety of small boats to South Vietnam ranging from Boston Whalers to modified World War II era landing craft. Perhaps the most iconic of them all was the Patrol Boat River or PBR as it was affectionately referred to by its crews. Adapted from a commercially manufactured 31-foot fiberglass pleasure