The U.S. Naval Institute is maintaining and preserving the former Naval Historical Foundation website so readers and former NHF members can still access past issues of Pull Together and other content. NHF has decommissioned and is no longer accepting new members or donations. NHF members are being converted to members of the Naval Institute. If you have questions, please contact the Naval Institute via email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-233-8764.Not a member of the Naval Institute? Here’s how to join!

NHF’s 2nd Annual Five-Star Mess Night

1 CommentEvent, Featured, Navy Museum, , , , , ,

After the overwhelming success of the Naval Historical Foundation’s inaugural mess night last year, NHF hosted its second annual Five-Star Mess Night on June 8th. Guests joined the Foundation in the National Museum of the U. S. Navy in celebration of the pivotal historical milestone of the 75th anniversary of World War II’s Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord, and the Liberation of France.

Capt. Ted Bronson, USN (Ret.), toasts his fully charged glass of port.
Guests singing the national anthem as the Navy Ceremonial Guard present the colors.

Commo. Andrew Betton, Naval Attaché to the United States for the Royal Navy, served as guest speaker for the evening. Betton provided an eloquent overview of the Royal Navy’s contributions to the landing, reminding his American friends that some 80 percent of the cross-channel shipping and combat forces held allegiance to the crown.

Chairman of the Naval Historical Foundation, Admiral William Fallon, USN (Ret.), and Commodore Andrew Betton, RN, share conversation at the head table.
Admiral Fallon tests if the roast beef is fit for consumption during the “Parading of the Beef”
Jeff Baxter concludes the evening with a somber and soulful medley

The evening of festivities included longstanding traditions as the “parading of the beef” which the Mess President, Admiral Fallon, sampled and after a long contemplative chew – declared fit for human consumption! “Mister Vice” for the evening, Navy veteran Chris O’Keefe, ensured an enjoyable night was had by all by equally dealing “fines” and laughs. The highlight of the evening was a moving medley, a “musical benediction,” performed by renowned guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter. Baxter has performed with such acts as Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers.

Spread the word. Share this post!

1 Comments

  1. Pingback: 2021 In-Person Events | Naval Historical Foundation

Comments are closed.