Naval Order of the United States

Naval Order of the United States. The Naval Order of the United States is a patriotic, historical, and educational society founded to perpetuate the memory of the naval and maritime services of the United States. Established in the late 19th century by prominent naval thinkers and officers, it serves as a fraternal organization for commissioned officers of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, as well as their descendants. The Order is dedicated to preserving naval history, fostering scholarship, and promoting the principles of sea power.

History

The Naval Order of the United States was founded on July 4, 1890, in New York City by a group of distinguished naval officers and intellectuals, most notably then-Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt, naval historian and strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan, and Rear Admiral John H. Read. Its creation was inspired by a growing national interest in naval affairs and the strategic importance of sea power, themes Mahan famously explored in his seminal work, The Influence of Sea Power Upon History. The organization was formally incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in 1894. Early members were instrumental in advocating for a modernized United States Navy, supporting the expansion that culminated in the victories of the Spanish–American War. Throughout the 20th century, the Order maintained its activities through both world wars, the Cold War, and into the modern era, consistently focusing on commemorating naval heritage and supporting the sea services.

Organization and membership

The Order is structured with a National Headquarters, historically located in Newport, Rhode Island, home to the Naval War College, and is governed by a National Commander and a Board of Directors. The organization is divided into regional entities known as Commanderies, which are spread across the United States and in some international locations with significant American naval historical ties, such as the United Kingdom and Spain. Membership is restricted to individuals who have served or are serving as commissioned officers in the aforementioned U.S. sea services. Eligibility also extends to their direct lineal descendants, allowing for a multi-generational membership that strengthens its historical continuity. Each Commandery operates with a degree of autonomy, organizing local events, lectures, and ceremonies while adhering to the national constitution and bylaws.

Activities and programs

The primary activities of the Order revolve around historical commemoration, educational outreach, and fellowship. It hosts regular meetings, symposiums, and dinners featuring addresses by senior naval leaders, historians, and scholars. A significant educational program is the sponsorship of awards and prizes for excellence in naval history and strategic studies at institutions like the Naval War College, the United States Naval Academy, and United States Coast Guard Academy. The Order also actively participates in and sponsors ceremonies at historic sites, including the United States Naval Observatory and Arlington National Cemetery. Furthermore, it supports the publication of scholarly works on naval and maritime history and contributes to the preservation of artifacts and documents in partnership with museums such as the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Insignia and awards

The organization's insignia is a gold medal bearing the image of a caravel, symbolizing naval exploration and heritage, suspended from a ribbon of navy blue and gold. Members in good standing are entitled to wear this insignia. The Order administers several prestigious awards, including the **Alfred Thayer Mahan Award for Literary Achievement**, which recognizes distinguished contributions to naval literature. Other notable honors include the **Commander Jeremiah D. O'Brien Award** for service to the Order and the **Admiral of the Navy George Dewey Award** for exceptional leadership. These awards are presented at the annual National Congress, the organization's premier gathering, often held in historically significant locations like Washington, D.C. or Annapolis, Maryland.

Notable members

Since its inception, the Naval Order has counted among its members many of the most prominent figures in American naval history. Founding members included Theodore Roosevelt, who later as President oversaw the Great White Fleet, and Alfred Thayer Mahan. Notable 20th-century members have included fleet admirals such as William D. Leahy, Ernest King, and Chester W. Nimitz, a key commander in the Pacific War. Other distinguished members have been Admiral of the Navy George Dewey, hero of the Battle of Manila Bay; Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, father of the nuclear navy; and General Alexander A. Vandegrift, former Commandant of the Marine Corps. The membership also includes renowned historians, astronauts who were naval officers like Alan Shepard, and numerous recipients of the Medal of Honor.

Category:Patriotic and hereditary organizations in the United States Category:Organizations based in Rhode Island Category:Naval history of the United States Category:1890 establishments in New York (state)