Navy History

Comment

Comment by Paige on May 21, 2009 at 7:07pm

NNS020131-22. This Day in Naval History - May 21

From the Navy News Service

1850 - Washington Navy Yard begins work on first castings for the Dahlgren guns.
1917 - USS Ericsson fires first torpedo of war.
1944 - Accidental explosion on board an LST unloading ammunition in West Loch, Pearl Harbor, and the resulting fire and other explosions sink five LSTs.
1964 - The initiation of the standing carrier presence at Yankee Station in the South China Sea.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on May 21, 2009 at 6:42pm

Here is some living history----

Midway Vet Recalls Historic Battle
Story Number: NNS090521-04
Release Date: 5/21/2009 3:47:00 PM


By Darren Harrison, Naval District Washington Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The 1942 battle of Midway will be commemorated at the United States Navy Memorial June 4 at 2 p.m.

In remembrance of this important moment in naval history, prior to the event's wreath-laying and commemoration there will also be a symposium on the battle at the Naval Heritage Center from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m

Retired Navy Capt. John W. Crawford, a veteran who served on the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) during the battle, appreciates the planned recognition highlighting the significance of the battle.

"I think the fact that this year's celebration will be an all-day affair and that [Chief of Naval Operations] Admiral {Gary] Roughead will be there indicates that he intends that this will be celebrated for what it is, the greatest battle in the history of the United States Navy."

Leading up to the battle, the Japanese and the majority of U.S. Navy personnel did not know that American and British code-breakers had broken the code used by the Japanese Navy (JN-25) and had identified Midway as the target of an attack on either June 4 or June 5, 1942.

Crawford recalled how prior to the battle all the officers were called into the wardroom aboard Yorktown, where the Japanese plan of attack was laid out for them.

"It seemed to me that we knew all of what they were going to do," said Crawford, who had graduated from the Naval Academy only six months prior.

He also recalled being surprised when one of the Catalina flying boats being used as reconnaissance aircraft signaled the sight of "many planes" headed for Midway precisely from the direction he had been told they would be approaching.

"After Captain Buck master read the message, he handed it to the officer of the deck who then handed it to me," Crawford said, who served as the junior officer of the deck. "I remember thinking how good the intelligence people were to predict the Japanese attack so exactly."

The small island of Midway, at the extreme northwest of the Hawaiian chain, was seen as strategically important by Japanese Adam. Ozark Yeomen who hoped to draw the remaining U.S. carriers into a trap and thus prevent a repeat of the April 1942 Doolittle Raid during which bombers launched from the USS Hornet (CV-12) bombed Tokyo.

The Japanese plan also hinged on faulty intelligence that the United States had only two aircraft carriers at their disposal (the Yorktown was believed to have been sunk a month earlier) and that the carriers were at anchor in Pearl Harbor instead of lying in wait for the Japanese fleet to the northeast of Midway.

Crawford said that one of his vivid memories is being in a room with the torpedo plane pilots prior to their takeoff and the bravery of those men -- bravery that he only saw in retrospect.

"I've learned in the years since that they were flying very old and much slower planes than the Japanese," Crawford said. "They must have known their chances of coming back were not very high, yet they were not down about that. Such brave men, doing what they felt they were required to do."

According to Crawford, of the three squadrons of torpedo planes, none of the planes in the squadron that embarked from Yorktown in the initial attack on the Japanese fleet returned, and only one Sailor survived. A similar fate also met the torpedo plane squadron from the Hornet.

The fatal blow to the Japanese fleet was delivered by dive bombers who, though running low on fuel, opted to trail a Japanese destroyer returning to the fleet following an unsuccessful attempt to depth charge an American submarine. The dive bombers arrived when the Japanese carriers were at their most vulnerable, their decks full of armed aircraft. The American planes were successful at destroying the three Japanese carriers.

Japan lost four of its six fleet aircraft carriers as well as many of their highly trained aircraft crews. The Battle of Midway effectively ended large-scale Japanese expansion in the Pacific.

For more news from Naval District Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/new/.

Comment by Paige on May 18, 2009 at 8:22pm

NNS020131-19. This Day in Naval History - May 18

From the Navy News Service

1775 - Benedict Arnold captures British sloop and renames her Enterprise, first of many famous ships with that name.
1798 - Appointment of Benjamin Stoddert as first Secretary of the Navy.
1969 - Launch of Apollo 10, dress rehearsal for first lunar landing mission. Navy Cmdr. John W. Young was the command module pilot and Navy Cmdr. Eugene A. Cernan was the lunar module pilot.

Comment by Paige on May 18, 2009 at 8:18pm

Top Photo: USS Stark FFG-31 Commissionary Ceremony Oct. 23, 1982
Bottom Photo: USS Stark FFG-31 after being hit by two Iraqi missiles.

Comment by Paige on May 18, 2009 at 8:03pm

NNS090518-06. USS Stark Shipmates Remembered

By Bill Austin

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Station Mayport hosted a held a ceremony May 17 to honor the loss of 37 Sailors killed aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Stark (FFG 31) 22 years ago.

On May 17, 1987, while on patrol in the Persian Gulf, senseless tragedy struck in the night when two Iraqi missiles slammed into the sides of Stark. Despite the severe damage inflicted, the heroic efforts of Stark's crew saved the ship by fighting the fire through the night and into the next day.

"I just got off watch in the auxiliary room and was watching the Clint Eastwood movie, "Hang 'Em High," said then-Engineman 2nd Class Mark Selk, who was aboard Stark. "Just when Clint Eastwood dropped from the gallows with a noose around his neck, I heard this tremendous bang and the ship rocked violently." Selk said that within seconds, fire and smoke engulfed the ship. "When I heard over the ship's 1MC, 'incoming port side,' I knew we didn't hit another ship and this was no accident. Our training kicked in."

Several of the ship's crew and former commanding officers were present to tell their stories. One recount was a story of forgiveness. Barbara Kiser, who lost her husband Senior Chief Steve Kiser, attends the ceremony every year, and clutched a small reminder that has big meaning for her.

"I went to Bahrain for a memorial they had for families on the ship's fantail several days after the incident," said Kiser. "We took a boat out to the ship and I went into the berthing area where he was killed and it was completely dark except for the beam of my flashlight."

There was nothing but ashes and twisted metal everywhere. With my free hand I felt in the dark around his bed and there underneath his burnt mattress and in the ashes was his Bible."

A wreath-laying ceremony, 37 strikes of a bell and a 21-gun salute honored the Sailors who lost their lives.

"Their valorous selfless sacrifice and courage in the face of adversity will never be forgotten," said guest speaker Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and Commander 4th Fleet. "Let's hope their courage is found in every generation to come."

Stark was decommissioned at Mayport in 1999. To preserve the tradition once the ship was retired, the Naval Order of the United States, North Florida Commandery, assumed sponsorship for the memorial service. Mayport's Memorial Park was established Aug. 1, 1987, with the dedication of the Stark monument.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on May 17, 2009 at 10:11pm

I have often wondered about much of the history about the Navy uniform....lo and behold when I entered "why are there three stripes on the Navy uniform?" in ask.com I got this as one of the answers......

Navy Uniform History

NAVY COLORS-- 27 August 1802 the Secretary of the Navy signed an instruction which set a pattern for the dress of the U.S. Navy in Blue and Gold.

UNIFORM REGULATIONS-- The first uniform instruction for the U.S. Navy was issued by the Secretary of War on 24 August 1791. It provided a distinctive dress for the officers who would command the ships of the Federal Navy. The instruction did not include a uniform for the enlisted man, although there was a degree of uniformity. The usual dress of a seaman was made up of a short jacket, shirt, vest, long trousers, and a black low crowned hat.

FOULED ANCHOR--The foul anchor as a naval insignia got its start as the seal of the Lord Howard of Effingham. He was the Lord Admiral of England at the time of the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. During this period the personal seal of a great officer of state was adopted as the seal of his office. The fouled anchor still remains the official seal of the Lord High Admiral of Great Britain. When this office became part of the present Board of Admiralty, the seal was retained--on buttons, official seals, and cap badges. The Navy's adoption of this symbol and many other customs can be directly attributed to the influence of British Naval tradition. The fouled anchor is among them.

KHAKI--originated in 1845 in India where British soldiers soaked white uniforms in mud, coffee, and curry powder to blend in with the landscape. Khakis made their debut in the U.S. Navy in 1912 when they were worn by naval aviators, and were adopted for submarines in 1931. In 1941 the Navy approved khakis for on- station wear by senior officers, and soon after Pearl Harbor chiefs and officers were authorized to wear khakis ashore on liberty.

BROWN SHOES- In 1913 high laced shoes of tan leather first appeared in Uniform Regulations and were authorized for wear by aviators with khaki's. The color changed to russet brown in 1922. Uniforms exclusive to the aviation community were abolished in the 1920's and reinstated in the 1930's. The authorized color of aviators shoes has alternated between brown and black since then.

PEACOAT--a cold weather version of the first uniform authorized-- the Pea-Jacket. A warm, heavy coat made from "Pee" cloth or "Pilot" cloth, a course stout kind of twilled blue cloth with a nap on one side.

BELL BOTTOM TROUSERS--commonly believed that the trouser were introduced in 1817 to permit men to roll them above the knee when washing down the decks, and to make it easier to remove them in a hurry when forced to abandon ship or when washed overboard. The trousers may be used as a life preserver by knotting the legs.

THIRTEEN BUTTONS ON TROUSERS--there is no relationship between the 13 buttons on the trousers and the 13 original colonies. Before 1894, the trousers had only seven buttons and in the early 1800's they had 15 buttons. It wasn't until the broadfall front was enlarged that the 13 buttons were added to the uniform and only then to add symmetry of design.

WHITE HAT--In 1852 a white cover was added to the soft visorless blue hat. In 1866 a white sennet straw hat was authorized as an additional item. During the 1880's the white "sailors hat" appeared as a low rolled brim high-domed item made of wedge shaped pieces of canvas to replace the straw hat. The canvas was eventually replaced by cotton as a cheaper more comfortable material. Many complaints on the quality and construction led to modifications ending in the currently used white hat.

OFFICERS STARS--were first approved on line officers uniforms on 28 January 1864. All regulations since 1873 have specified that one ray would point downward toward the gold stripe on the sleeve. The reason for this is unknown.

CPO STARS--were introduced with the creation of SCPO and MCPO. The reasoning for stars pointed one ray down is unknown, however, indications point to following the line officers standard.

JUMPER FLAPS--the collar originated as a protective cover for the jacket to protect it from the grease or powder normally worn by seamen to hold hair in place.

STRIPES AND STARS ON JUMPER UNIFORMS--on 18 January 1876, Rear Admiral Stephen B. Luce recommended a collar with stars and stripes as a substitute for the plain collar used on the frocks of seamen. Three stripes on the collar was proposed for all grades, with the stripes on the cuffs to indicated grade. One stripe for E-1, etc.

DISTINGUISHING MARKS/RATING BADGES--In 1841, insignia called "distinguishing marks" were first prescribed as part of the official uniform. An eagle and anchor emblem, forerunner of the rating badge, was the first distinguishing mark. In 1886 rating badges were established, and some 15 specialty marks were also provided to cover the various ratings. On 1 April 1893, petty officers were reclassified and the rating of chief petty officer was established. Until 1949 rating badges were worn on the right or left sleeve, depending on whether the person concerned was on the starboard or port watch. Since February 1948, all distinguishing marks have been worn on the left sleeve between the shoulder and elbow.

RIGHT ARM RATES--established in 1841 and disestablished 2 April 1949, originally signified men of the Seaman branch. During WWII these rates included Boatswains Mate, Turret Captain, Signalman, Gunners Mate, Fire Controlman, Quartermaster, Mineman, and Torpedomans Mate. Other ratings wore rates on the left sleeve.

FLAT HATS--First authorized in 1852 the flat hat was eliminated on 1 April 1963 due to non-available materials. The original hats had unit names on the front, however, unit names were taken off in January 1941.

MEN'S NECKERCHIEF--the black neckerchief or bandanna first appeared as early as the 16th century and was utilized as a sweat band and collar closure. Black was the predominant color as it was practical and did not readily show dirt. There is no truth to the myth that the black neckerchief was designed as a sign of mourning for Admiral Nelsons death.

NECKERCHIEF SQUARE KNOT--there is no historical significance to the knot other that it being a knot widely used by sailors which presents a uniform appearance.

DUNGAREES--in 1901 regulations authorized the first use of denim jumpers and trousers, and the 1913 regulations originally permitted the dungaree outfit to be used by both officers and enlisted with the hat of the day.

ENLISTED WOMEN--the first enlisted women's uniform was comprised of a single breasted coat, blue in winter and white in summer, long gull bottomed skirts and a straight-brimmed sailor hat, blue felt in winter and white straw in summer, black shoes and stockings.

COMMAND AT SEA PIN--established in 1960 to recognize the responsibilities placed on those officers of the Navy who are in command, or who have successfully commanded, ships and aircraft squadrons of the fleet. The component parts, a commission pennant, an anchor, and the line star, were determined to be ideally suited for a design which would be symbolic in the ready identification of those officers who have attained the highly coveted and responsible title of Commanding Officer of our commissioned units at sea.

AVIATION GREEN UNIFORM--in SEP 1917 the "Forrestry" Green uniform of the U.S. Marine Corps was authorized for aviation officers as a winter working uniform. The earliest use of the uniform by enlisted men came in 1941 when chief petty officers designated as Naval Aviation Pilots were authorized to wear the uniform. In NOV 1985 Aviation Working Greens were authorized for wear by women in the aviation community.

CLOTHES STOPS--a small diameter cord, approximately 12 inches, used to tie laundry to a clothes line. The early Navy clothes pin. Issued in recruit training until 1973.

NAVY GRAY UNIFORMS--gray uniforms in the same style as khaki were first introduced on 16 April 1943 as an officers uniform. On 3 June 1943 the uniform was extended to include Chief Petty Officers. On 31 March 1944 cooks and stewards were permitted to wear the gray uniform. The Navy abolished use of "grays" on 15 October 1949.

COCKED HAT--a hat worn by officers with ceremonial uniforms commonly refereed to as a "fore and aft" hat. During the 1700's the hat was worn parallel to the shoulders, but in the 1800's was modified to be worn with the points to the front and back. Wearing of the Cocked Hat was discontinued on 12 October 1940.

HAVELOCK--a protective cover worn by women over the combination cap to provide cold weather protection. Sometimes refereed to as the "Lawrence of Arabia hat" because it fell to shoulder length in the manner of a hood. A rain hood was also issued to provide rain protection. Discontinued in 1981.

CUTLASS-- a short saber with a cut and thrust blade and a large hand guard. Issued to enlisted men as a sidearm and maintained in ships armories until the beginning of WWII. The weapons was officially declared obsolete in 1949. The Cutlass was considered an organizational issue item, but was never considered to be a part of the enlisted uniform.

EAGLE ON CROWS/DEVICES-- for many years the U.S. specified modified forms of the Napoleonic Eagle in the devices and insignia used to distinguish the various ranks and ratings of enlisted men and officers. This eagle was usually cast, stamped or embroidered facing left and the same practice was used by the Navy. Why the Napoleonic eagle faced left is unknown. In 1941 the Navy changed the eagles facing direction to follow the Heraldic rules which faces the right toward the wearers sword arm. This rule continues to apply and the eagle now faces to the front or the wearers right.

Now you too know more than you did about the evolution of the Navy uniform!

Comment by Tony on May 17, 2009 at 8:06pm

I click on the GL 1918 image but can not pull up an image. How can I do that. All I see is the small image?

Tony

Comment by Paige on May 16, 2009 at 2:27pm

Welcome to the group everyone!

Thanks Paul, I'm looking forward to all that we can learn about the Navy and its history.

John, thank you for posting your photo. I find all the older photographs very interesting especially when we can look at that same site today and see how it has changed. As soon as I get a chance, I will be posting some pictures taken during WWII that my grandfather passed on to me.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on May 15, 2009 at 8:58pm

Great idea Paige! I was actually thinking about a group like this awhile ago but never got around to it. I'm sure we'll have lots of history tidbits to post here!

Comment by Paige on May 15, 2009 at 8:36pm

NNS020131-16. This Day in Naval History - May 15

By Navy News Service

1800 - CAPT Preble in Essex arrives in Batavia, Java, to escort U.S. merchant ships.
1942 - First Naval Air Transport Service flight across Pacific.
1991 - Amphibious Task Force arrives at Chittagong, Bangladesh, for relief operations after Cyclone Marian.

NNS020131-17. This Day in Naval History - May 16

By Navy News Service

1820 - Congress becomes first U.S. warship to visit China.
1919 - Three Navy flying boats begin 1st trans-Atlantic flight from Newfoundland.
1965 - First U.S. gunfire support in Vietnam by USS Tucker.

NNS020131-18. This Day in Naval History - May 17

From the Navy News Service

1940 - FDR announces plans to recommission 35 more destroyers.
1942 - USS Tautog (SS 199) sinks Japanese sub, I-28; while USS Triton (SS 201) sinks I-164.
1951 - Aircraft from carriers attack bridges between Wonsan and Hamhung, Korea.
1962 - Naval amphibious ready group lands Marines to guard Thailand's borders from Communist probes.
1966 - Naval Support Activity Saigon established.
1973 - First woman to hold a major Navy command, Capt. Robin Lindsay Quigley assumes command of Navy Service School, San Diego.
1987 - USS Stark (FFG 31) struck by Iraqi Exocet missile in Persian Gulf, killing 37 Sailors; 21 were wounded.
1990 - USS Roark (FF 1053) rescues 42 refugees from unseaworthy craft in South China Sea.

For more information about naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at http://www.history.navy.mil.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• …
• 41
• 42
• 43
• 44
• Next ›
• Page