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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 …

SAN DIEGO (Oct. 23, 2014) Lauren F. Bruner, USS Arizona survivor, talks to Sailors and Marines assigned to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) about his experiences during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Bruner joined the U.S. Navy in 1938 just after his 18th birthday and is one of …

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 …

By Naval History and Heritage Command Communication and Outreach Division  The state of New Jersey has a history as rich as any in the United States. Because of its location near the center of the original thirteen colonies (between New York City and Philadelphia), the “Garden State” played an important …

By André B. Sobocinski, Historian, BUMED On the night of April 17, 1918, the ammunition ship SS Florence “H” caught fire while moored in Quiberon Bay in the south coast of Brittany, France. As the ship’s crew hurriedly pushed crates of smokeless powder off their decks the combustible cargo soon …

A note from the editor: Capt. C.A. “Pete” Tzomes—the first African American to command a nuclear-powered submarine—died at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA, June 13. He was 74. He was the first of the “Centennial Seven,” who were the only seven African American men to command …

Editor’s note: Planning is critical to success, but innovation and initiative during battle is a necessary part of combat. As part of CNO’s effort to apply lessons from our history to better prepare today’s Sailors for battle, we explore Operation Neptune and how Destroyer captains’ quick thinking and decisive actions …

Editor’s note: on May 8, 2019, Rear Adm. John B. Mustin, Deputy Commander of U.S. Second Fleet and Naval Surface Force Atlantic, spoke at an event hosted by New York City Council Member Eric Ulrich. The event commemorated the 100th anniversary of the first transatlantic flight and renamed a street …

By Ryan Peeks, Ph.D. Naval History and Heritage Command The Battle of the Coral Sea (May 4-8, 1942) was the first carrier vs. carrier battle in history—the opposing Australian-American and Japanese fleets never sighted each other. Though tactically inconclusive, the battle blunted a Japanese offensive aimed at capturing Port Moresby …