May 19, 2016

Balancing Act: History and Technology in a Modern Navy

At the Navy League's Sea Air Space Exposition this year, I was fortunate to sit on a panel with peers from the Coast Guard, Navy and Marine Corps. The question was how today's service men and women seize history's lessons to tackle today's leadership and technology challenges. With a little more than a year as the Director of the Naval History and

May 16, 2016

A Look Back at Top Gun

More than thirty years ago, stunning footage of F-14 Tomcats flashed across the silver screen and moviegoers were introduced to the high-speed operations and culture of naval aviation through the characters "Maverick," "Goose," "Iceman," and "Charlie." The release of the movie Top Gun on May 16, 1986, came at a time when naval aviation was very

May 13, 2016

Defending the Flag at the Fourteenth Latitude: American Samoa, Fitafita, and the United States Navy

The proud history of the American Samoan people traces back over 3,000 years, long before any islander saw their first naval vessel or merchant ship. The native population had a long held history of seafaring and pottery making along the archipelago, living undisturbed off the sea and land under the leadership of the Fa'amatai, the chiefly

May 13, 2016

Why Naval History Matters to Virginia

In 1788, only 13 years after the establishment of the U.S. Navy, Virginia ratified the constitution, and became the 10th state to enter the Union. The state's heritage includes hosting the first North American-English colony, which likely gave rise to the popular nickname, "Old Dominion." Virginia's naval lineage includes several landmark events

May 6, 2016

Naval History of Missouri

Missouri, popularly known as the "Show-Me" state, was the 24th state admitted to the Union in 1821 just 46 years after establishment of the U.S. Navy. Named after the longest U.S. river, and the Indian word for "muddy waters," Missouri has a distinguished naval history. Over 30 ships have been named after the state of Missouri, its cities, places,

May 6, 2016

Battle of Coral Sea: Toughness in Battle Forges Committed Partners

It was the first sea battle in world history where opposing ships were not in visual range of one another during actual fighting. All damage to the ships was inflicted by aircraft. Secondly, it represented the first time since the Dec. 7th attacks that the enemy advance in the Pacific was halted. And finally, because of the battle's impact, it

May 2, 2016

USS California's Silent History

Silentium est Aureum, Latin for "silence is golden," is a befitting motto for the stealthy USS California VII (SSN 781), the Virginia-class, next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine named in honor of the people of the Golden State of California. The ship's crest, a grizzly bear, signifies strength and pays homage to the people of

April 29, 2016

Glory is the Reward of Valor - The Story of USS Cole

USS Cole (DDG 67), is named after Medal of Honor recipient Marine Corps Sgt. Darrell Samuel Cole. He enlisted in the Corps on Aug. 25, 1941. After completing basic training at Parris Island, S.C., he reported to Company H, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. Although designated as a Field Music (bugler), he frequently put down his

April 29, 2016

Why the U.S. Navy Manages a Forest

The predawn light reflects an eerie blood-red from the underbellies of the incoming clouds. As the light penetrates the canopy, the last of the nocturnal creatures have returned to their refuge to wait out the coming light. High in the crown of a mighty oak, pacing with anticipation of the coming daylight, a roosted tom turkey shakes the forest

April 29, 2016

Naval History of Florida

Florida was the 27th state to join the Union in 1845 - just 70 years after the U.S. Navy was established. It has been rich in naval history since its inception. At least 32 U.S. Navy ships have been named after the state of Florida, its cities, places and people. The sixth, and most recent ship to bear the namesake is a cruise missile submarine