Hampton Roads Naval Museum

Veterans Day 2022 tribute

On November 11, 1918, fighting comes to an end for World War I. This day is celebrated worldwide and is initially called Armistice Day. In 1978, Armistice Day was renamed after Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479) was signed which officially established Veterans Day. It honors the sacrifices of those who have served, those who did not make it home and those who continue to serve today. Veterans Day is one of six military centered dates that honor our military servicemembers. This short video includes audio from former President Ronald Reagan giving a Veterans Day speech on November 11, 1985. Imagery includes photos captured during the invasion of Normandy, the Vietnam War, as well as imagery of modern-day Sailors and U.S. Navy Vessels conducting a variety of exercises in support of multiple missions documented by Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Sailors. Video Credit: 201110-N-PQ548-0005, US Navy Video by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Issac Champlain/Released.

The 247th Marine Corps Birthday Message

Happy Birthday USMC! On November 10, 2022, U.S. Marines around the globe will celebrate 247 years of success on the battlefield and a legacy defined by honor, courage and commitment. This year, the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black reiterate to the force that Marines are warfighters first and foremost, in any clime and place. Drawing on the strength and service of those who wore the Eagle, Globe and Anchor in years past, Marines today are standing ready to fight and win. (VIRIN 221027-M-SG166-1001, U.S. Marine Corps video by SSgt John Martinez and SSgt Aaron Patterson)

The Battle of Leyte Gulf, Part 11: Conclusion

By late afternoon on October 25, 1944, Japanese naval forces were in full retreat. For the Japanese Combined Fleet, the Battle of Leyte Gulf had been a stunning failure. Altogether, the Japanese had lost 26 warships and 300 aircraft. Over 12,000 of their sailors and aviators had perished. In terms of the human cost, it had been Japan’s worst naval defeat. By contrast, American losses numbered about 3,000 men, one-quarter of the Japanese casualties. Learn about the conclusion of the war's largest naval battle in part 11 of our Leyte Gulf video series. This 11-part video series explores the Battle of Leyte Gulf in-depth, using accounts from veterans who fought that battle. Many of the veterans who fought at Leyte Gulf have since passed on, but before they died, they left behind vivid accounts of their experiences. In this video series, voice actors read aloud their words to bring their experiences back to life. From them, we can learn what it was like to have witnessed one of the largest naval battles in world history. All videos are researched, written, and produced by staff and volunteers at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. View the entire 11-part series via the playlist on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnUFiKFpP0K_x0ts-x0bPihyzR6ldDrq9

The Battle of Leyte Gulf, Part 10: Kamikaze attack on USS St. Lo

By 10:30 A.M. on October 25, 1944, RADM Clifton Sprague’s task group—Taffy 3—had managed to escape the clutches of VADM Takeo Kurita’s Center Force. Sprague had lost one of his escort carriers, two of his destroyers, and one of his destroyer-escorts. Over 1,100 American sailors had died, but Kurita’s fleet had turned around. The U.S. Navy had protected Leyte Gulf. The liberation of the Philippines could proceed. However, the Japanese still had one more ace up their sleeve. They had one more weapon to drive the 7th Fleet from the shores of Leyte—and it was particularly devastating. Learn about the kamikaze attack on USS St. Lo in part 10 of our Leyte Gulf video series. This 11-part video series explores the Battle of Leyte Gulf in-depth, using accounts from veterans who fought that battle. Many of the veterans who fought at Leyte Gulf have since passed on, but before they died, they left behind vivid accounts of their experiences. In this video series, voice actors read aloud their words to bring their experiences back to life. From them, we can learn what it was like to have witnessed one of the largest naval battles in world history. All videos are researched, written, and produced by staff and volunteers at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. View the entire 11-part series on the playlist on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnUFiKFpP0K_x0ts-x0bPihyzR6ldDrq9

The Battle of Leyte Gulf, Part 9: The last stand of USS Johnston

On October 27, 1943, at the commissioning ceremony for the Fletcher-class destroyer USS Johnston, the new skipper, CDR Ernest Evans, declared, “This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go into harm’s way, and if anyone doesn’t want to go he had better get off right now. Now that I have a fighting ship, I will never retreat from an enemy force.” Three hundred and sixty-three days later, at the Battle off Samar, CDR Evans died living up to those words. Learn about the sacrifice of both USS Johnston's commander and crew in the Battle off Samar in part 9 of our Leyte Gulf video series. This 11-part video series explores the Battle of Leyte Gulf in-depth, using accounts from veterans who fought that battle. Many of the veterans who fought at Leyte Gulf have since passed on, but before they died, they left behind vivid accounts of their experiences. In this video series, voice actors read aloud their words to bring their experiences back to life. From them, we can learn what it was like to have witnessed one of the largest naval battles in world history. All videos are researched, written, and produced by staff and volunteers at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. View the entire 11-part playlist via our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnUFiKFpP0K_x0ts-x0bPihyzR6ldDrq9

The Battle of Leyte Gulf, Part 8: The Battle off Samar

On October 25, 1944, Admiral William Halsey moved the ships of his Third Fleet out of San Bernardino Strait, leaving only his destroyers, destroyer-escorts, and escort carriers behind--right in the path of the Japanese Fleet. In the Battle off Samar, the US Navy's "small boys" fought with the vigor of a much larger force. Learn all about this battle if part 8 of our Leyte Gulf video series. This 11-part video series explores the Battle of Leyte Gulf in-depth, using accounts from veterans who fought that battle. Many of the veterans who fought at Leyte Gulf have since passed on, but before they died, they left behind vivid accounts of their experiences. In this video series, voice actors read aloud their words to bring their experiences back to life. From them, we can learn what it was like to have witnessed one of the largest naval battles in world history. All videos are researched, written, and produced by staff and volunteers at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. View the entire 11-part series on the playlist on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnUFiKFpP0K_x0ts-x0bPihyzR6ldDrq9

The Battle of Leyte Gulf, Part 7: Where is Task Force 34?

On October 25, 1944, Admiral William Halsey's Third Fleet made its way north, tracking the Japanese Northern Force. What Halsey didn't realize was he was playing right into the Japanese trap. In moving his fleet, Halsey gave the Japanese exactly what they needed, a clear path to Leyte Gulf. Learn about Halsey's decision in part 7 of our video series, "Where is Task Force 34?" This 11-part video series explores the Battle of Leyte Gulf in-depth, using accounts from veterans who fought that battle. Many of the veterans who fought at Leyte Gulf have since passed on, but before they died, they left behind vivid accounts of their experiences. In this video series, voice actors read aloud their words to bring their experiences back to life. From them, we can learn what it was like to have witnessed one of the largest naval battles in world history. All videos are researched, written, and produced by staff and volunteers at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. View the entire 11 part playlist on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnUFiKFpP0K_x0ts-x0bPihyzR6ldDrq9

The Battle of Leyte Gulf, Part 6: The Battle of Cape Engaño

On October 25, 1944, the American forces tracked down IJN Zuikaku, the last of the six Japanese carriers that had attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. With that, a new battle within the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf would begin. In part 6 of our video series, learn all about the Battle of Cape Engaño. This 11-part video series explores the Battle of Leyte Gulf in-depth, using accounts from veterans who fought that battle. Many of the veterans who fought at Leyte Gulf have since passed on, but before they died, they left behind vivid accounts of their experiences. In this video series, voice actors read aloud their words to bring their experiences back to life. From them, we can learn what it was like to have witnessed one of the largest naval battles in world history. All videos are researched, written, and produced by staff and volunteers at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. View the entire 11-part series via the playlist on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2XbwjMIDcU&list=PLnUFiKFpP0K_x0ts-x0bPihyzR6ldDrq9

Navy 247th Birthday Video

13 October 2022 marks the Navy's 247th birthday. The central theme of this year is "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years," which highlights our Navy's enduring ability to remain fully ready to respond to and effectively deter emergent threats. Video Credit: 221012-N-MD802-1001, US Navy Video by PO2 Jack Aistrup/Released.

SECNAV Del Toro's 247th Navy Birthday Message

Shared from Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro: Navy Team, For 247 years, our Navy has kept the watch, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For 247 years we have built upon a foundation of readiness and resiliency through your commitment and hard work. Our Sailors and Marines stand the watch together, deterring our adversaries, extending power and presence on a global scale. No matter the platform you operate on, your presence is the cornerstone of our strength. Staying ready and relevant is our mission, and we couldn’t do it without you. Our greatest strength and strategic advantage will always be our people. Thank you to all our Sailors, civilians, families and veterans. It is an honor to be your #SECNAV78. Happy 247th Birthday, Navy!

Cadence and Guidon Competition: Day 3

The third and final day of our cadence and guidon competition as part of our 21st Annual CPO Heritage Days Event.

21st Annual CPO Heritage Days Event: Cadence & Guidon Competion

The live-stream of Day 1 of the cadence and guidon competition as part of our 21st Annual CPO Heritage Days Event at our museum ⬇️.

9/11 Tribute Video

September 11, 2001. American Airlines Flight 77 is hijacked by terrorists and hits the Pentagon, causing 184 fatalities. Specific to the Department of the Navy, the fatalities are: 33 military personnel, six civilians, and three contractors. American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 hit the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center, New York City. United Airlines Flight 93 goes down in Shanksville, Pa., after passengers engage the hijackers. The U.S. Navy remembers the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The three Amphibious Transport Dock ships, USS New York (LPD 21), USS Arlington (LPD 24) and USS Somerset (LPD 25), serve as a living tribute to the thousands of civilians and first responders who lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and the final resting place of United Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa. Video Credit: 210908-N-AH771-001, US Navy Video by PO2 Daniel Coxwest/Released

WAVES: A Mighty Force

On July 30, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Public Law 689 which created the Navy’s women reserve program, also known as the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). This authorized the U.S. Navy to accept women in the Naval Reserve as both commissioned officers and enlisted Sailors during WWII. This video takes a closer look at their service since then. Video Credit: 210325-N-DW433-0001, US Navy video by MC3 Angeles A. Miron/Released.

Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom, Family and Community

“I am the dream that my ancestors died, fought and cried for. And in everything I do, I remember that. Because I am always what they wanted to be,” remarks NCC Latonya Perossier in this video by Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs about Juneteenth. On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally received word that they were free from bondage. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation to establish June 19 as a federal holiday. A celebration of freedom, Juneteenth recognizes how far the nation and the U.S. Navy have come. Video Credit: 220607-N-TH560-632, US Navy Video by PO1 Jeannette Mullinax/Released.

Battle of Midway Newsreel

Shared from Naval History & Heritage Command Reminiscent of the time period's newsreels and artfully narrated, this video tells the story of the crucial moments during the Battle of Midway as U.S. Navy ships and our Sailors battle the Japanese for dominance in the Pacific during World War II.

Navy All Hands: D-Day and the Fall of Germany during WWII

Shared from Naval History & Heritage Command The video below explains the D-Day landings, which took place on 78 years ago on June 6, 1944 and the subsequent fall of Germany during WWII. Video Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Taylor Stinson via All Hands Magazine/Released.

Battle of Midway: June 1942

Shared from Naval History & Heritage Command June 1942: Believing the U.S. Pacific Fleet is on the verge of collapse, the Japanese hope another defeat will force the U.S. to quit the war. The Japanese plan to invade the small, strategic outpost of Midway Island, which, if taken, will allow them to threaten Hawaii directly. U.S. Navy cryptographers cracked the Japanese code, and Admiral Chester Nimitz knows their attack plan. In preparation, the U.S. Navy plans to ambush Japanese forces. The battle that follows is considered by many historians to be the most decisive engagement in modern naval warfare. Video Credit: 180530-N-OV434-001, US Navy Video by Daniel Garas/Released.

Ship 2 Shore: Battle of Midway

80 years ago, on June 4-6, 1942, The Battle of Midway forever changed the world. The U.S. Navy's decisive defeat of the Japanese showed the world the might of the aircraft carrier and advantage of naval air supremacy. Laura Orr, Director of Education our museum, Hampton Roads Naval Museum, takes us through the events of the Battle of Midway and recounts a story of dive bomber pilot Lt. j.g. Dusty Kleiss in this Ship2Shore originally produced by the Navy Office of Community Outreach - NAVCO Video Credit: 210604-N-PX867-001, US Navy Video by MC2 Justin Whitley/Released.

Midway: A Battle that Changed History

Shared from Naval History & Heritage Command The Battle of Midway was one of the most decisive actions of the war in the Pacific. Inspired leadership led the way for the fleet and all the Sailors, Marines, Army, and Airmen who contributed to our victory. (190424-N-D0437-807. Video by Robert Gensic: Navy Production Division - Defense Media Activity)

Monday, May 30, 2022, marks #MemorialDay. The day honors those brave servicemembers who perished while serving in the U.S. Military. It was originally known as Decoration Day and originated in the years following the Civil War. In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (Pub.L. 90–363, 82 Stat. 250), which formally established the last Monday in May as a federal holiday. While many of are out enjoying holiday weekend, let’s take a moment to pause and remember those who have fallen. Video Credit: 160525-N-RT381-001, #USNavy Video by Austin Rooney/Released.

U.S. Navy Sailor Mother and Deployed Son: AAPI Heritage Month

“She is always making sure I’m taking care of myself mentally, physically and emotionally. She provides that sailor to sailor mentorship and mother to son love as well,” said HM3 Sean Villanueva, who was deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti in 2021. At the time, he was describing the connections that he maintained with his mother, HM1 Ligaya Villanueva, who was stationed at the Naval Branch Health Clinic San Diego while the two were thousands of miles apart in this touching Mother’s Day video segment. Video Credit: 210504-N-RF885-1000, US Navy Video by MC1 Natalia Murillo/Released.

AAPI Heritage Month: Gordon Nakagawa

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, and with this series of short profile videos, we remember some of the "firsts" in the United States Navy. Gordon Ross Nakagawa served in the Vietnam War, flying the A-6 Intruder. In 1972, his plane was shot down and he was taken prisoner by the North Vietnamese, eventually imprisoned at the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Learn more about Nakagawa and his accomplishments in this video. Additional naval history content can be found on our museum YouTube page here: http://ow.ly/5n1w50ECwp9

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month: U.S. Navy All Hands Update

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a rich heritage thousands of years old and have both shaped the history of the United States and had their lives dramatically influenced by moments in its history, including their proud service to the U.S. Navy. Video Credit: 190502-O-WO545-146, US Navy Video by Kevin Dawson/Released.

Operation Frequent Wind: Dave Meister-Oral History

On April 28, 1975, a CIA dispatch from the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, South Vietnam read, in-part, as follows: “Saigon is now directly threatened by Communist forces. Sapper attacks began on the edges of the Capital on April 28. The Communists are placing artillery on all sides of the Capital and will be able to shell specific targets with great accuracy and destruction.” The next day, on April 29, 1975, Commander, Task Force 76 received the order to execute “Operation Frequent Wind.” This was the evacuation of U.S. Personnel and Vietnamese civilians who might suffer because of their past service to the allied effort during the #VietnamWar. In this oral history segment, captured for our exhibit about U.S. Navy in the Vietnam War , Dave Meister, a Sailor aboard USS Midway describes efforts to make room for more evacuees during “Operation Frequent Wind.”

April 23, 1989: USS Iowa (BB-61) returns to Naval Station Norfolk

“Many of the returning Iowa seamen wore black arm bands. For their families, this was a day of joy tinged with relief,” recounts news broadcaster Bob Carlo with National News Network. He was reporting pier side at Naval Station Norfolk on April 23, 1989 as the damaged USS Iowa (BB-61) returned to its homeport. Just four days prior, on April 19, 1989, an explosion ripped through Iowa’s Number Two gun turret which claimed the lives of 47 Sailors. At the time, Iowa was preparing for live fire training off the coast of Puerto Rico. This archived newsreel from QTQ Channel 9 in Brisbane, Australia provides a brief synopsis of the incident; and shows Iowa returning home to Naval Station Norfolk.

USS Missouri Gun Barrel: Earth day at Eastern Shore NWR

“Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries," said then President Jimmy Carter. As we celebrate Earth Day, which falls on April 22, 2022, we wanted to bring you some local history that also touches on the outdoors. The former Fort John Custis, which is now the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge in Northampton County on our Eastern Shore is home to a piece of #navalhistory. In this local history spotlight, Museum Educator Zach Smyers looks at one of the gun barrels from Iowa-Class Battleship, USS Missouri (BB 63). The gun barrel sits inside a concrete gun bunker and is a reminder of the former installation's role. Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR is part of the larger Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and is a gem of outdoor recreation, a birding hotspot, and one of the many reasons to VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia

78 years ago, on April 16, 1944, Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64) was commissioned. In continuing a previous tradition, Wisconsin received a detailed silver service from the people of the State of Wisconsin just prior to the commissioning. "Regardless of the source, silver sets are highly treasured, displayed, and often used for special occasions by the ships that receive them. No matter what purpose it was used for, presentation silver still carries on a significant and important tradition in today's Navy," writes Lori Schel, in an archived blog dated August 17, 2017 for the Navy Supply Systems Command. Wisconsin's silver service is on display just outside our museum, in a display case leading up to the second floor of the Nauticus building.

Month of the Military Child

“Military children, both youth and teenagers, are strong and they set examples for their friends, their neighbors, and their local communities on how to make personal sacrifices in the service of the collective good,” said Linda Gilday, the wife of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday, in the video posted here. The month of April celebrates the 35th Anniversary of “The Month of the Military Child.” It is part of the legacy of former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, who established the month-long Department of Defense commemoration in 1986. Video credit: 200428-N-BB269-1003, US Navy Video by Petty Officer First Class Raymond Diaz, III/Released.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day Video-2

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is celebrated yearly on March 29th, and is a time to remember, recognize and thank our Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices during one of the longest wars in our country's history. Around the country, commemorative events and speeches are being held inviting Vietnam Veterans as honored guests. Join our museum tomorrow, Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 11:45am for our free Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration. Our event is open to the general public, area servicemembers and veterans. More information about our event can be found here: https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/hrnm/news-and-events/Events/VietnamWarVeteransDayCommemorationMarch292022.html