April 12, 2015

Evolution of the Aircraft Carrier

Aircraft carriers are often revered as the "powerhouse of the fleet" because of their size, strength, capabilities and importance to our national security. For nearly 100 years, the aircraft carrier has continued to evolve alongside the technological advancements of our Navy.The U.S. Navy's first aircraft carrier, USS Langley (CV 1), was converted

April 11, 2015

Naval Battles of the American Revolutionary War

Despite the success of the fledgling Continental Navy during the American Revolution the ending of the war actually brought an end to our nation's first navy. A few months after the British defeat at the Battle of Yorktown Oct. 19, 1781, the British Parliament made its first overtures to the United States to begin peace talks the following spring.

April 1, 2015

Operation Iceberg -- Okinawa Invasion in 1945

Editor's Note: The following photos tell just a brief story of the U.S. Navy's involvement during the Okinawa Invasion and Battle of Okinawa. One of the unique items NHHC has in its archives is an oral history of Cmdr. Frederick J. Becton, commanding officer of destroyer USS Laffey (DD-724), which saw action during the Okinawa operations. All the

March 31, 2015

Silent Professionals: History of the Rank of Chief Petty Officer

Since the days of antiquity, highly skilled seamen have been prized for their knowledge and skill. As vessels grew more complex, duties began to split into different responsibilities, which evolved into a rating system that was first formally organized by the Royal Navy and later adopted by the U.S. Navy. This system of rank and position aboard a

March 23, 2015

Driving Navy Innovation: Turboelectric to Hybrid Propulsion

Rear Admiral Kevin R. SlatesNinety-eight years ago today, the Navy deployed a new technology on USS New Mexico (BB 40) that was then hailed as one of the most important achievements of the scientific age: the turboelectric drive. Before this major event, ships used a direct-drive steam turbine, which started with the HMS Dreadnought. Direct drive

March 21, 2015

Celebrating the First Women to Join the Naval Reserve Force

 Every March during Women's History Month we commemorate the diverse contributions women have made, and continue to make, to our nation and our military. March also marks the Navy Reserve's birthday and it would be remiss not to celebrate the contributions of Chief Yeoman (F) Loretta P. Walsh, the first woman enrolled in the Naval Reserve Force,

March 12, 2015

The Iwo Jima Legacy Lives

As executive officer and now commanding officer of USS Iwo Jima, I have always been very proud and honored to serve aboard a ship with such a powerful namesake. February 19th until March 26th marks the 70th anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima.U.S. troops near Coast Guard and Navy landing craft unload supplies to the blackened sands of Iwo Jima, a

March 6, 2015

The Legacy of Ships Named Enterprise

On March 6, 1822, a 12-gun schooner named Enterprise captured four pirate vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. The event is little known, not well documented, and it was one of her last operations before sinking in the West Indies a year later. But her actions on this day stand alongside a proud history in the legacy of the Enterprise. There have been

Feb. 26, 2015

'Enemy Forces Engaged,' USS Houston Fought Insurmountable Odds

 I ask you to spend a minute this weekend in remembrance of the 1,082 brave men of the heavy cruiser USS Houston (CA 30). It was in the early hours of March 1st, 73 years ago, that she sailed for the final time into the teeth of enemy fire. While heading for the Sunda Strait, and in concert with the Australian light cruiser HMAS Perth, she ran into

Feb. 22, 2015

Victory During Peacetime: Partnerships Mattered in 1909 as the Great White Fleet Returns Home

Homecoming of the "Great White Fleet", Hampton Roads, Va., Feb. 22, 1909. Ships and craft welcome the fleet upon its arrival in Hampton Roads.It was a rainy day on Feb. 22, 1909 when 16 battleships of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet returned home to Hampton Roads, Va. completing an exhausting 26-month, 43,000 mile circumnavigation of the globe. For the