Naval History & Heritage Command

08/26/2021

On #NationalDogDay we're sharing a photo of Dog teams on runway of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica where New Zealand dog handlers from Scott Base, Ross Island are exercising their dog teams on the sea ice runway at NAF McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, prior to long summer land expeditions. In the background are VX-6 C-130 Hercules, which are being used for the first year in Antarctica.
Share your dog in the comments!

On #NationalDogDay we're sharing a photo of Dog teams on runway of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica where New Zealand dog handlers from Scott Base, Ross Island are exercising their dog teams on the sea ice runway at NAF McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, prior to long summer land expeditions. In the background are VX-6 C-130 Hercules, which are being used for the first year in Antarctica.
Share your dog in the comments!

08/26/2021

Idaho's Naval History

Hey @cityofboise, you won’t want to miss this year’s #NavyWeek! We’ll be on site with #IdahoStateMuseum today and tomorrow, and then at the @NIdahoStateFair Saturday and Sunday celebrating all things U.S. Navy. Join us to learn more about Idaho’s naval contributions with #NavyOutreach
https://go.usa.gov/xF6VJ

This infographic shares the information about the state of Idaho and its ties to Naval History. (U.S. Navy graphic by NHHC/Released)

08/25/2021

Ship2Shore: Culinary Specialist 1st Class Blake Bentz

Ship2Shore with Culinary Specialist 1st Class Blake Bentz shares his perspective of serving aboard the oldest commissioned warship afloat.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=177116607850698

08/24/2021

Battle of the Eastern Solomons

#OTD in 1942, Task Force 61 engages the Japanese First Carrier Division, Third Fleet, during Battle of Eastern Solomons. Planes from Japanese carrier, Ryujo, bomb U.S. positions on Lunga Point but SBDs from VB-3 and TBFs from VT-8 off carrier USS Saratoga (CV 3) sink Ryujo. Additionally, USS Enterprise (CV 6) is damaged by carrier bombers from Japanese carrier, Shokaku. As a result of this battle, the Japanese recall the expedition to recapture Guadalcanal.

Read more about the Battle of the Eastern Solomons at the link below👇
https://go.usa.gov/xF6rm

As in the Coral Sea and at Midway, U.S. and Japanese ships never sighted each other during the course of this engagement—all attacks were carried out by carrier-based or shore-based aircraft. It was fought during Operation Ka, the Japanese counteroffensive against Allied landings in the eastern So...

08/24/2021

The History Galley: Peach Pie

On #NationalPeachPieDay get a taste of how the U.S. Navy makes peach pie in this edition of #TheHistoryGalley with Tom Frezza!
What's your favorite dessert?

With the addition of bakeries on larger ships, cooks could offer the crew a wider variety of desserts. This peach pie recipe uses a filling made of dried pea...

08/23/2021

Closing out EOD’s 80 th Birthday month, we are highlighting the history of the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal in the infographic below. The Navy's first Mine Disposal class graduated on August 22, 1941, signifying the birth of what is now the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community. These World War II Mine and Bomb Disposal personnel were among the first to land on European and Pacific beaches, quickly
clearing channels and harbors to provide critical access to Allied landing forces.

As the Mine and Bomb Disposal units evolved into today’s Navy EOD community, the force has maintained its courage and innovation in facing new emerging threats – from sea mines blocking Wonsan Harbor during the Korean War, to land and sea mines hindering American maneuverability during the Vietnam War, to today combating limpet and sea mines targeting mnaval and commercial ships in the Arabian Gulf.
Thank you for your service, @EODGRU2 @EODGROUP1 and Happy Birthday! #NavyEOD80
#HBDNavyEOD

Closing out EOD’s 80 th Birthday month, we are highlighting the history of the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal in the infographic below. The Navy's first Mine Disposal class graduated on August 22, 1941, signifying the birth of what is now the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community. These World War II Mine and Bomb Disposal personnel were among the first to land on European and Pacific beaches, quickly
clearing channels and harbors to provide critical access to Allied landing forces.

As the Mine and Bomb Disposal units evolved into today’s Navy EOD community, the force has maintained its courage and innovation in facing new emerging threats – from sea mines blocking Wonsan Harbor during the Korean War, to land and sea mines hindering American maneuverability during the Vietnam War, to today combating limpet and sea mines targeting mnaval and commercial ships in the Arabian Gulf.
Thank you for your service, @EODGRU2 @EODGROUP1 and Happy Birthday! #NavyEOD80
#HBDNavyEOD

08/22/2021

The Legacy of BMCM Sherman Byrd

"He told us you may not get a second time to do it and little did we know he was disarming bombs during the day."

Mrs. Cynthia Byrd-Conner talks about her dad, BMCM Sherman Byrd, the first black EOD Operator, who graduated EOD school in 1958. #NavyEOD #NavyEOD80

08/22/2021

Navy EOD: Clearing the Arctic’s Sea Lanes for Our Fleet and Nation

🎉Happy 80th Birthday🎉 to the United States Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal Group!
U.S. Navy EOD is the premier Maritime EOD force for ensuring that our efforts in the Arctic region remain undeterred by the threat of explosives.

As EOD executes the mission of eliminating explosive threats so the fleet can fight and win, they are keeping a close eye on future opportunities in the region, developing cutting-edge technology and updating tactics so that they can maintain their competitive edge against adversaries.

The article below was published in 2019 about how the U.S. Navy EOD is securing the Arctic from mines and other challenges in order to protect the fleet and the Country. #NavyEOD80 #HBDNavyEOD Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1
https://go.usa.gov/xFGJM

By Capt. Oscar Rojas, Commodore, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group OneOver the past two decades of war, Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) has become almost synonymous with enabling

08/21/2021

#ICYMI, yesterday the USS Constitution went underway for a ceremonial cruise into Boston Harbor with more than 300 Vietnam War veterans as part of Vietnam War Commemoration.

https://www.facebook.com/ussconstitutionofficial/posts/10157712586236741

08/21/2021

First Black EOD Operator

As we continue celebrating the 80th anniversary of the U.S. Navy EOD community, we're highlighting Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate Sherman Byrd, the first African American to complete Explosive Ordnance Disposal training. Read more about him at the link below!
#NavyEOD80th #NavyEODLegacy
https://go.usa.gov/xFAWs

In 1958, Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate (BMCM) Sherman Byrd became the first African American to complete Explosive Ordnance Disposal training.

08/20/2021

August 20, 1944: Invasion of Southern France, August 1944. LCTs and LCMs landing supplies on the beach west of St. Rafael, on "D" plus five. LCTs present include LCT-198 and LCT-559. Matted ramp in foreground is for DUKW Amphibious Trucks. #historyinpictures #navyhistory

August 20, 1944: Invasion of Southern France, August 1944. LCTs and LCMs landing supplies on the beach west of St. Rafael, on "D" plus five. LCTs present include LCT-198 and LCT-559. Matted ramp in foreground is for DUKW Amphibious Trucks. #historyinpictures #navyhistory

08/20/2021

The Father of Navy EOD

Rear Admiral Draper Kauffman, "The Father of Navy EOD" 💣 established the first Bomb Disposal School at Washington Navy Yard in 1941. He said, "Those who do not create the future they want, must endure the future they get."
#navyeod80th #navyeodlegacy #EOD80

08/19/2021

USS Constitution in the War of 1812

"Huzza! Her sides are made of iron!”

Ever wonder how USS Constitution got its name? Learn about the famous battle between USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere, which took place #OTD in 1812: https://go.usa.gov/xFwdT

Additional history resources are listed here.

08/19/2021

#DYK today is #WorldPhotographyDay? For nearly 60 years, the U.S. Navy had a rate specifically for photographers (Photographers' Mate - PH) before merging with the rates of Journalist (JO), Illustrator/Draftsman (DM) and Lithographer (LI) to create the Mass Communication Specialist rate in 2006.

Share your favorite Navy photograph in the comments and tell us the story behind it!

📷 Photographer's Mate 3rd Class T.E. Collins, after photographing the oil and mud smeared interior of the capsized USS Oklahoma (BB 37) while she was under salvage at Pearl Harbor, 18 January 1943. He entered the ship through Number Four Air Lock. An oxygen mast had to be worn at all times. Note his mask, tank suit, boots, gloves, and camera.

#DYK today is #WorldPhotographyDay? For nearly 60 years, the U.S. Navy had a rate specifically for photographers (Photographers' Mate - PH) before merging with the rates of Journalist (JO), Illustrator/Draftsman (DM) and Lithographer (LI) to create the Mass Communication Specialist rate in 2006.

Share your favorite Navy photograph in the comments and tell us the story behind it!

📷 Photographer's Mate 3rd Class T.E. Collins, after photographing the oil and mud smeared interior of the capsized USS Oklahoma (BB 37) while she was under salvage at Pearl Harbor, 18 January 1943. He entered the ship through Number Four Air Lock. An oxygen mast had to be worn at all times. Note his mask, tank suit, boots, gloves, and camera.

08/18/2021

Faces of EOD: Navy EOD in Vietnam

Retired Cmdr. Larry Ronan, retired EOD technician, reflect on a response to Metropole Hotel in 1965 during the Vietnam War.

#NavyEOD #NavyEOD80 #EOD80

08/18/2021

If you thought internet/communication was slow and unreliable when you were out to sea, be thankful you weren't dealing with this, circa 1919: Carrier pigeon, the peerless pilot - operated at Naval Air Station, Pauillac, France, and during the last year of the war, when only fifteen months old, had delivered one hundred ninety-six messages from the sea.
#WaybackWednesday

If you thought internet/communication was slow and unreliable when you were out to sea, be thankful you weren't dealing with this, circa 1919: Carrier pigeon, the peerless pilot - operated at Naval Air Station, Pauillac, France, and during the last year of the war, when only fifteen months old, had delivered one hundred ninety-six messages from the sea.
#WaybackWednesday

08/17/2021

#OTD in 1943, USS Wasp (CV 18) is photographed, ready for launching, at the Bethlehem Steel Company shipyard, Quincy, Mass. Wasp earned eight battle stars for her World War II service and was decommissioned in 1972. Read more about her service here: https://go.usa.gov/xFpT5

#OTD in 1943, USS Wasp (CV 18) is photographed, ready for launching, at the Bethlehem Steel Company shipyard, Quincy, Mass. Wasp earned eight battle stars for her World War II service and was decommissioned in 1972. Read more about her service here: https://go.usa.gov/xFpT5

08/17/2021

EOD

In 1953, two major operational EOD units were established. EOD Unit ONE supported operations in the Pacific and was homeported at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. EOD Unit TWO supported operations in the Atlantic and was homeported at Charleston Naval Base, South Carolina.

Today, EOD Unit ONE is headquartered at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, and EOD Unit TWO makes Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, its home.

#NavyEOD80 #HBDNavyEOD @EODGRU2 @EODGROUP
Read more about the history of U.S. Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal here: https://go.usa.gov/xFVqE

08/16/2021

It's National Tell A Joke day - share your favorites in the comments!
📷President Franklin D. Roosevelt (center) enjoys a joke with Ambassador to Mexico (and former SECNAV) Josephus Daniels, at right, and Secretary of the Navy Claude A. Swanson, on USS Indianapolis (CA 35) during the fleet review off New York City in May 1934.

It's National Tell A Joke day - share your favorites in the comments!
📷President Franklin D. Roosevelt (center) enjoys a joke with Ambassador to Mexico (and former SECNAV) Josephus Daniels, at right, and Secretary of the Navy Claude A. Swanson, on USS Indianapolis (CA 35) during the fleet review off New York City in May 1934.

08/16/2021

Interview with Wendy Barrien Lawrence

Wendy Barrien Lawrence is a retired United States Navy Captain, former helicopter pilot, an engineer, and a former NASA astronaut.

#OTD in 1996, NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration selected Cmdr. Wendy B. Lawrence, a United States Naval Academy graduate, to train for the Atlantis shuttle mission. She was the first female naval aviator in space when Endeavour launched in 1995.

Before she became an astronaut, she logged in more than 1,500 hours of flight time in six different types of helicopters and completed more than 800 shipboard landings. Lawrence logged in more than 1,200 hours in space after completing four space flights: Endeavour (March 2–18, 1995), Atlantis (Sept. 25–Oct. 6, 1997), Discovery (June 2–12, 1998), and Discovery (July 26–Aug. 9, 2005) and retired from the space program in 2006.

(Video: Kevin Dawson)

08/15/2021

Tell us: is Sunday your designated laundry day?

Caption: "Mac may never have washed a shirt in his whole life, but now he's in the Navy and learning fast!" (Yes, that's really the caption) Photographed at a naval base in the Caribbean, circa 1944.

Tell us: is Sunday your designated laundry day?

Caption: "Mac may never have washed a shirt in his whole life, but now he's in the Navy and learning fast!" (Yes, that's really the caption) Photographed at a naval base in the Caribbean, circa 1944.

08/15/2021

#OTD in 1945, Japanese accept the terms of the Potsdam Declaration and agree to surrender, ending World War II. It is known as V-JDay! Announcing the news to the country in the evening, President Harry S. Truman proclaims a two-day holiday. Explosive celebrations immediately follow as Americans and their Allies rejoice that World War II is finally over!

📷 Photographs of exuberant celebrations in the streets of Oakland, California for V-J Day in 1945.

#OTD in 1945, Japanese accept the terms of the Potsdam Declaration and agree to surrender, ending World War II. It is known as V-JDay! Announcing the news to the country in the evening, President Harry S. Truman proclaims a two-day holiday. Explosive celebrations immediately follow as Americans and their Allies rejoice that World War II is finally over!

📷 Photographs of exuberant celebrations in the streets of Oakland, California for V-J Day in 1945.

08/14/2021

H-Gram 020

Today we're taking you back to the summer of 1898. U.S. Army troops are closing in on Santiago de Cuba, Theodore Roosevelt's famous "Rough Riders" are charging up San Juan Hill, and Spanish Admiral Pascual Cervera y Topete has a choice to make. He could keep his force of four cruisers and two destroyers in port, where they are likely to soon be destroyed by American ground artillery; or he could sortie from the harbor and attempt to run the blockade of five U.S. Navy battleships and numerous other ships right outside the harbor.

Find out what happened next at the link below👇
https://go.usa.gov/xUu95

Contents 1. 30th Anniversary of the

08/14/2021

Caption this!

📷: View of unidentified personnel laughing over a comic book, while one man holds a 78 PRM record for the phonograph at left. Also note non-standard headgear on the man at right.

Caption this!

📷: View of unidentified personnel laughing over a comic book, while one man holds a 78 PRM record for the phonograph at left. Also note non-standard headgear on the man at right.

08/13/2021

Richmond Kelly Turner: Planning the Pacific War

Richmond Kelly Turner is one of those rare individuals to stand out in the historical narrative of World War II. Following the outbreak of war in Europe in 1939, the U.S. Joint Planning Committee reassessed its plans as a precaution against the looming possibility of a two-ocean war with multiple opponents.

As the Director of the War Plans Division for the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) from 1940 to 1941, Turner was instrumental in developing a joint estimate to guide planning for a two-ocean war. The option ultimately endorsed by the Chief of Naval Operations later became the basis for joint strategy and planning after the United States entered the war in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.

Head to the link below to check out the full pamphlet, which identifies ten lessons learned for effective planning from Turner's experiences during World War II.

Lesson one, "Understand the Adversary: Respect Their Intentions and Capabilities"
https://go.usa.gov/xFVYN

Available free in the following format: 508-compliant PDF (5.55 MB) The significance of the individual agency is often lost in the telling of large-scale historical events. Richmond Kelly Turner is one of those rare individuals to stand out in the historical narrative of World War II. He played a pi...