The Navy League applauds the efforts of Congressman Mike Waltz, Congressman John Garamendi, Senator Mark Kelly, and Senator Marco Rubio for their leadership and work on their Congressional Guidance for a National Maritime Strategy. The Navy League has long been a champion for a comprehensive national maritime strategy, and this Congressional direction to support MARAD’s efforts is welcome.  The challenges facing the U.S. maritime sector require a whole of government approach, and Congress has the perspective, bully pulpit, and funding to affect real change in this pillar of critical Ameri ..read more

On Friday, May 10, 2024, several members from the U.S. Navy League in Sasebo, Japan, had the honor of attending the Naval Beach Unit 7 (NBU 7) Change of Command Ceremony at the Yokose Landing Craft Air Cushion (LAC) facility in Saikai City. Commander Jessica F. Betz served as the outgoing Commanding Officer, while Commander Fred D. Crayton assumed the role as the new Commanding Officer. Vice-Admiral Fred W. Kacher, the Commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, delivered the keynote address. Lieutenant Commander Leotra L. West led the Invocation and Benediction. Electrician’s Mate Senior Chief Vivian Ng ..read more

This Wednesday, May 15th marks our first Congressional Fly-In since 2019 Navy League members from all over the country will gather on Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and advocate for policies and funding that support American sea services. Key advocacy points include: Expanding Navy shipbuilding capacity Coast Guard Infrastructure and Shipbuilding Support for Future Sailors Marine Corps Unfunded Priorities (Quality of Life, Critical Weapon Systems, Needed Contruction) Expand the Tanker Security Program and increase the stipend per vessel Defend the Jones Act Fund MARAD Sealift ..read more

Repost from Navy League of Minnesota (navyleaguemn.org) The Minnesota Navy League Council hosted the 2024 Midwest Region Annual Navy League Conference on April 19-20. The following is a message from Regional President Ward Cook: “I want to thank the Minnesota Navy League for an amazing weekend! They did a wonderful job of welcoming us to the largest greater metropolitan city in the Midwest Region. A BIG thank you to Bill James and Joe Fraser, especially for their leadership in putting together this regional conference. Also, a thank you goes out to our National President, Chris Townsend,” sai ..read more

After a challenging 7-month deployment, the USS Hopper has returned home, bringing with it a sense of pride and gratitude to the Navy League community. The sailors aboard this vessel have demonstrated unparalleled courage, dedication, and sacrifice in their service to our nation. Throughout their deployment, the crew of the USS Hopper has been at the forefront, defending our freedoms and ensuring our safety. Their unwavering commitment to duty and their exemplary service have not gone unnoticed, and the Navy League is grateful for their sacrifices. We also extend our gratitude to the families ..read more

BREMERTON, Wash. — For the 11th consecutive year, members of the Bremerton/Olympic Peninsula Council (BOPC) of the Navy League of the United States (NLUS) served as judges for the 2024 Washington State Science and Engineering Fair (WSSEF) on April 5th (Grades 1-8) and April 6th (Grades 9-12). As part of the council’s initiatives in supporting youth interest in Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM), 27 council volunteers filled various roles over two days to help recognize the accomplishments of more than 500 future scientists and engineers from across the Evergreen State. F ..read more

The Navy League Memphis Council recently hosted its Memphis Annual Spring Awards Banquet, honoring the outstanding Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen of the Mid-South area. The event drew over 100 attendees, including Sailors, mentors, Navy Leaguers, Sea Cadets, NROTC Midshipmen, parents, and spouses. Guest speaker CAPT Doug McGowen, USN (ret), who currently serves as the President and CEO of Memphis Light, Gas, and Water, delivered an inspiring address. He shared his experiences about the invaluable lessons he learned in the Navy which prepared him for the leadership and problem-solvi ..read more

Last month the Milwaukee Navy League held its 6th annual regional SeaPerch Competition, highlighting submersibles and evaluating them based on speed, maneuverability, and strategy. The primary objective of the Navy League SeaPerch Competition is to inspire more young individuals to pursue careers in STEM fields. “We’re getting competed by other countries—outcompeted. We’re not graduating enough engineers every year,” said Milwaukee Council President Erik Wolbach. “Some kids don’t even know about engineering or know that’s something they can go into.” Local TV station WTMJ Channel 4 stopped by ..read more

Last month, Navy League of the United States, Hampton Roads Council organized a Congressional Roundtable Luncheon and welcomed over 250 dedicated supporters of our sea services. Rep. Rob Whitman VA-01, Rep. Jen Kiggans VA-02, Rep. Bobby Scott VA-03, and Rep. Jennifer McClellan VA-04 addessed those in attendance and participated in a Q&A session. ADM Daryl Caudle, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command gave opening remarks. For more information on the Navy League Hampton Roads Council and future events, visit their website https://navyleaguehamptonroads.org/ The post Citiz ..read more

Hello all and happy May! This week the news seemed to center on the campus protests which have not only spread across the United States, but internationally in Canada, France, and as far away as Australia. In the U.S., police have moved in to clear encampments and make arrests though that doesn’t seem to be diminishing the student appetite for protest. President Biden spoke out against the violence occurring in some of the protests in a public address. In regards to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the basis for the campus protests, a recent ceasefire proposal is still awaiting approval from both si ..read more