Images featured include:
≈ USS Nautilus by Albert K. Murray
This month marks the 70th anniversary of the world’s first nuclear-powered warship Nautilus signaling the attainment of the long-anticipated goal of “underway with nuclear power.” Nautilus is called the first “true submarine” because it was capable of operating for long periods without frequent contact with the surface and air of the above world. Nautilus is open for visitation at Groton, Connecticut.
≈ The Beach at Dust by Mitchell Jamieson
This month marks the eightieth anniversary of the assault on Iwo Jima by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. This 1945 watercolor depicts a tragic section of beach below Suribachi becoming unearthly and ghostlike in the fading light. The beach is deserted except for the wrecks, which litter its entire length, rusted and partially buried in the sand.
≈ USS Petrel (PG 2) by Frank Miller
USS Petrel, a 4th rate gunboat, was commissioned in 1889, She was actively involved in the Battle of Manila Bay in the Philippines, where she helped capture the arsenal at Cavite. Petrel continued to operate around the world for 30 years before ending her active service shortly after World War I ended.
≈ Helicopter by Phillip Jenkins
This month marks the end of the war in Vietnam with the Communist seizure of Saigon in April 1975. During the Vietnam War to U.S. Navy engaged in brown-water operations in the Mekong Delta and other coastal waters using Swift boats and other watercraft. To provide overhead support, the Navy created a light attack helicopter squadron HA(L)-3 known as the Seawolves which flew UH-1B Huey helicopters acquired from the Army.
≈ Fleet of Iron Clad Monitors, Unknown Artist
Following the successful debut of John Ericsson’s Monitor against CSS Virginia, at Hampton Roads on March 3, 1862, the U.S. Navy built a fleet of Monitors. Unfortunately, their low freeboard made them very unseaworthy in heavy seas as shown by the loss of Monitor off Cape Hatteras in December 1862.
≈ Constitution Escaping from the British Fleet by Anton Otto Fischer
On June 18, 1812 Captain Isaac Hull encountered a British Squadron and unable to sail due to the lack of wind, he ordered the crew to put boats over the side to tow the ship out of range. The British ships copied the tactic and pursued for 57 hours before giving up the chase.
≈ The Scourge Gun Crew, 1812 by Erick Marshall Murray
During the War of 1812, there were no legal restrictions placed on the Navy regarding the enlistment of African Americans due to a chronic shortage of manpower. An estimated 16 percent of all enlisted sailors were black. They signed up largely hoping to gain their freedom.
≈ At Sea by Michael Daley
To celebrate the Coast Guard birthday month of August (August 4) the Coast Guard Cutter Manning is depicted escorting a convoy out of Gibraltar during World War I. Note the “dazzle” camouflage.
≈ Following Signing Of Surrender Documents by Standish Backus
This month celebrates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II as the Japanese sign the instruments of surrender on the foredeck of the battleship USS Missouri on September 2, 1945.
≈ Bonhomme Richard versus Serapis by Anton Otto Fischer
To celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States Navy established this month in 1775 by the Continental Congress, the close-quarters encounter on September 23, 1779 off Flamborough Head between Bonhomme Richard – captained by John Paul Jones – and HMS Serapis. Despite heavy damage which eventually led to the loss of Bonhomme Richard, Jones will rally his sailors to capture Serapis and attain victory.
≈ New Providence Raid, March 1776 by V. Zveg
This month marks the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, established in 1775 when Congress voted to create two battalions of Continental Marines. Some 200 of these Marines are seen here landing at New Providence Island, Bahamas on March 3, 1776, for the purpose of capturing gunpowder and
other military stores. The initial objective, Fort Montagu, is in the left distance. Close offshore are the vessels used to transport the landing force to the beach. The island was taken without firing a shot and the British governor was taken prisoner.
≈ A Fine Evening on the USS Mustin by Morgan Wilbur
Named in honor of generations of Mustins who served in the U.S. Navy through most of the 20th
century, the guided missile destroyer Mustin (DDG-89) continues to serve with the Pacific Fleet.
About the Naval Order of the United States
On 4 July 1890, Mr. Charles Calhoun Philbrook, Mr. Charles Frederick Bacon Philbrook, and Mr. Franklin Senter Frisbie, descendants of New Hampshire families identified as mariners since 1636, and sharing a common interest in naval and maritime history, met in Boston, Massachusetts. By formal resolution, they established a temporary organization entitled the “Naval Commandery of the United States of America” to further those aims. A permanent organization was established on 10 November 1890, the 115th anniversary of the organization of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Eligibility for membership was based upon service “in any of the wars or in any battle in which the United States Navy or Marine Corps has participated, or who served as above in connection with the Revenue or Privateer Services.” Seeking a national base, the new Naval Commandery soon established branches in several states. On 19 June 1893, the Naval Commandery entered into a provisional consolidation with the Naval Legion of the United States, a smaller society recently organized with similar aims. This merger was soon ratified under the name NAVAL ORDER of the UNITED STATES. The first Congress of the Naval Order was held on 15 August 1893 in Faneuil Hall. The General Commandery of the Order was formed at this meeting, and the constitution adopted with provision for local commanderies in the various states and “members” becoming “Companions.” One of the noteworthy early companions, not a naval officer himself, was Loyall Farragut, son of the famous David. Loyall was cabin boy in the admiral’s flagship, USS Hartford, at Mobile Bay during the Civil War when his father gave the historic order “Damn the torpedoes…(mines) full speed ahead!” Another illustrious companion was Captain George Dewey, who was destined to gain international fame at Manila Bay and become the only officer to hold the rank of “Admiral of the Navy.” Dewey later served as Commander General of the Naval Order, 1907 to 1917.
Historical records in the archives of the various states attest to the efforts of individual companions in the establishment and training of Naval Militia in the Eastern and Midwestern states during the 1890’s. As a result, trained and ready Naval Militiamen were available to our nation to answer the call to the colors at the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.
Companion Herbert Livingston Saterlee, having observed the operation of the civilian Navy League in England, recognized the value of civilians not directly affiliated with the U.S. Navy, but dedicated to its support. The Naval Order through his efforts and guidance, and with the concurrent encouragement of President Theodore Roosevelt, became the prime mover in organizing the Navy League of the United States, which was chartered in New York in 1902. Saterlee became Commander General of the Naval Order in 1925.
Today the Naval Order of the United States continues to encourage research and writing on naval and maritime subjects, preserve documents, portraits and other records of prominent figures, deeds and memories of our naval and maritime history, and through fellowship of our members, advance the Naval Order’s unselfish service and worthy aims for the security and enduring well-being of our country. For those interested in membership/participation in the many activities of the Naval Order of the United States visit our website at: https://www.navalorder.org/.
Published by Tide-mark Press © 2024
