Dec. 11, 2020

The Loss of USS Saginaw

This month marks the 150th anniversary of the loss of the USS Saginaw and the tremendous voyage of five of her crew to seek help for their stranded shipmates. The USS Saginaw, the first ship built at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, was a side paddlewheel steamer. Commissioned in January of 1860, she spent the majority of her career in the Pacific.

June 3, 2020

Great Lake: The Fascinating History of NNSY's World War II Aircraft Carrier USS Lake Champlain

Photos Courtesy of Marcus Robbins, Shipyard HistorianBefore it became a facility dedicated to maintenance and modernization almost 70 years ago, Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) used to build ships. In the case of World War II, sometimes 27,000-ton ones.June 3 will mark the 75th anniversary of commissioning the NNSY aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain

Dec. 22, 2018

Refreshed U.S. Navy Design Promotes Pacific Engagement, Urgency

The Pacific Ocean is bristling with naval activity. Navies and Sailors are operating with narrowed focus and renewed sense of purpose. They are following in the long wake of those who have gone before them. The dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Dec. 21.

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,

April 12, 2015

Evolution of the Aircraft Carrier

Aircraft carriers are often revered as the "powerhouse of the fleet" because of their size, strength, capabilities and importance to our national security. For nearly 100 years, the aircraft carrier has continued to evolve alongside the technological advancements of our Navy.The U.S. Navy's first aircraft carrier, USS Langley (CV 1), was converted

Dec. 13, 2014

Frigates, Brigs, Sloops, Schooners, and the Early Continental Navy's Struggle for Success

In 1775, Americans were no strangers to the ways of the sea, either in peace or in war. In the years immediately before the outbreak of the rebellion, Americans demonstrated their growing disenchantment with British rule by taking action against ships collecting revenue or delivering tea in Boston Harbor. Once the revolution began, Americans

March 20, 2014

America's First Aircraft Carrier - USS Langley (CV 1)

The aircraft carrier. Without a doubt, one of the most impressive ships to sail the sea, a floating city loaded with aircraft that can be launched to attack ships or shore, from nearly anywhere in the world. As with many great things, the origins of the aircraft carrier came from a more humble beginning. When the keel was laid for the