The Navy League has been tireless in its mission to support the sea services throughout the last 116 years. From its founding in 1902, they have tried to always live the spirit that Theodore Roosevelt embodied when he said “A good Navy is not a provocative of war, it is the surest guarantee of peace.”
Three years after he said those fateful words, the world was changed forever on May 27, 1905 when a smaller Japanese fleet defeated the powerful Russian Navy in the Straits of Tsushima.
This unexpected naval battle set the tone for naval conflict for the next century. It showed that a willful and resourceful nation could project sea power and influence the course of history in a way that the world would have to notice. It clearly demonstrated that no country, no matter how small or limited in resources, should ever be taken for granted.
Despite that warning, America was not ready for the Great War that was to come. We had lulled ourselves into thinking that the vastness of the oceans surrounding us would keep us from harm. We were wrong. An entirely new menace called the submarine destroyed that perception of safety once and for all. 100 years ago today, fighting men and women would serve in a cause that should have been avoidable. But the oceans brought the threat to us.
As many countries did, we relied on the promise of peace through disarmament when that war completed. The navy was shrunk and a peace dividend was expected in its place. It never came. Instead, the Axis of Japan, Italy and Germany once more used the oceans to project their power. We were ill prepared for that war too, but the drive and determination of the American people carried the day once more.
The global situation is much the same today as it was before the major wars. Countries are once more expanding their forces and influence through sea power.
- China is pushing the boundaries in the seas and islands around her country that once enjoyed freedom;
- A resurging and aggressive Russian Navy has a global reach and an eye on returning to their once unlimited status
- Rogue nations that are seeking to capitalize on technology are once more challenging freedom around the globe.
On Memorial Day, we honor the fallen. We remember their sacrifices. But we honor and remember them best when we remain ever ready and ever vigilant. We pay them the ultimate tribute when we are once more ready to defend that which they gave everything for.
The Navy League stands with all of our sea services in paying honor and tribute to our fallen. We stand for maintaining the strongest military on the face of the planet. America stands for freedom in this world. In the face of so many challenges, maintaining that strength is the only way to maintain our freedom. America needs to be alert now more than any time in history.
theleansubmariner 
Right on target AGAIN Mister Mac !
We seem to forget that we have TO ALWAYS be prepared because others will take advantage IF they see an OPENING. The signs are all around us, and it seems that most of our leaders are “ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL” and that they are there for what they can GET OUT OF IT ……., NOT WHAT IS BEST FOR OUR COUNTRY.
Hopefully,…… we’ve not waited TOO LATE TO “TURN THINGS AROUND”.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, AND PROTECT US.
Thanks my friend. I hope the future generations are never lulled into sleep with the promise of sunshine and lollipops while the enemy build a new strategy to destroy us. Sadly, I wonder if the next generation will have the fortitude to resist the onslaught of enemies who are waiting for the country to fall into ruin.
Mac
Reblogged this on Tales of an Asia Sailor.
Well said, sir. Previous administrations allowed the Navy to wither until it is sadly unable to defend our interests worldwide. Hopefully, that will change before we find ourselves surrounded by those who wish us ill and are unable to ‘project’ force without risking their demise.
Thanks Tony. Truthfully, administrations with both an R and a D behind their name have screwed the country by trying to abandon the one thing they are supposed to be bound to by our constitution: defending our Navy. The Naval Arms Limitation treaties of the 1920’s and 1930’s were directly responsible for the loss of life of thousands of Americans and the destruction of whole nations as the Japanese and others sought to take advantage of the weakness. I often wonder if we would actually survive the next conflict?
Mac