Naval History and Heritage Command

In November 2016, Director Cox initiated a series of "H-grams." Inspired by the late Admiral Zumwalt’s series of Z-grams used to communicate with Sailors throughout the Navy, H-grams are an avenue by which NHHC provides significant historical context to aid today’s decision-makers. H-grams and associated attachments reflect Director Cox’s personal assessment, aided by NHHC historians, of significant events in U.S. Navy history. Each H-gram draws on archival material, historic imagery, and written and oral history. In addition to the H-grams reproduced here, you’ll find links to Director Cox’s regular contributions to The Sextant, NHHC’s blog. The linked content explores a variety of topics, but consistently emphasizes the importance of honoring the service of Sailors throughout history and understanding the relevance of the past to today’s Navy.

Director Sam Cox's H-Gram 060 covers the 100th anniversary of the disappearance of fleet tug USS Conestoga (AT-54), one of the greatest maritime mysteries of the 20th century, and provides a summary of all 27 U.S. Navy ships and submarines lost with all hands due to weather and accident. Also covered is the recent positive identification of the wreck of destroyer USS Johnston (DD-557), the deepest shipwreck ever found. Johnston was lost in particularly heroic action during the Battle off Samar in October 1944. Finally, Director Cox notes the passing of the last known survivor of the Medal of Honor crew of the World War II submarine USS Barb (SS-220).

Click the links below to access previously issued H-grams, blogs, and memorial tributes from Director Cox. For biographical information and text of speeches given by Director Cox, please see his biography page.

• H-Grams
• Blogs
• In Memoriam