April 20, 2016

How Fear, Deception and Indecision Nearly Destroyed Norfolk Naval Shipyard

The United States Navy's oldest, largest and most multifaceted industrial facility is just a buck and change shy of its 250th anniversary in November 2017. But as flames consumed the structures and ships of Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) the evening of April 20, 1861, its future was very much in doubt.Photo #: NH 59179 Destruction of the United

April 18, 2016

The Doolittle Raiders - The Mission

On April 18, 1942, it was a "nice sun-shiny day overcast with anti-aircraft fire," according to Army Air Force Tech. Sgt. Eldred V. Scott. Over Tokyo, anyway. Scott's weather quip signaled the near completion of the Doolittle Raiders mission on that day 72 years ago today. But it was just the beginning of the unknown for the 80 men and their 16

April 15, 2016

Naval History of Texas

The Texas state motto is "Friendship," and? Texans definitely have a friend in their U.S. Navy, just ask anyone who has served on one of the over 100 ships named in honor of the state! If you believe everything really is bigger in Texas, then you have to learn more about the battleship USS Texas (BB 35). You can even go visit the ship, a member of

April 13, 2016

Naval History of Tennessee

When our U.S. Navy was just 21 years old, Tennessee, named after a Cherokee Indian word for river, was admitted to the union in 1796. Tennessee is known for its great barbeque, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Elvis Presley.But what connection does Tennessee have to its U.S. Navy?There are at least 20 ships named after cities, places, and people

April 6, 2016

The Dixie Cup: An Everyday Icon and Historic Symbol

Of all uniform items issued to Sailors in the United States Navy, no other item may be as iconic as the white hat, affectionately known as the "Dixie Cup." This week, the Dixie Cup was further rooted in our heritage when the first female recruits at Recruit Training Command were issued their new enlisted white hats as part of the Navy's efforts

April 1, 2016

Skin Deep: The Nautical Roots of Tattoo Culture

Editor's Note: In response to feedback from the fleet and senior enlisted leadership, the Navy announced two changes to its uniform policy, March 31, in NAVADMIN 082/16. Learn more about the changes here.Modern tattoo culture is rooted in the nautical world. The connection between tattoos and Sailors was cemented by the Tahitian voyages of Royal

April 1, 2016

Batter Up, Sailor!

When Baseball Went to War is an exhibit at the Puget Sound Navy Museum, which explores the history of Navy baseball from its earliest years through World War II. Baseball was among the earliest team sports played at the U.S. Naval Academy, getting its start around the 1860s. By the late 1800s, many ships had their own teams and leagues. Quickly,

March 28, 2016

Finding Greatness: The Navy's First Woman SCUBA Diver

As a society, we love stories about ordinary people who find greatness in themselves when tested. They remind us that greatness lies within all of us if we are brave enough to step outside our comfort zones, dream big, and work hard. Kati Garner, the Navy's first female SCUBA diver, was an ordinary girl from Colorado who discovered greatness in

March 21, 2016

Why Navy History Matters to Arizona

The Grand Canyon State has more ties to the U.S. Navy than one might initially think. For starters, there are at least 30 ships named after cities, places, people, and American Indian tribes of Arizona. Possibly the most famous is the battleship USS Arizona (BB 39), which was sunk during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. But did you know

March 18, 2016

Navy's Underwater Archaeologists Conduct Survey of the USS Tulip

Earlier this week, Naval History and Heritage Command's (NHHC) Underwater Archaeology (UAB) Branch partnered with Navy's Supervisor of Diving and Salvage (SUPSALV), Phoenix International Holdings, Inc., and the Institute of Maritime History (IMH) to conduct a two day survey of the wreck site of USS Tulip off Ragged Point, VA utilizing a remotely