Aug. 10, 2022

USS Constitution and the Legacy of Live Oak

"Editor's Note: On May 10, 2022, Naval History and Heritage Command will commemorate the 225th anniversary of the launch of the first of the U.S. Navy's six frigates (United States), which began the new United States Navy. The launch of the frigates is a significant moment in both U.S. Navy and American history,  and the U.S. Navy's earliest

Aug. 10, 2022

USS Congress Becomes the First U.S. Navy Ship to Visit China, 1819

In 1819, the frigate Congress became the first American warship to visit China. Although the cruise did little to protect American commerce in the Far East, which was the ship’s mission, showing the U.S. flag in distant places made a symbolic impact and foreshadowed the Navy’s future role in the Western Pacific.

Aug. 3, 2022

“…to procure the most durable wood in the world – the live oak of Georgia…”: Building the New U.S. Navy in the 1790s

"Editor's Note: On May 10, 2022, Naval History and Heritage Command will commemorate the 225th anniversary of the launch of the first of the U.S. Navy's six frigates (United States), which began the new United States Navy. The launch of the frigates is a significant moment in both U.S. Navy and American history,  and the U.S. Navy's earliest

May 2, 2022

A Frigate Battle through Enemy Eyes

During the War of 1812, USS United States, one of six original frigates of the U.S. Navy, defeated and captured HMS Macedonian. Samuel Leech, a seaman aboard Macedonian, later described in vivid and gruesome detail what it was like to be on the losing end of a battle with an American warship.

Nov. 1, 2019

The History of Navy Rank: The Officer Corps

To outsiders, especially members of the non-maritime services, the U.S. Navy's unique rank structure can be confusing. The history of Navy ranks is equally complicated, and includes an assortment of ranks that no longer exist and some that have disappeared, reappeared, and disappeared again! In this part of a three-part series, we look at the

Nov. 1, 2019

The History of Navy Rank: Warrant Officers

Showing from left: Private, Drummer (Marine Corps), Warrant Officer, Musician, Chief Petty Officer (Master-at- Arms), Private (Marine Corps), Corporal (Marine Corps). Lithograph by Werner, copyright in 1899 by The Werner Company.To outsiders, especially members of the non-maritime services, the U.S. Navy's unique rank structure can be confusing.

Oct. 28, 2019

USS Constitution Marks 10 Years as America's Ship of State

George Ropes, Jr. 1813 Oil on Panel, USS Constitution vs. HMS Guerriere, USS Constitution Museum Collection...

Oct. 25, 2019

How Fragile Is The Line That Lashes Us To Our Past - Remembering Taffy 3

Editor's Note:On Friday, October 25, 2019, Commander Mark Lawrence, Commanding Officer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG-60), provided remarks at the Taffy III memorial event. The event commemorates the sacrifice of the Sailors who served aboard the ships of Taffy III during the Battle off Samar. It's a daunting task to discuss the history through which these

May 8, 2019

100th Anniversary of the World's First Transatlantic Flight

Editor's note: on May 8, 2019, Rear Adm. John B. Mustin, Deputy Commander of U.S. Second Fleet and Naval Surface Force Atlantic, spoke at an event hosted by New York City Council Member Eric Ulrich. The event commemorated the 100th anniversary of the first transatlantic flight and renamed a street in New York City, "US Navy Seaplane Division One

March 27, 2019

The Fates of the Six Frigates Created by the Naval Act of 1794

George Washington gives us perhaps one of the greatest quotes to describe our Navy's important role. In a letter he writes: "It follows then as certain that night succeeds the day, that without a decisive naval force, we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious."It should come as no surprise then that on March 27th,