Historic naval regulations and uniforms

Frequently Asked Questions

Navy Regulations and Historic Documents

This section presents transcribed copies of landmark documents governing all aspects of life in the Navy. Additional documents can be found under the chronological listings for Wars and Conflicts of the U.S. Navy.

Laws Relating to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps

Presidential Executive Orders

Executive Order 9981, Desegregation of the Armed Services, 26 July 1948

International Agreements

Destroyers for Bases Agreement
Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of the Armed Forces at Sea of August 12, 1949.

Navy Regulations

1775: Rules for the Regulation of the Navy of the United Colonies of North-America
1794: A Short Account of the Several General Duties of Officers of Ships of War, by Capt. Thomas Truxtun
1814: Navy Regulations
1932: Articles for the Government of the United States Navy (article about "Rocks and Shoals")

Navy General Orders

1846, February 18: Port and Starboard
1863, January 14: Emancipation Proclamation
1911, December 6: Definitions of Certain Naval Terms
1913, May 5: Left and Right in Orders Governing the Rudder
1914, June 1: Prohibition in the Navy
1915, January 20: Khaki Dye for White Undress Uniforms
1917, May 12: Identification Tags ("Dog Tags")
1919, March 15: Observance of the Sabbath Day
1927, November 30: Precedence of the Naval Reserve in Parades
1934, March 21: Alcoholic Liquors
1935, May 13: Precedence of Forces in Parades

A Brief History of Civilian Personnel in the U.S. Navy Department

Historic Documents Relating to African-Americans in the U.S. Navy

Historic Documents Relating to Women in the U.S. Navy

Old Ironsides' Battle Record: Documents of USS Constitution's Illustrious Deeds