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Navy Department News

07 Apr 2020

NAVSEA's Sarkis Tatigian Passes Away

File photo: Sarkis Tatigian delivers remarks during a celebration of his 75 years of federal service at the Washington Navy Yard in 2017. (U.S. Navy photo by Jackie Hart)

Sarkis Tatigian, who began his Navy career at the age of 19 during the Second World War, passed away earlier this week, leaving behind a nearly 78-year legacy of service to the Department of Defense.At the time of his death, Tatigian, the longest serving civil servant in the history of the DoD, was serving as Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) Small Business Advocate.“Mr. Tatigian truly lived a life dedicated to advocacy and the service of others,” said NAVSEA Executive Director, James Smerchansky.

21 Aug 2017

USS Indianapolis Wreckage Located

A team of civilian researchers led by entrepreneur and philanthropist Paul G. Allen have found the wreck of the World War II cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA 35), which was lost July 30, 1945. This is a significant discovery considering the depth of the water in which the ship was lost - more than 18,000 feet. Around 800 of the ship's 1,196 Sailors and Marines survived the sinking, but after four to five days in the water - suffering exposure, dehydration, drowning and shark attacks - only 316 survived. The wreck was located by the expedition crew of Research Vessel (R/V) Petrel, which is owned by Allen, 5,500 meters below the surface, resting on the floor of the North Pacific Ocean.

12 Sep 2016

Navy Surveys North Sea for Links to the Toughness of its Past

A multinational group of Sailors and scientists from a variety commands, organizations and militaries searched for the wreckage of Revolutionary War ship Bonhomme Richard, Sept. 2-9. Underwater archaeologists from the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit(MDSU) 2, Sailors from Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center (NOMWC), Sailors from the French Mine Clearance Dive Unit (MCDU) and members from Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration (GFOE) embarked upon Military Sealift Command rescue and salvage ship USNS Grasp (T-ARS 51) to survey a late 18th or early 19th century-shipwreck off the coast of England in the North Sea.

03 Aug 2016

This Day In Naval History: August 3

1804 - Commodore Edward Prebles Mediterranean Squadron launches the first of a series of bombardments on the harbor of Tripoli. Designed to destroy the defending batteries and sink enemy ships, the bombardments are part of the blockade that Preble established in 1803. 1861 - Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles calls for designers to submit plans for ironclad warships to the Navy Department. The design, by inventor John Ericsson, is chosen for USS Monitor, a revolutionary armored ship, carrying her guns in a rotating turret. 1942 - Mildred H. McAfee takes the oath of office to become the first female line officer. She is commissioned…

06 Jul 2016

National Museum of the American Sailor Unveiled

The Great Lakes Naval Museum was officially renamed the National Museum of the American Sailor during a ceremony and sign unveiling at the museum July 4. The Navy's top enlisted Sailor, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens, was joined by retired Rear Adm. Sam Cox, director of Naval History and Heritage Command, North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham, Capt. James Hawkins, commanding officer of Naval Station Great Lakes, Jennifer Searcy, Ph.D., director of the National Museum of the American Sailor, and representatives from the Great Lakes Naval Museum Foundation and National Museum of the American Sailor Foundation to unveil the new sign in front of the museum.

19 Feb 2016

This Day In Naval History - February 19

The crew assigned to the Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) bring her to life as they board the newly commissioned Seawolf-class nuclear-powered attack submarine at Naval Submarine Base Groton, Conn., February 19, 2005. (U.S. Navy photo: Roadell Hickman)

1900 - President William McKinley signs an Executive Order placing Tutuila (Samoa) and nearby islands under the Navy Department. 1942 - The Japanese attack Darwin, Australia in the largest attack by a foreign power on that country. USS Peary (DD 226), as well as an Army transport and freighter sink in the raid, as well as a number of Australian and British vessels. 1942 - The overnight Battle of Badoeng Strait begins when the allied naval force (ABDA) commanded by Dutch Rear Adm. W.F.M. Doorman engaged the Japanese in an attempt to stop the invasion force in Bali.

08 Sep 2015

SCA Circular on Requirements‏ of Ships' Documents, Drawings

Circular issued by Suez Canal Authority concerning ships' documents and drawings which are required to be ready onboard before transiting the canal for first transit or each transit to avoid any fine and/or delay. Those concerned are requested to take note and be guided by the instructions. - General Arrangement Plan (Original drawing all pcs/sheets). - Capacity Plan (Original Drawing). - Engine Room Arrangement Plan/Machinery Arrangement or/ Engine room layout (original drawing all pcs). - Accommodation Plan (original drawing all pcs/sheets). - Sounding book (W.B and F.O). Suez Canal Special Tonnage Certificate attached with Calculation sheet…

26 Sep 2014

Today in U.S. Naval History: September 26

USS Ranger (CV-4). Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Today in U.S. 1781 - French fleet defeats British at Yorktown, Va. 1931 - Keel laying at Newport News, Va. 1963 - First steam-eject launch of Polaris missile at sea off Cape Canaveral, Fla. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.

16 Sep 2014

Today in U.S. Naval History: September 16

USS Grayback (USN photo courtesy of Robert Hurst)

Today in U.S. 1854 - Cdr. David G. Farragut takes possession of Mare Island, the first U.S. Navy Yard on the Pacific. 1922 - Cdr. Halsey Powell in USS Edsall became the senior officer directing the evacuation of 250,000 Greek refugees from Turkey after war between Greece and Turkey. 1940 - President Roosevelt signs Selective Training and Service Act, the first peacetime draft. 1958 - USS Grayback fires first operational launch of Regulus II surface to surface guided missile off Calif. coast; Missile carries first U.S. mail sent by guided missile.

16 Jun 2014

Today in U.S. Naval History: June 16

U.S. Navy hospital ship Repose (U.S. Navy photo)

Today in U.S. Naval History - June 16 1898 - U.S. squadron bombards Santiago, Cuba 1965 - Navy Department schedules reactivation of hospital ship Repose (AH-16), first hospital ship activated for Vietnam Conflict For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.

19 Mar 2014

Today in U.S. Naval History: March 19

U.S. Navy photo

Today in U.S. Naval History - March 19 1898 - USS Oregon departs San Francisco for 14,000 mile trip around South America to join U.S. Squadron off Cuba 1917 - Navy Department authorizes enrollment of women in Naval Reserve with ratings of yeoman, radio electrician, or other essential ratings. 1942 - SecNav gave Civil Engineering Corps command of Seabees 2003 - Operation Iraqi Freedom begins with Tomahawk strikes from Navy ships and submarines. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.

20 Jan 2014

Today in U.S. Naval History: January 20

Theodore Roosevelt (photo: United States Library of Congress)

Today in U.S. Naval History - January 20 1783 - Hostilities cease between Great Britain and the United States 1903 - Theodore Roosevelt issues Executive Order placing Midway Islands under jurisdiction of the Navy Department. 1914 - School for naval air training opens in Pensacola, Fla. 1948 - Establishment of U.S. Persian Gulf Area Command (later changed to Middle East Force in August 1948). For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.

26 Sep 2013

Today in U.S. Naval History: September 26

USS Ranger (CV-4) launched at Newport News (Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.)

Today in U.S. 1781 - French fleet defeats British at Yorktown, Va. 1931 - Keel laying at Newport News, Va. 1963 - First steam-eject launch of Polaris missile at sea off Cape Canaveral, Fla. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.

02 May 2013

Marine Industry Employs Boat Towed Detectors

Peruvian Navy officers prepare to launch Fishers Proton 4 magnetometer. Photo: JW Fishers

Many marine service companies are acquiring boat-towed metal detectors and magnetometers to assist in salvage operations and geophysical surveys. These devices can locate a variety of targets including sunken vessels, ship anchors and propellers, pipelines, cables and metal debris which must be removed from an area before dredging. The two primary pieces of equipment used in these operations are a magnetometer and the pulse induction (PI) metal detector. Magnetometers are super sensitive instruments that can detect iron and steel objects at hundreds of feet away.

03 Mar 2013

Navy Announce Sequestration Response

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announces the Navy will go ahead with spending reductions to meet fiscal constraints imposed by sequestration. a.  Shut down carrier air wing two (cvw-2) in april. f.  Return USS Thach (FFG 43) to homeport early from deployment to SOUTHCOM. a.  Begin negotiating contract modifications to de-obligate efforts for any investment programs for which the remaining unobligated balance will be insufficient after the sequestration reduction is applied. e.. f.  Cancel march navy recruiting media support and reduce the majority of advertising contracts as much as possible under contractual conditions. These actions are being taken to preserve support for those forces stationed overseas and currently forward-deployed.

22 Oct 2012

US Navy AwardsOcean Wave Power Contract to Bodkin

Bodkin Design & Engineering (BD&E) contracted to develop a coastal water prototype wave power harvesting system. A prototype unit was constructed and tested at the company's Newton facility and was found to have a power conversion efficiency between 34% and 50%. This covert system is designed to be alternative power source for submerged sensors and systems. In addition to its military uses, this submerged system can find application to commercial moorings and on pleasure boats. The fully submerged, robust, self-contained design is anti-fouling and ideally suited for surf zone operation where extreme environmental conditions could damage systems that rely on deployed arms, floats or fragile mechanics.

13 Mar 2012

Navy Biofuel Investment Defended

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus defended the service’s investment on biofuels Monday, saying that it is a “false choice” for critics to suggest the Navy should focus on building more ships instead of finding alternative fuels to power them. Some Republicans in Congress are upset the Navy is spending money on expensive alternative fuels when several ships are being retired earlier than planned in an effort to cut costs. The Navy, Department of Energy and Agriculture Department are spending $510 million to jump start commercial development of the advanced alternative fuels industry. By 2016, the Navy wants obtain 8 million barrels of…

26 Sep 2011

This Day in Naval History – September 26

1781 - French fleet defeats British at Yorktown, VA 1910 - First recorded reference to provision for aviation in Navy Department organization 1918 - USCGC Tampa lost with 118 men, probably by German submarine 1931 - Keel laying at Newport News, VA of USS Ranger (CV-4), first ship designed and constructed as an aircraft carrier 1963 - First steam-eject launch of Polaris missile at sea off Cape Canaveral, FL (now Cape Kennedy) from USS Observation Island (EAG-154)

16 Sep 2011

This Day in Navy History

1854 - CDR David G. Farragut takes possession of Mare Island, the first U.S. Navy Yard on the Pacific. 1922 - Commander Halsey Powell in USS Edsall became the senior officer directing the evacuation of 250,000 Greek refugees from Turkey after war between Greece and Turkey. 1940 - President Roosevelt signs Selective Training and Service Act, the first peacetime draft. 1958 - USS Grayback fires first operational launch of Regulus II surface to surface guided missile off CA coast; Missile carries first U.S. mail sent by guided missile. 1861 - Union landing party from USS Massachusetts takes possession of Ship Island south of New Orleans, LA. This was the headquarters for ADM David Farragut's Gulf Coast Blockading Squadron. 1926 - Navy brings relief aid to Miami, FL, after a severe hurricane.

11 Apr 2011

This Day in U.S. Coast Guard History - April 11

1917- With the outbreak of World War I, the President issued an executive order transferring 30 lighthouse tenders to the War Department. All were subsequently assigned to the Navy Department and 15 lighthouse tenders, four lightships, and 21 light stations also were transferred to the Navy Department. One more tender was transferred on 31 January 1918 making a total of 50 vessels and 1,132 persons. The War Department used those assigned in laying submarine defense nets during and in removing these defenses after the war. Other duties performed by these vessels were placing practice targets, buoys to mark wrecks of torpedoed vessels and other marks for military purposes, as well as being employed on patrols and special duty assignments.

02 Mar 2011

This Day in U.S. Coast Guard History - March 2

1799- Congress authorized revenue cutter officers to board all ships of the United States within four leagues of the U.S., if bound for the U.S. and then search and examine them, certifying manifest, sealing hatches and remaining on board until they arrived in port. They were also authorized to search ships of other nations in United States' waters and "perform such other duties for the collection and security of the Revenue" as directed by the Secretary of the Treasury. 1799- Congress authorized cutters and boats to be "distinguished from other vessels by an ensign and pendant" with the marks thereon prescribed by the President of the United States…

20 Jan 2011

This Day in U.S. Naval History – January 20

1783 - Hostilities cease between Great Britain and the United States 1903 - Theordore Roosevelt issues Executive Order placing Midway Islands under jurisdiction of the Navy Department. 1914 - School for naval air training opens in Pensacola, FL. 1948 - Establishment of U.S. Persian Gulf Area Command (later changed to Middle East Force in August 1948). (Source: U.S. Navy News Service)

08 Dec 2010

This Day in U.S. Coast Guard History – December 8

1904-An Executive Order extended the jurisdiction of the Lighthouse Service to the noncontiguous territory of the Midway Islands. 1941-Coast Guardsmen seized all nine Finnish vessels that were currently in U.S. ports and placed them in "protective custody" to "prevent the commission of any acts of sabotage" on orders from the Navy Department. Twenty-four hours later the Coast Guard removed the crews from each of the vessels. This action was ordered soon after the break in diplomatic relations between Great Britain and Finland. The following Finish vessels were seized: SS Olivia, at Boston, Massachusetts; SS Kurikka, SS Jourtanes, and SS Saimaa at New York…