Naval History & Heritage Command

Today is the final day of !

It has been an incredible week celebrating with the Big Easy. We are once again set up at the Julia Street Cruise Terminal (right outside USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3).

Join us today from 0900 to 1400 to explore the deep connections between the state of Louisiana, the City of New Orleans, and our nation’s naval history before we head out!

Don't miss your last chance to see our displays and speak with our outreach team.

Thank you New Orleans!

📸: USS Farragut (DDG-99) arrives to the Julia Street Cruise Terminal in New Orlleans officially kicking off Navy Week New Orleans 2022 April 18. (U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Micah Blechner)

in 1944, a devastatingly successful submarine patrol ended in profound tragedy. The U.S. Navy submarines USS Barb (SS-220) and USS Herring (SS-233) combined forces to achieve an incredible feat: sinking all five ships of a Japanese convoy off Matsuwa in the Kurile Islands. However, the triumph was short-lived. The very next morning, after sinking the Japanese freighter Hiburi Maru, the USS Herring was fatally struck by enemy shore batteries and lost with all hands. Today, we honor the extraordinary combat success of both crews and solemnly remember the brave submariners of the USS Herring who remain on eternal patrol.

in 1861, the course of naval warfare was forever altered. Confederate forces raised the steam frigate Merrimack, which had been scuttled and burned by Union forces as they abandoned the Norfolk Navy Yard. Recognizing the potential of the salvaged hull and machinery, Lt. John Mercer Brooke received orders on June 10 to design a revolutionary ironclad from the remains, with construction officially beginning on June 23. This resurrected vessel would eventually become the CSS Virginia, setting the stage for the first clash of the ironclads and the end of the wooden ship era.

"Awaiting Convoy" is an by William F. Draper and it depicts sailors watching the convoy of ships in a harbor - and it's our chosen piece of for !

Against the perpetually beautiful background of snow and ice and water, the grim business of war goes on. Here merchantmen and freighters await a convoy es**rt in the protected waters of Dutch Harbor.

New Orleans is world-famous for its legendary music, and today we’re bringing a bit of Navy rhythm to the mix!

Our outreach team is joining the Navy Band Southeast at the National Park Service visitors center in the French Quarter of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

Whether you’re a history buff or a music lover, join us to explore the shared history of American music and the U.S. Navy. We’ll see you in the French Quarter!

https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=88F61FC6-AC6C-3739-337CDE1F48069881

📸: U.S. Navy Musician 2nd Class Benjamin Deangelis, attached to Southeast, performs at Washington Artillery park in New Orleans during Navy Week New Orleans April 18, 2022. (U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Micah Blechner)

in 1945, during the fierce Battle of Okinawa, the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Drexler (DD-741) fought valiantly against relentless aerial assaults. After being struck by a kamikaze su***de plane, her crew bravely remained at their stations, continuing to fire upon the enemy. Tragically, a second su***de plane struck the ship's superstructure, causing a massive explosion. The Drexler rolled over and sank in less than a minute. Today, we solemnly honor the 168 sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice and the 52 who were wounded during this devastating attack. Their unyielding heroism under fire will never be forgotten.

It may not be Mardi Gras, but it is Sail250 New Orleans!

This week, our outreach team is in New Orleans, Louisiana, commemorating 250 years of American and Navy history in the region. You can find us at the National Park Service’s French Quarter visitors center and the Julia Street Terminal, where we have a static display detailing our Navy’s history.

Come join us in exploring the vast connections of the state of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans to our nation’s history!



Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

in 1944, a major amphibious operation advanced the Allied island-hopping campaign in the Pacific Theater. Task Force 77, under the command of Rear Admiral William M. Fechteler, successfully landed U.S. Army troops on Biak in the Schouten Islands off the coast of New Guinea. This crucial joint operation was launched to secure vital airfields and push the Allies one step closer to the Philippines.
A true testament to Navy-Army teamwork and strategic coordination during WWII!
📸:Near Biak, New Guinea. Handling Mk. 13 torpedos at the base torpedo dump circa summer 1944.

in 1954, the U.S. Navy suffered a devastating tragedy in the North Atlantic. While conducting flight operations, the aircraft carrier USS Bennington (CVA-20) experienced a catastrophic catapult explosion. The disaster claimed the lives of 103 crew members and embarked air group personnel, while injuring 201 others. Today, we pause to honor the incredible bravery of the damage control teams who responded to the crisis, and we solemnly remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

On Memorial Day, the National Museum of the United States Navy pays a special honor to the Navy Sailors – and all men and women of the armed forces – who died while serving our country. The Lone Sailor is a sculptural tribute to all the personnel of the sea services and is a great reminder that Memorial Day honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice. To those sailors, we say, “Fair winds and following seas.”

And to all of you traveling to Baltimore this summer, we invite you to join us in a celebration of the Sailor through the storied 250-year history of the United States Navy.

Navy 250: The Legacy, is opening June 24 at the in the Inner Harbor, conveniently located next to the historic ships. The exhibit showcases how ordinary individuals have consistently risen to meet the moment in extraordinary times.

June 24 also marks the launch of the momentous “Fleet + Flight” festival, occurring June 24–30. A fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military vessels is sailing into Baltimore as part of Sail250® America, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding and the brave citizens that have served. Baltimore is the only Sail250 port where ships and aircraft will converge, featuring performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels on June 27 and 28, weather permitting.

📸: The Lone Sailor, a 1987 bronze sculpture by Stanley Bleifeld, being prepared for shipping.