Navy Day 1943 – Threats from Within and Warnings about the Future

In October 1943, the country had been at war for nearly two years. The strength and power of our industrial base was at nearly full speed and in every corner of the land, the equipment and supplies needed to fight a global war were being produced at a furious pace. Patriotism and nationalism were used […]

Happy Birthday United States Navy – 2023

The United States Navy turns 248 years old this year. Ships and aircraft of the fleet are sailing around the world today in defense of freedom, just as they have for most of her rich history. At this time, despite pressure from many quarters to change her focus, she remains the single most powerful and […]

Navy Day 1923 – Illusions of Peace

Editorial from the DAILY KENNEBEC JOURNAL Wednesday, October 10, 1923 “I knew by the smoke that so gracefully curled Above the green elms, that a cottage was near, And I said, ‘If there’s peace to be found in the world, A heart that was humble might hope for it here.’” NAVY DAY It is become […]

Remembering the Marby – The Story of the USS Marblehead and her Brave Crew

Watching the types of ships being built for the past few years reminds me of the ideology of the 1920’s. There was a desire for peaceful relations between the global community mixed with theunderstanding that peace was an illusion as long as resources were desired by the same forces around the world. Battleships were limited […]

We must lead, not follow, in naval development – Even after 100 years, it is still true

Looking around the world today, I am concerned about my country’s ability to defend itself. Government influence and some in the navy’s leadership have made many decisions over the past forty years that are put us at risk. The greatest example is the phenomenal failure of the littoral combat ship project. I had at one […]

A Navy Day to Remember – but not everyone was on board

When the Navy League first advocated for a special day to bring focus to the US Navy, there were many who joined along with them in their enthusiasm. After all, the idea of a strong navy was something that many believed would hep protect the nation in future conflicts. Despite all of the treaties that […]

Navy Day in Bridgeport 1922 – Welcoming a Namesake

During the month of October 1922, many cities around the nation welcomed units of the naval service to celebrate Navy Day. These widespread celebrations took many shapes, but one of the more unique celebrations was held in the city of Bridgeport Connecticut. The navy had a ship named USS Bridgeport and by good fortune, she […]

Navy Day 1922 – Opportunities for Young Men

In 1922, the United States Navy was in a quandary. The civilian leadership had recently completed its goal of limiting the growth of the civilized world’s naval forces. This dream of lasting peace was certainly an admirable one by the Harding administration. Diplomacy seemed to be an answer to the endless wars that had plagued […]

1923 – Someday all submarines will carry airplanes

You sunk my battleship! Growing up, we had a game called battleship. It was definitely old school and involved two plastic boards with a lid and an “ocean” that was punctuated by many small holes. Two players would sit across from each other and arrange their plastic ships and submarine at random places on their […]