July 16, 2024

“Second-Class Citizens Fighting in a First-Class War”: The Deadly Munitions Explosion and Its Immediate Aftershocks

“Second-Class Citizens Fighting in a First-Class War”[1]The Deadly Munitions Explosion and Its Immediate Aftershocks The Naval Ammunition Depot at Port Chicago, California—located 36 miles from San Francisco—was the site where munitions bound for the Pacific Theater arrived by train from Hawthorne, Nevada. The location was ideal as it was remote,

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

March 28, 2023

First Female Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy

On March 21, 1917, Loretta Perfectus Walsh was sworn in as a chief yeoman, becoming the first female chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy. Four days earlier, Walsh had been the first woman to enlist in the Navy, having the distinction of being the first woman to serve in any of the U.S. armed forces other than a nursing assignment. Before Walsh

Feb. 11, 2022

Karen M. Davis, Mentor and Leader

Over the past 18 months, the Naval History and Heritage Command has highlighted female Navy trailblazers. We’ve shared their stories because the women are important members of the Navy family and they’ve served as valuable role models for the next generation of Navy civilians and Sailors. NHHC is committed to ensuring their stories are remembered

Feb. 27, 2018

America's First Black Sailors

British gold and promises of personal freedom served as futile incentives among the Negroes of the American Navy; for them, the proud consciousness of duty well done served as a constant monitor and nerved their strong black arms when thundering shot and shell menaced the future of the country; and, although African slavery was still a recognized

Feb. 21, 2018

The History of African American History Month

Along with the rest of the country, the Navy History and Heritage Command observes February as African American Heritage Month. African Americans have served with distinction in every war and conflict in the history of the United States and have earned the highest awards our country bestows, including the Congressional Medal of Honor and Navy

May 1, 2017

Chung-Hoon, Pililaau, Inouye: Ships Named for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made many important contributions to our nation and its military throughout history. As we continue to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, we take a look at three U.S. Navy ships named for three great Americans.USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93)Named for Rear Adm. Gordon Pai'ea Chung-Hoon, USS

Feb. 9, 2017

Signalman Lorenzo DuFau and the Destroyer Escort Mason

We come across a lot of really great imagery while looking through our photo collection here at Naval History and Heritage Command. Some of the images are super historic because of their newsworthiness, some are great because they show the power and strength of the U.S. Navy, and others - even though they may not look like much - are unique because

July 29, 2016

The First WAVES

On July 30, 1942 President Roosevelt signed into law the establishment of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). Establishing the WAVES was a lengthy effort. Inter-war changes in the Naval Reserve legislation specifically limited service to men, so new legislation was essential. The next few months saw the commissioning of

April 28, 2016

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islanders in Naval History

Asian American and Pacific Islander Sailors, past and present, contribute to the strength of our force and the defense of our nation. May, designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, is an opportunity for us to celebrate their contributions and the diversity within the Navy. In 1990,?a bill was pass by Congress and signed by