Lessons from 1944 – The Need for Advanced Bases

I’ve been watching the news recently and the escalation of naval conflicts. Because I spend more time than I should looking at the nature of naval construction and strength, I have been concerned about the lack of resources to support the people who are sailing in harm’s way. I’m sure the navy planners have looked […]

The Cost of Freedom 2024

Another article published in the Port of Pittsburgh Navy League Newsletter: 2024 Navy Budget Request – Outlining the Priorities Bob MacPherson, Past President The following information was gathered from the Secretary of the Navy’s 2024 Budget submission. The original intent for the Navy League was to make sure that the US Navy had the correct […]

Pennsylvania Amphibs – 21st Century Warriors

I contribute articles to the Pittsburgh Council of the Navy League, and this is one of my recent submissions about a unique naming situation for five current and future LPD amphibious ships. Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania have contributed their names many times to warships and support ships over the last 240 years. Even my hometown of […]

Nautilus to Columbia by James C. Goodall

Happy December. This is the time of year when we get presents in the mail and for me that includes the latest project by my friend James. C. Goodall. Jim is a former Air Force guy (Retired) who combines his photographic skills with his passion for submarines and other technical platforms to create valuable resources […]

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 […]

Submarine Month 2023

I have been involved with the Pittsburgh Council of the US Navy League for about ten years. It’s a great organization that reflects the connection between Pittsburgh and the Navy and in particular, the submarine service. Most people who are not fully aware of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania probably would not know how much the […]

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 1922 – The Thrill of a Lifetime

The weather on October 26, 1922 off the coast of New England was cold with fresh to strong northwest winds The Celebration of Navy Day was in full swing but two incidents were noted in the local paper. The first was a launch fire that endangered the lives of fifteen people who were shuttling out […]

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 […]