Jan. 22, 2024

“All . . . Behaved Courageously and Cooly”: The Loss of USS Portent (AM-106) During Operation Shingle

Author’s Note: During this 80th anniversary cycle of World War II, I hope to correct, at least in some small way through multiple weblog posts, the incomplete historical scholarship given to the U.S. Navy’s missions and activities in the European and Mediterranean Theaters of Operation, compared with those in the Pacific Theater. By utilizing

Jan. 4, 2024

In Memoriam: Rear Admiral Brian L. Davies, USN

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral Brian Llewellyn Davies on 30 December 2023 at age 54. Rear Admiral Davies entered the U.S. Naval Academy in July 1987 and served as a submarine warfare officer until his passing in December 2023 as director of the Learning to Action Drive Team on the Navy Staff. His commands

Dec. 22, 2023

In Memoriam: Vice Admiral Michael L. Cowan

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Vice Admiral Michael Lynn Cowan, Medical Corps, U.S. Navy, on 10 December 2023 at age 78. Vice Admiral Cowan was drafted into the U.S. Naval Reserve in June 1971 and served in the Medical Corps until his retirement in October 2004 as director of Navy Medicine, 34th Surgeon General of 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

Dec. 11, 2023

In Memoriam: Rear Admiral William E. Newman, USN

It is with deep regret I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral William Edward “Bill” Newman on 4 December 2023 at age 83. Rear Admiral Newman entered the U.S. Naval Academy in July 1957 and served as a naval aviator and material professional until his retirement in July 1996 as Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center. His other commands included

Dec. 11, 2023

“Naval Liberators Over Biscay”: Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE ZERO THREE’s Actions Over France’s Largest Bay

Author’s Note: During this 80th anniversary cycle of World War II, I hope to correct, at least in some small way through multiple weblog posts, the incomplete historical scholarship given to the U.S. Navy’s missions and activities in the European and Mediterranean Theaters of Operation, compared with those in the Pacific Theater. By utilizing

Dec. 1, 2023

In Memoriam: Admiral Leighton W. Smith Jr., USN

 It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Admiral Leighton Warren “Snuffy” Smith Jr. on 28 November 2023 at age 84. Admiral Smith entered the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1958 and served as a naval aviator until his retirement in October 1996 as Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Commander in Chief, NATO Allied Forces

Dec. 1, 2023

Naval Legal Service Command Turns 50

On Nov. 3, 1966, the 22nd Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Navy, Rear Adm. Wilfred Hearn, spoke about a “legal explosion” during a dedication ceremony in Norfolk, Va., for the Navy’s first-ever Law Center. Hearn told the assembled crowd, “The Law Center is the Navy’s response to the legal explosion which both the military and civilian

Nov. 29, 2023

In Memoriam: Rear Admiral Francis K. Holian, USN

It is with deep regret I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral (lower half) Francis Kevin “Fran” Holian on 17 November 2023 at age 78. Rear Admiral Holian entered the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1964 and served as a surface warfare officer until his retirement in September 1996 as Commander, Training Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet. His other

Nov. 21, 2023

In Memoriam: Rear Admiral Raymond R. Couture, USN

It is with deep regret I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral Raymond Roger Couture on 30 October 2023 at age 97. Rear Admiral Couture enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in June 1944 and served as a surface line officer and qualified Judge Advocate General until his retirement in September 1986 as Commander, Military Sealift Command Europe