By Norman Polmar (Editor’s Note: We are pleased to present the first in a series of regular stories written by Norman Polmar, who is a longtime NHF member and supporter. Mr. Polmar is an analyst, author, and consultant specializing in naval, aviation, and intelligence issues. He has written or coauthored 50 published books in these
The Naval Historical Foundation recently helped to facilitate the donation of unique squadron records and artifacts to the Navy’s premiere naval aviation museum. The donation of materials from World War II fighter squadrons VF-3 and VBF-3 to the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, was made possible by NHF Chairman Admiral Bruce DeMars, USN
I appreciate the opportunity in my new role as President to update you on some of the events and activities that the Naval Historical Foundation (NHF) participated in during this past year. I look forward to serving our members and working with you to promote our mission to preserve, commemorate and provide education about U.S.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the conflict in Southeast Asia, the Naval Historical Foundation and the Naval History and Heritage Command are cosponsoring a series of monographs entitled The U.S. Navy and the Vietnam War. Soon to be published in that series is a lavishly illustrated work on the Navy’s “in-country war” entitled Combat
As we approach the 71st anniversary of the tragic Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the thoughts of many around the nation will turn towards Hawaii, and the wreck of the battleship USS Arizona. But another Navy vessel from that colossal battle is being prepared for display in the deep South. The tugboat ex-USS Hoga (YT
The inactivation this Saturday 1 December of USS Enterprise (CVN 65) at Naval Station Norfolk will mark the latest chapter of a close relationship between the Naval Historical Foundation (NHF) and one of the Navy’s most historically significant vessels. In fact that NHF-“Big-E” relationship turns out to be pretty personal. For example, long-time NHF archivist
Dear Members and Friends of the Foundation, In addition to welcoming Admiral John Mitchell, Rear Admiral, USN (Ret.) as our new President this year, as Executive Director of the Foundation, I have had the pleasure over the past thirteen years of seeing the NHF develop into a strong nonprofit organization that supports a full range
The Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) Archives is preparing for a recently awarded major construction project to fix its records’ storage environment in building 108 at the Washington Navy Yard. In addition, it is engaging in a parallel project to reduce a large processing backlog. Both are necessary to protect the collections they hold and
A unique museum ship located in Texas is looking for help. Gunners Mates or strikers are needed to work on the 3” 50’s and 40mm guns on the historic World War II destroyer escort ex-USS Stewart (DE 238) located in Galveston. GM’s unique skills are needed to repair these guns to the point that
On Thursday 25 October, NHF Historian Dr. David Winkler addressed the U.S. and Russian Navy delegations during concluding ceremonies of the 40th Annual Incidents at Sea Agreement Review that was held at the Naval Observatory. Dr. Winkler’s 1998 dissertation at American University covered the history of the Incidents at Sea Agreement that was negotiated between
This week, the legendary aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) completes her final journey. Her return to her Norfolk, VA homeport this weekend will mark the end of 51 years of active service with the United States Navy, and 25 overseas deployments. Enterprise, the world’s first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, was commissioned in 1961. She
Story by the Naval History and Heritage Command. In honor of the Navy’s 237th birthday, the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) opened a new Navy Art exhibit October 12 at the National Museum of the United States Navy, Building 76, Washington Navy Yard. The inaugural exhibit, “Best of Navy Art,” presents notable oil and
Last week, in the first stage of a partnership with the Naval Historical Foundation, Steve Lanning of Bluewater Publishing of Gloucester, Virginia (www.cruisebooksource.com) visited the Washington Navy Yard to make a generous donation to the Navy Department Library. Ninety-five cruise books published by Bluewater were donated to the Library to supplement their extensive collection of
On 13 October 2012, the U.S. Navy celebrated its 237th birthday around the world. The Washington, DC birthday celebration dinner, with 750 guests, featured the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Jonathan Greenert, and the Honorable Paul R. Ignatius, 59th Secretary of the Navy as keynote speakers. A commemorative 2012 Navy Birthday Coin was a “birthday
Fifty years ago, the world held it’s breath. When Navy reconnaissance jets and U-2 spy planes confirmed the existence of Soviet nuclear missile bases under construction in Cuba, the United States demanded their removal and instituted a naval quarantine of the island. The 13 days at the end of October 1962 came to be called
