Aug. 30, 2023

“Without a Single Day’s Upkeep”: USS Benson (DD-421) During Operation Husky

Author’s Note: During this 80th anniversary cycle of World War II, I hope to correct, at least in some small way through multiple weblog posts, the incomplete scholarship given to the U.S. Navy’s missions and activities in the European and Mediterranean Theaters of Operation, compared with those in the Pacific Theater. By utilizing little known

Aug. 14, 2023

The Global Impact of the Spanish-American War

Though the brief Spanish-American War of 1898 is often overshadowed in American public memory by the world wars that followed it, the impact of that earlier conflict reverberated far beyond the shores of its primary battlegrounds in Cuba and the Philippines. The peoples of those two nations on opposite sides of the world suffered the brunt of the

Aug. 14, 2023

In Memoriam: Rear Admiral James H. Scott, USN (Ret).

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral James Hernandez Scott on 23 February 2023 at age 96. Rear Admiral Scott entered the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1945 and served as a naval aviator until his retirement in September 1980 as Commander Naval Base Norfolk/Commandant Fifth Naval District. His commands included Attack

July 19, 2023

Truman’s Executive Order 9981: Advancing Military Policy Ahead of American Attitudes

For seventy-five years, the military departments of the United States have implemented personnel policies that favor equality “without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.”[i] President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981—“Establishing the President’s Committee on Equality of the Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed

July 18, 2023

In Memoriam: Rear Admiral Donald K. Bullard, USN (Ret.)

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral Donald Kenneth Bullard on 11 July 2023 at age 72. Rear Admiral Bullard was commissioned in June 1973 and served as a naval aviator until his retirement in February 2008 as the first commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC). His commands included Strike Fighter

July 18, 2023

In Memoriam: Rear Admiral Jimmie W. Taylor, USN (Ret.)

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral (lower half) Jimmie Wilkes Taylor on 11 July 2023 at age 89. Rear Admiral Taylor enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a naval aviation cadet in February 1957 and served as a naval aviator until his retirement in 1991 as chief of Naval Air Training. His command tours included

June 29, 2023

Nimitz at the Naval Academy: The Plebe Year of One of America’s Most Distinguished Admirals

Plagued by poor health and lacking nautical experience, future Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz persevered and excelled during his plebe year at the U.S. Naval Academy which began in 1901.

June 14, 2023

From Beijing to Annapolis: The Journey of the International Gun

U.S. Navy Gunner’s Mate First Class Joseph Mitchell built an improvised gun using parts provided by allied nations to defend besieged foreigners in Beijing. Later, the gun was shipped to West Point, prompting a flurry of correspondence until the War Department agreed it belonged at the Naval Academy.

June 13, 2023

In Memoriam: Admiral James B. Busey IV, USN (Ret.)

It is with deep regret I inform you of the passing of Admiral James Buchanan Busey IV on 21 April 2023 at age 90. Admiral Busey enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1952, was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve in February 1954, and served as a naval aviator until his retirement in June 1989 as Commander in Chief, Allied Forces

June 13, 2023

U.S. Industrialization and Naval Technology before the Spanish-American War

When most people think of Civil War-era naval technology, it is generally USS Monitor that comes to mind. The low, iron-covered hull with its distinctive round turret is very different from the wooden-hulled steam frigates that made up most of the Civil War U.S. Navy, with their traditional rigging and sails. But while Monitor was dramatic, both in