Naval History and Heritage Command
On 23 October 1944, the 3-day Battle of Leyte Gulf began–the largest naval battle in modern history.
Learn More >>
Learn More >>
On 22 October 1962, President John F. Kennedy orders a surface blockade of Cuba to prevent Soviet offensive weapons from reaching Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Learn More >>
Learn More >>
LCDR John S. McCain III was shot down and taken prisoner on 26 October 1967, on his 23rd mission in Vietnam. McCain would be released with 591 other POWs in 1973, after 5-1/2 years of brutal captivity.
Learn More >>
Learn More >>
Welcome to Navy History Matters−our weekly compilation of articles, commentaries, and blogs related to Navy history and heritage.
Learn More >>
Learn More >>
Find
Ship Histories
Ship Histories
Find
Ship Histories
Ship Histories
Compiled like an encyclopedia, the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS) is a historical listing of U.S. naval ships. Learn about the DANFS ship of the week, Ethan Allen (SSBN-608).
Life in the Navy:
Plank Owner
Plank Owner
Life in the Navy:
Plank Owner
Plank Owner
A "plank owner" is an individual who was a member of the crew of a ship when that ship was placed in commission.
Check Out
Art Exhibits
Art Exhibits
Check Out
Art Exhibits
Art Exhibits
From undersea to outer space, follow the Navy through history with highlights from our art collection.
In the Library:
“ADMIRAL SCHEER”
“ADMIRAL SCHEER”
In the Library:
“ADMIRAL SCHEER”
“ADMIRAL SCHEER”
OPERATIONS OF THE “ADMIRAL SCHEER” IN THE ATLANTIC AND INDIAN OCEANS, 23 October, 1940 - 1 April, 1941
Research
Archival Records
Archival Records
Research
Archival Records
Archival Records
Interested in the Navy's operational history? NHHC archivists catalog reams of documents, including deck logs, organizational records, and command operations reports.
View
Historic Photos
Historic Photos
View
Historic Photos
Historic Photos
Find images from throughout naval history in our growing online photo collection.
