Heritage Highlights

Danny Stevens and Jennie Ashton, Naval History and Heritage Command The Civil War saw the introduction of the Medal of Honor, an award that would come to represent the highest military honor in the United States. By the end of the war, 328 U.S. Navy Medals of Honor had been …

Compiled by Brent Hunt, Naval History and Heritage Command’s Communication and Outreach Division Welcome to Navy History Matters—our weekly compilation of articles, commentaries, and blogs related to history and heritage. Every week we’ll gather the top-interest items from a variety of media and social media sources and then link you …

Compiled by Brent Hunt, Naval History and Heritage Command’s Communication and Outreach Division Welcome to Navy History Matters—our weekly compilation of articles, commentaries, and blogs related to history and heritage. Every week we’ll gather the top-interest items from a variety of media and social media sources and then link you …

Compiled by Brent Hunt, Naval History and Heritage Command’s Communication and Outreach Division Welcome to Navy History Matters—our weekly compilation of articles, commentaries, and blogs related to history and heritage. Every week we’ll gather the top-interest items from a variety of media and social media sources and then link you …

M.C. Farrington, Hampton Roads Naval Museum Note: This blog is also featured on the Hampton Roads Naval Museum’s blogspot page.  A page from the USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) christening program contained in the Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis Personal Papers held by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. …

By Nicholas Roland, Historian, Naval History and Heritage Command From left: First Class Petty Officer, Third Class Petty Officer, Lieutenant (j.g.), Lieutenant Commander, and Commander. Uniforms of the U.S. Navy 1951-1952  To outsiders, especially members of the non-maritime services, the U.S. Navy’s unique rank structure can be confusing. The history …

Nicholas Roland, Historian Naval History and Heritage Command 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 …

Compiled by Brent Hunt, Naval History and Heritage Command’s Communication and Outreach Division Welcome to Navy History Matters—our weekly compilation of articles, commentaries, and blogs related to history and heritage. Every week we’ll gather the top-interest items from a variety of media and social media sources and then link you …

By Naval History and Heritage Command Communication and Outreach Division 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, …

By Naval History and Heritage Command Communication and Outreach Division With a proud heritage, Puerto Rico has a distinguished reputation with U.S. Navy history. At least seven naval vessels have been named for Puerto Rico’s various cities, places, and people – with their capital city’s name being used for two …