US Navy Memorial

The official page of the United States Navy Memorial in DC. Home to Memorial Plaza, the Lone Sailor, and a Visitor Center. Learn more at navymemorial.org
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The US Navy Memorial is dedicated to educating the public about the maritime heritage of the United States and honoring the contribution of the members of the Sea Services --- Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine to that heritage.

07/25/2024

We are sad to share that tonight's Movie on the Memorial will be canceled due to inclement weather. We hope to see you next week for Top Gun!

07/24/2024

The Delbert D. Black National Chief's Mess has an interactive exhibit dedicated to naval ships named after Navy Chiefs.

This supports our objective to preserve the history of the Chief Petty Officer rank and to share with the public about the impact they've made in the Navy.

For the first time, we are making our interactive exhibits available in the National Chief's Mess portal in our CPO Heritage library, for our members who are history buffs or active-duty chiefs who are preparing for educational materials for the upcoming initiation season.

07/23/2024

Tonight's Concert on the Avenue will be canceled due to inclement weather. We hope to see you next week!

07/19/2024

He joined the Navy to see the world and was able to visit relatives in Italy during the Cold War. Listen how our was a Yeoman and also the Italian Interpreter for the USS Lloyd Thomas in 1962. Help us honor more Veterans at https://www.navymemorial.org/support-stories & visit https://www.youtube.com//videos

07/18/2024

Navy Chiefs have a special and unique role in the Navy. So much so, that we have an exhibit dedicated to honoring the Chiefs who made an impact on everyday lives. Many times, our dedications are often unknown to the Chief themselves until the National Chief’s Mess notifies them!

To a Chief, their day-to-day leadership may have felt like standard operating procedure, but to a sailor, she learned a standard of discipline, camaraderie, and professionalism.

Available to view online at www.navymemorial.org/honor-a-chief, we are incredibly proud of creating a platform where people can share personal stories and give people insight on the importance of Navy Chiefs!

07/17/2024

We can’t wait for tomorrow’s showing of Night at the Museum! Join us on the plaza at 8:20pm for our fourth Movie on the Memorial of the summer!

07/16/2024

ICYMI: the Concert on the Avenue tonight will be canceled due to extreme heat. Come by August 20th to see the Sea Chanters on the Navy Memorial Plaza

We hope to see you at the concert next week!

07/15/2024

Have you read our latest issue of the Lone Sailor Newsletter?

In the summer edition discover the updates and renovations in our Burke Theatre and the National Chief’s Mess! Hear about how Builder Chief Petty Officer (ret.) Richard Siek honors his wife, Andrea Lewis Siek, RN, on our Commemorative Plaque Wall. And learn more about the Navy Band’s number one fan, Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Clifford Pierce.

Check it out here: https://www.navymemorial.org/the-lone-sailor-newsletter

07/12/2024

Did you read our latest Veteran of the Month article honoring the service of Class of 1970 graduate, Lt. William Webb. Read his story and hear the past come to life at https://www.navymemorial.org/sotmjune-2024 and learn more about the battle of D**g Hoi and sea battle between the USS Sterett & North Vietnamese Missile Boats.

07/11/2024

MCPON Delbert D. Black was born on July 11, 1922 in Orr, Oklahoma. We celebrate MCPON Black’s legacy with our exhibit in the National Chief’s Mess which features one of our favorite items -- his personalized MCPON license plate! When he retired, MCPON Black and Ima settled down in Winter Park, Florida, but he continued to stay active in the Fleet Reserve Association, USO board of directors, and speaking to CPO Messes and sailors.

Happy 102nd Birthday MCPON Black!!

07/10/2024

Movies on the Memorial: National Treasure Thursday, July 11, 2024 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 20:00 21:00 U.S. Navy Memorial 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington United States (map) Google Calendar ICS

07/09/2024

Join us for a special edition Movie on the Memorial in collaboration with the National Archives Foundation this Thursday! We’ll be watching National Treasure right where the action happened!

Come by at 7:30 and bring your blankets and some snacks to enjoy this iconic DC film.

07/08/2024

We have been loving our Concerts on the Avenue this summer! We were honored that the The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro had a great time on the Plaza in the past weeks

Make your way down to our next concert with United States Navy Band US Navy Ceremonial Guard on July 16!

07/05/2024

Sit back, relax, and enjoy songs directly from the USS Missouri Band, recorded over 72 years ago during the Korean War. Hear the entire collection provided by Musician 2nd Class Mario Thumudo & read his inspiring story at https://www.navymemorial.org/sotmmarch-2024

07/04/2024

Happy Fourth of July from the Navy Memorial!

07/03/2024

Pre-order your 2024 Navy Memorial Challenge Coin today!

This year, we are proud to honor the 80th anniversary of decisive victory for the Allied forces in World War II, the Battle of Leyte Gulf. It was one of the greatest naval victories in U.S. history—and also resulted in some of the greatest losses: 23,313 service members sacrificed their lives to protect our freedoms and democracy. Order your coin here: https://www.navymemorial.org/coin-2024

07/01/2024

The creation and establishment of the MCPON office is a distinct and significant part of Navy history. “Laying the Keel” is an incredible series where we hear from the leaders who laid the keel. You can view the series here: https://www.navymemorial.org/mcpon-series

In the early 2000s, MCPON James Herdt tasked 1st Class Dave Luckett with interviewing the first MCPONs to tell the story in their own words how they transformed the office into the trusted and respected entity it is today. You’ll get to hear their personal stories about why they joined the navy, comment on events during their tenure, and their experiences and process of shaping policies that are still enacted in the Navy to this day.

06/26/2024

We had a great time at our first Movie on the Memorial last Thursday! Join us on the Plaza tomorrow evening for Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian at 8:15

06/25/2024

Did you know that MCPON Black went by his middle name in high school? According to his high school diploma, he is listed as Defrece Black! You can see his diploma in our National Chief’s Mess exhibit located inside the Navy Memorial Visitor’s Center in Washington, DC. Soon, our exhibits will be available to view online to the members of the Delbert D. Black National Chief’s Mess virtual platform.

06/24/2024

We have been loving our Concerts on the Avenue series with United States Navy Band US Navy Ceremonial Guard this summer! Join us tomorrow at 7:00pm on the Plaza for our fourth concert of the summer!

06/23/2024

Walking on sunshine while 7000 miles away from home. Listen to our Lieutenant James Kemp share the power of music while visiting Japan on the during the . View his story and thousands more at: https://ow.ly/cxnm50Snl7R

06/22/2024

Do you know the name of the last all gun . Listen to our to learn and hear more about the experiences of Lieutenant James Kemp who served on a destroyer and Aircraft Carrier during the . View his story and thousands more at: https://ow.ly/76Mh50SnkU5

06/21/2024

Our RD3 John Summers said it best when reflecting on his Vietnam War Service on the destroyer USSLloydThomas while reflecting on the brotherhood of shipmates and completing their mission with honor. Hear his story at: visit https://www.youtube.com//videos

06/21/2024

We are saddened to share that Master Chief William “Bill” Goines, the first African American Navy SEAL and 2023 Lone Sailor Award Recipient, passed away this week at the age of 88. The Navy Memorial is so thankful to Master Chief Goines for his service and leadership in the Navy.

06/20/2024

Calling all Chief-owned Businesses!!!! Did you know that as a member of the Delbert D. Black National Chief’s Mess, you can add your business to our CPO Business Directory?

As Chiefs, we are a small but mighty demographic, because if we are presented with the option to support our fellow Brothers and Sisters, we would proudly choose to do so. So, if you have a side business you want to promote, or have branched out to an entrepreneurial career path, join for free the first year of your membership to share your business with us today - https://www.navymemorial.org/chief-membership

The objective of our CPO Business Directory is to share a rare but impactful opportunity to promote your business by tapping into the built-in network we’ve created from our time in the Navy. Membership for the Delbert D. Black National Chief's Mess is exclusive to Active-Duty, Reserve, and Retired Navy or Coast Guard Chiefs.

06/20/2024

Today's the day! Join us tonight at 7:45 on the Plaza for Top Gun: Maverick

Summer is officially here! We are thrilled to announce our 2024 outdoor movie line up.

Join us Thursday evenings at dusk on the Memorial Plaza for viewings of Navy themed and DC based films!

June 20: Top Gun: Maverick
June 27: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
July 11: National Treasure
July 18: Night at the Museum
July 25: National Treasure: Book of Secrets
August 1: Fan’s Choice: Top Gun

06/20/2024

Celebrating Freedom! 🇺🇸

Today, the celebrates Juneteenth, a day celebrating freedom. 🙌
in 1865 - more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news, freeing 250,000 people still held in bo***ge.

06/18/2024

Today we celebrate the 19th birthday of our Lone Sailor Statue in Burlington, Vermont! The statue can be found on the picturesque Lake Champlain and rests on the former site of the U.S. Naval Reserve Center.

The Memorial commemorates Lake Champlain's significant naval history and honors all men and women who are serving and have served in the sea services.

Lake Champlain is also the site of two critical historic battles. Under the command of Commodore Benedict Arnold, the 1776 Battle of Valcour island had a profound impact on the outcome of the Revolutionary War. During the War of 1812, the U.S. again defended Lake Champlain against invasion from Great Britain in the Battle of Plattsburg Bay.

06/18/2024

06/13/2024

Don’t miss our first Movie on the Memorial next Thursday! We’re kicking things off with Top Gun: Maverick. Bring your chairs, blankets and snacks out to the Memorial Plaza at 8pm and join us to watch the best Navy movie!

Address

701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington D.C., DC
20004

Telephone

+12023800710

Website

http://www.navymemorial.org/

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Videos

He joined the Navy to see the world and was able to visit relatives in Italy during the Cold War. Listen how our #VetOfTheWeek was a Yeoman and also the Italian Interpreter for the USS Lloyd Thomas in 1962. Help us honor more Veterans at https://www.navymemorial.org/support-stories & visit https://www.youtube.com/@navymemorial/videos

Did you read our latest Veteran of the Month article honoring the service of @NavalAcademy Class of 1970 graduate, Lt. William Webb. Read his story and hear the past come to life at https://www.navymemorial.org/sotmjune-2024 and learn more about the battle of Dong Hoi and sea battle between the USS Sterett & North Vietnamese Missile Boats.

Learn More about our series "Laying the Keel"

The creation and establishment of the MCPON office is a distinct and significant part of Navy history. “Laying the Keel” is an incredible series where we hear from the leaders who laid the keel. You can view the series here: https://www.navymemorial.org/mcpon-series In the early 2000s, MCPON James Herdt tasked 1st Class Dave Luckett with interviewing the first MCPONs to tell the story in their own words how they transformed the office into the trusted and respected entity it is today. You’ll get to hear their personal stories about why they joined the navy, comment on events during their tenure, and their experiences and process of shaping policies that are still enacted in the Navy to this day.

Walking on sunshine while 7000 miles away from home. Listen to our #StoryOfTheWeek Lieutenant James Kemp share the power of music while visiting Japan on the #USSMidway during the #ColdWar. View his story and thousands more at: https://ow.ly/cxnm50Snl7R

Do you know the name of the last all gun @USNavy #Destroyer. Listen to our #StoryOfTheWeek to learn and hear more about the experiences of Lieutenant James Kemp who served on a destroyer and Aircraft Carrier during the #ColdWar. View his story and thousands more at: https://ow.ly/76Mh50SnkU5

Our #VetOfTheWeek RD3 John Summers said it best when reflecting on his Vietnam War Service on the destroyer USSLloydThomas while reflecting on the brotherhood of shipmates and completing their mission with honor. Hear his story at: visit https://www.youtube.com/@navymemorial/videos

A proud family tradition of service & words of wisdom from his Father led our #VeteranOfTheMonth, #Lieutenant Balog into the Navy. Lt. Balog graduated from Michigan State in 1969, became a Naval Officer, and served on the USS Lloyd Thomas during the Vietnam War. Hear more of his story at https://www.youtube.com/@navymemorial/videos

True leaders improve their surroundings for the betterment of those now and those walking in their footsteps. Our #StoryOfTheWeek, Master Chief Jodi Gittes did just that. Listen to her reflections and lessons learned when she became a #NavyChief. Help us preserve more stories and visit https://www.navymemorial.org/support-stories

What did you do after your #honeymoon? Our #VetOfTheWeek Lt. Moore went to sea on the USS Lloyd Thomas during the Vietnam War and oversaw the Deck Department, flew the Dash, was a Legal Officer, Assistant Weapons Officer, & more. Help us honor more Veterans at https://ow.ly/9OAT50RUaBW & visit https://ow.ly/PwY350RUaBV

YNC Marva Ferrington joined the Navy Reserve in 1984 and traveled the world while serving on a variety of assignments for over 25 years. Listen to her experiences exploring Europe while serving as a Yeoman. Watch her interview and more at: https://www.youtube.com/@navymemorial/videos

Did you know, this week, two U.S. Navy Captains & now NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Astronauts are scheduled to lift off in May of 2024, aboard the new The Boeing Company Starliner capsule? Our #StoryOfTheWeek, highlights the service history of Barry “Butch” Wilmore. Listen to his memories of visiting space and more. We wish Captain Wilmore and Captain Suni Williams fair winds and following seas on this historic mission!

From coastal bombardments during the Vietnam War to guarding the seas while the Cannikin nuclear weapons test, TMT3 Lukowski saw key aspects of the Cold War unfold before his eyes. Hear our #VeteranOfTheWeek. View his story & more: https://ow.ly/wNCF50RpAxY

Here's another sneak peek into the content in the National Chief's Mess allows us to share the history and heritage of Chief Petty Officers with our Members. This overview of the Navy Memorial's Chief's Bell, prominently located in the Delbert D. Black National Chief's Mess, was donated to us in commemoration of the centennial celebration of the Chief’s Birthday - Aptil 1, 1993. The bell was designed and cast by then HTC Kathleen Hansen, who later retired as a Command Master Chief. Watch below to learn more about how this bell is unique and a lasting tribute to all Chief Petty Officers. Membership to the National Chief's Mess is EXCLUSIVE ONLY to Active-Duty, Reserve, or Retired Navy and Coast Guard Chiefs. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/chief-membership #NavyChief #NavyPride

Coming from a small town in Kentucky, Lt. William Webb’s 1st time at sea was a memorable one on the USS Columbus CG 12. Listen to his experiences beginning at the Naval Academy Class of 1970 & service memories. Help us honor more Veterans @ https://www.navymemorial.org/support-stories

Did you know that as a member of the Delbert D. Black National Chief's Mess, you get full access to the Chief's Mess exhibits? No matter where you are, you can dive into our curated content for a fresh perspective on the rich history and enduring legacy of the #NavyChief. Today we are giving you a sneak peek into exclusive content below! Learn about the iconic Coin Rack build by the Chesapeake Brig’s woodshop and how they played a pivotal role in forging ties between the Navy Memorial and the Arlington National Cemetery. You will also uncover the fascinating story behind our collection of nearly 300 Challenge Coins from CPO Messes around the world. Members of the Chief's Mess can explore the photo gallery of the Coins in our collection. Membership to the National Chief's Mess is EXCLUSIVE ONLY to Active-Duty, Reserve, or Retired Navy and Coast Guard Chiefs. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/chief-membership

We are honored to announce the opening of the USS Lloyd Thomas Archive. Our Stories of Service Team visited the 2023 USS Lloyd Thomas Reunion and interviewed members of the crew. Listen to #VeteranOfTheWeek ETR2 Yunker of the USS Lloyd Thomas share how #Destroyer service is unlike any other. View more at: visit:https://ow.ly/4LGw50RfhaQ

Every year, the Navy Memorial and Chiefs' Messes around the world host birthday celebrations commemorating the anniversary of the establishment of the rank of Chief Petty Officer. April 1st is a day we honor, recognize, and celebrate the fundamental role they play in the United States Navy. Thank you to our event reception sponsors, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program and USAA, for our reception this year. We also extend our gratitude the Chiefs' Messes around the world who contributed photos and videos for our CPO Birthday exhibit housed within the National Chief's Mess. #NavyChief #NavyPride #CPOBirthday

Listen to our #VetOfTheWeek, Sergeant Walter Meislchn who served at Fort Hancock Operating Nike Missiles in Defense of the United States During the Cold War. https://ow.ly/7Z1150R9E8n or view his complete story at: https://ow.ly/YJWH50R9E8m

Did you see our March 2024 #StoryoftheMonth? Musician 2nd Mario Thumudo said it best, “Life has been a great ride, but the most important part of the ride has been with my Navy family. People can’t seem to fathom the bond of a group such as the members of Unit Band 183.” Hear recordings of the USS Missouri (SSN 780) band from over 72 years ago & read the story at https://ow.ly/UtNu50QZWiB

Shortcuts

Our Story

The mission of the United States Navy Memorial is to Honor, Recognize and Celebrate the men and women of the Sea Services, past, present and future; and to inform the public about their service.

The United States Navy Memorial is the triumph of a centuries-old dream for America’s Sea Services. When architect Pierre L'Enfant designed Washington, DC, he envisioned a memorial that would celebrate the rich heritage of the United States Navy, dating back to 1775 when a force of eight small wooden ships fought and won its first battle at sea.

L'Enfant's vision would be realized over two hundred years later. Navy legend and former Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Arleigh Burke decided there was enough “talk” about a Navy Memorial and that it was time to act. Burke and his Navy colleagues, including former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Tom Moore and former Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Elmo "Bud" Zumwalt worked together to form a non-profit organization called the “United States Navy Memorial Foundation” in the spring of 1977.

Under the leadership of Rear Admiral William Thompson, USN (Ret.), the United States Navy Memorial sought and received the blessing of Congress to construct a memorial on public land in the District of Columbia. A bill was introduced in the Senate and House in 1978 and was signed into law by President Carter – a U.S. Naval Academy graduate – in 1980. It would be built on the recently redeveloped Pennsylvania Avenue, also known as “America’s main street” for its prime location between the White House and Capitol Building.