us navy photo by mass comm. specialist 1st class chad runge
went into effect requiring midshipmen to study at the Academy for four years and to train aboard ships each summer. As the US Navy grew over the years, the Academy expanded, the campus increased to 338 acres, and the student body grew to a brigade size of 4,000. Eventually modern granite buildings replaced the old wooden structures of Fort Severn. The entire campus, known as “the Yard,” is a National Historic Landmark and home to many historic sites, buildings, and monuments, including the tomb of John Paul Jones. The development of the United States Naval Academy reflects the history of the country; as America has changed culturally and technologically, so has the Naval Academy. The Navy moved from a fleet of sail and steam-powered ships to a high-tech fleet with nuclear-powered submarines and surface ships and supersonic aircraft. The Academy has evolved as well, US Naval Academy Varsity Offshore Sailing Team (VOST) practicing giving midshipmen state-of- the-art academic and professional for an upcoming regatta. VOST provides an ideal platform for teamtraining and opportunities they need to be effective naval ofbuilding, development of seamanship and small unit leadership skills. ficers in their future careers. The Naval Academy also provides an exceptional training for our future leaders, introducing midshipmen to a range of skills and preparing them for a life of service, readying them to contribute as professionals in a variety of arenas—military, government, or the private sector. To date, more than 26 graduates have served in the US Congress, and more than 900 are noted scholars from a variety of academic fields, including 52 Rhodes scholars. Distinguished graduates include two Nobel prize winners, 54 astronauts, 73 Medal of Honor recipients, five state governors, and one US president.
Dave Yoho, veteran US merchant marine, will accept the award.
photo by jill johnston, courtesy jo geise
On the 245th anniversary of its founding, the US merchant marine— all those who have served to make our nation strong, will be collectively honored with the NMHS Distinguished Service Award. Dave Yoho, who served in the merchant marine in the Pacific during World War II, will accept the award. The flag of the merchant marine reads “In Peace and War,” which reflects the dual nature of our nation’s merchant marine to support trade during times of peace, and to act in a supporting role in times of war as a naval auxiliary to deliver troops and materiel. Months before the nation declared its independence, the Second Continental Congress authorized the creation of the Continental Navy on 13 October 1775. Constructing the first warships would take time, and in order to create an immediate force, Congress looked to the commercial docks of Philadelphia. American merchant ships and their mariners adopted the banColumbia River Bar Pilot Capt. Deb Dempsey ner of the Continental Navy, vessels were transformed into warships, men became sailors, and the merchant marine was formed. The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act, established the relationship between the merchant marine and the military, designed to ensure the operation of American ships on international routes and provide protection for the coastal trade. The Merchant Marine Act of 1936 provided “for the national defense... that the United States shall have a merchant marine of the best equipped and most suitable types of vessels sufficient to carry the greater portion of its commerce and serve as a naval or military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency....” During World War II the fleet was nationalized, and the US government controlled the cargo and the destinations, contracted with private
courtesy dave yoho
library of congress
US Merchant Marine
SEA HISTORY 170, SPRING 2020 11