July 25, 2019

The Naval History of Georgia

Founded in 1773, the state of Georgia has a fascinating history - especially when it comes to its ties to Naval History. Did you know: there are at least 37 ships named for the "Peach State," its cities, places and people? USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) is named for Georgia native, Congressman Carl Vinson. Vinson served more than 50 years in the House of

June 3, 2019

The Naval History of Alaska

While Alaska may seem far removed from the rest of the United States, the great state was an important factor during World War II. Many American military bases built on "Alaskan" territory were vital in protecting America's vulnerable western coast. Because of its location, it was believed that the nation who controlled Alaska's Aleutian Islands

Jan. 14, 2019

The Naval History of Hawaii

The prime location of the Aloha State has made Hawaii one of the U.S. Navy's most coveted assets. Although the Aloha State was one of the last to join the Union, Hawaii became one of the most important states in U.S. Navy history. Its prime location made Hawaii a coveted asset during World War II. We owe much of our Navy's current strength to the

Aug. 17, 2018

The Naval History of Arkansas

Though Arkansas lacks a coastline, make no mistake that the "Natural State" has made its mark in U.S. naval history. Arkansas was admitted to the Union in 1836, and the first U.S. Navy vessel to bear its name was commissioned in 1863. The screw steamer Arkansas I served as a supply ship for Union warships during the Civil War. The fifth naval

Aug. 17, 2018

The Naval History of Alabama

While there are no longer any active naval installations in the state, Alabama's presence in U.S. naval history goes back for centuries. During the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864, Rear Adm. David G. Farragut exclaimed, "Damn the torpedoes! Four bells! Captain Drayton, go ahead! Jouett, full speed!" Farragut's words have been popularly

Aug. 10, 2018

The Naval History of Connecticut

Home of the U.S. Navy's first submarine base, Connecticut plays an important role in the history of the U.S. Navy. Built in 1868, Naval Submarine Base New London began as a storage depot and naval yard. In 1898, work began on the yard to build a coaling station to refuel ships in the New England area. The base barely escaped closure in the early

July 16, 2018

The Naval History of Illinois

The great state of Illinois enjoys a wealth of naval history! At least 40 ships have been named after the state, its cities, places, and people. Two ships have been named after the state itself. The first was a battleship commissioned in 1901 that was part of Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet, which circumnavigated the world in 1907. It wasn't

April 30, 2018

The Naval History of Delaware

The state of Delaware was the first of 13 states to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787, giving rise to its moniker: "the first state." Thomas Jefferson described it by another name: "the diamond state." The founding father's nickname for Delaware had less to with sparkling gemstones and more to do with its rich naval history. The

March 14, 2018

Why Naval History Matters to Colorado

During an 1806 expedition to explore the southwestern boundary of the Louisiana Purchase, Lieutenant Zebulon Pike attempted to reach the summit of one of Colorado's mountain peaks that exceed 14,000 feet. Although he was unable to reach the summit, the peak was named in Pike's honor and would later serve as a motto, "Pike's Peak or Bust" for

Sept. 9, 2016

Naval History of New Mexico

Navy ports might be far from the 300 square miles of White Sands in New Mexico, but in the 1940s and 50s the state, also known as "Land of Enchantment," was the perfect place for atmospheric research, rocketry, surface-to-air missile defense systems testing, and the Navy's Desert Ship test facility.There are at least 31 ships named after New Mexico