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

Dec. 12, 2023

Uniforms for Changing Times

In the early 1970s, the military’s recruiting and retention efforts drew even greater scrutiny in anticipation of President Richard M. Nixon’s announcement that the United States would end the draft, even as operations continued in support of the Vietnam War. The Department of Defense set July 1, 1973, as the target date for the transition to an

April 5, 2023

“A Tall Ship and A Star to Steer Her By:” Star Trek and Naval History

In the fictional history of Star Trek[1] there are few days more important than 5 April. On that day in 2063, Vulcans landed in Bozeman, Montana following Zefram Cochrane’s successful test of a faster-than-light engine built from a modified ICBM. In Star Trek’s utopian future, this event led to the creation of the peaceful and prosperous United

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.

June 11, 2020

What So Proudly We Hail

Every morning at 0800, Sailors around the world hear the call to colors. They take a moment of silence, stop what they are doing, and stand at attention to salute the national ensign while the Star-Bangled Banner plays.Title 4, Section 6 of the United States Code (4 U.S.C. 6), states that "the flag represents a living country and is itself

March 30, 2020

Weathering the Storm Aboard USS Constitution

On behalf of the crew of USS Constitution, thank you to our partners, fans, and supporters who have celebrated and shared our many accomplishments and events over the years.We also share our trials, and there is no doubt that the global pandemic of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a time that demands strong leaders and unity.In the naval profession,

June 26, 2019

Nautical Terms and Naval Expressions: Seamanship Edition Part 2

Basic seamanship is the foundation for a Sailor's life at sea. Whether it's line handling, understanding basic navigation, or just knowing your way around the decks of a ship, understanding basic seamanship plays a role in keeping Sailors organized, oriented and SAFE.In part two of our Seamanship Series, we will explore some terms that relate to

June 14, 2019

NHHC Director Delivers Remarks at USS Missouri Stamp Launch Ceremony

On June 11, 2019, Director of Naval History and Heritage Command Rear Admiral Samuel Cox, U.S. Navy (retired) attended the launch of a USS Missouri (BB 63) commemorative stamp by the U.S. Postal Service. The date of the ceremony coincided with the 75th anniversary of the commissioning of the famed WWII vessel and was held aboard the battleship in

June 7, 2019

Nautical Terms and Naval Expressions: Seamanship Edition Part 1

Basic seamanship is the foundation for a Sailor's life at sea. Whether it's line handling, understanding basic navigation, or just knowing your way around the decks of a ship - understanding basic seamanship plays a role in keeping Sailors organized, oriented and SAFE. In this series of infographics, we will explore the meaning and history behind a

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,

Feb. 22, 2019

Strong Crew, and Rescue, Set Sailor Standards for Initiative and Toughness

On February 21st, 2019, NAVADMIN 039/19 directed the Navy to return to the union jack beginning Tuesday June 4, 2019. That is, of course, the anniversary of the Battle of Midway. Some 77 years later, the Navy and the nation are again in a Great Power Competition, specifically with China and Russia. The return to the union jack is a nod to the very

May 31, 2018

The Enterprise Stern Plate: From Scrapyard to Small Town America

On May 26, 2018, I had the opportunity to see and touch what many consider to be the "Holy Grail" of artifacts associated with U.S. naval history; the stern plate of the WWII aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV 6) which is in the care of the Township of River Vale, New Jersey. The occasion was a Memorial Day weekend commemoration in River Vale of

Oct. 23, 2017

Theodore Roosevelt and Navy Day

From John Paul Jones to Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt, from Rear Adm. Grace Hopper to Master Chief Carl Brashear - when it comes to heroes and notable people in history, the list of names in naval history is nearly endless. One enormous personality people may not necessarily associate with the history of the U.S. Navy is the 26th President of the United

July 20, 2017

Thoughts on the Navy's Future From the Oldest Commissioned Warship Afloat in the World

As I stand on the quarterdeck of the great ship 'Constitution' I am often struck by the deep connections this mighty ship has with the past. She always seemed to keep turning up even after her front line service ended. Today though, I am not writing about the past so much as I am trying to think about the future, the future of the Constitution as

June 9, 2017

The Traditions of Ship Commissionings

The Navy's use of the word "commission" means the placing of a ship in active service. The commissioning ceremony is one of the most significant milestones in the life of a ship as it marks her acceptance as a unit of the operating forces of the United States Navy. Brought to life after ship naming, keel laying, christening and launching,

March 3, 2017

10 Things You Need to Know About Your Seabees!

Did you know March 5th marks the 75th anniversary of the Seabees? Celebrate with us! Seabees young and old are celebrating the birthday of this unique organization; here are 10 facts you probably didn't know about Navy's builders, who can fight!Since March 5, 1942, the U.S. Navy has employed an elite cadre of construction battalion Sailors, better

Dec. 30, 2016

The Important Role of Naval History to Honor the Past, Inspire the Future

Editor's Note: As we look forward to the year 2017 and the opportunites our history offers to honor the past and inspire the future, we thought we'd share a recent article from our Director about why naval history is important and relevant to today's Navy, its Sailors, and the American public.Our ObligationIf we expect Sailors to fight and die for

Oct. 3, 2016

Manning the Rails: A Navy Tradition

Manning the rail, like the ceremonial military gun salute, is a centuries old practice for rendering honors aboard naval vessels. According to Royal Connell and William Mack's "Naval Ceremonies, Customs, and Traditions," the custom of manning the rail evolves from "manning the yards" (the spars on a mast from which sails are set) and cheering the

Oct. 3, 2016

DING! DING! History and Heritage Blog on Ships' Bells, Arriving!

For centuries, bells have had a long tradition of use in the navies and merchant fleets around the world. From time-keeping, signaling, and sounding alarms to a wide variety of ceremonial uses, ships' bells have long occupied a place of importance in the U.S. Navy. Bells cast from metal were first developed in the Bronze Age.One of the earliest