July 16, 2024

“Second-Class Citizens Fighting in a First-Class War” Part I: The Deadly Munitions Explosion and Its Immediate Aftershocks

“Second-Class Citizens Fighting in a First-Class War”[1]Part I: The Deadly Munitions Explosion and Its Immediate Aftershocks This is the first part in a series researched and written by NHHC Historian Dr. Heather Haley that centers the Port Chicago explosion, work stoppage, subsequent mutiny trial, and the establishment of the site as a National

March 26, 2024

Some Obsolete Navy Ratings

Pigeon trainers, airship riggers, and buglers—these are just a few of the enlisted Navy ratings (jobs) no longer in use due to technological advances. Let’s take a look at some of these ratings and the part they played in the Navy’s history. (Note: this overview is not all-inclusive.)Ratings Established before or during World War IBugler (BUG) The

July 19, 2023

Truman’s Executive Order 9981: Advancing Military Policy Ahead of American Attitudes

For seventy-five years, the military departments of the United States have implemented personnel policies that favor equality “without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.”[i] President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981—“Establishing the President’s Committee on Equality of the Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed

March 28, 2023

First Female Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy

On March 21, 1917, Loretta Perfectus Walsh was sworn in as a chief yeoman, becoming the first female chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy. Four days earlier, Walsh had been the first woman to enlist in the Navy, having the distinction of being the first woman to serve in any of the U.S. armed forces other than a nursing assignment. Before Walsh

March 4, 2022

Interview with Commander B.J. Farrell, USS Constitution Commanding Officer

INTRODUCTION:On January 21, 2022, history was once again made on the decks of USS Constitution, America’s Ship of State. At twelve noon the change-of-command ceremony bid farewell to Cmdr. John Benda and welcomed Cmdr. Billie J. Farrell as the first female commanding officer in “Old Ironsides’ 224-year history. Cmdr. Farrell, a native of Kentucky,

Feb. 16, 2022

Command Master Chief Octavia Harris: A Navy Leader Who Looks Out for Others

Over the past 18 months, the Naval History and Heritage Command has highlighted female Navy trailblazers. We’ve shared their stories because women are integral members of the Navy family and serve as valuable role models for the next generation of Navy civilians and Sailors. NHHC is committed to ensuring their stories are remembered and

Feb. 11, 2022

Karen M. Davis, Mentor and Leader

Over the past 18 months, the Naval History and Heritage Command has highlighted female Navy trailblazers. We’ve shared their stories because the women are important members of the Navy family and they’ve served as valuable role models for the next generation of Navy civilians and Sailors. NHHC is committed to ensuring their stories are remembered

April 2, 2021

Katherine Horton, World War II Veteran and African American Trailblazer

​In November 2020, CNO and Mrs. Gilday installed a new exhibit in the Tingey House highlighting the accomplishments of female Navy trailblazers. The trailblazers proudly served their country and this year the Naval History and Heritage Command will be sharing their stories. Katherine Horton joined the Navy in 1944 and in March 1945, she became one of the first three African American WAVES to enter the Hospital Corps School at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Feb. 2, 2021

Immunization and the Fight against Disease: A Short History of Vaccines in the U.S. Navy

On December 14, 2020 the Naval Medical Center San Diego became one of the first US military installations to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Over the next days photographs of Sailors, and Marines getting the "shot in the arm" became more widespread and with it the prospect of a post-COVID-19 world became all the more real. The administration

Jan. 15, 2021

Bridging the Gap between Sea and Shore

Celebrating 15 Years of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command through Pictures.