Naval History and Heritage Command

Innovations in Navy lethality
In the past 241 years of Navy lethality. Here are the top 10 evolutionary innovations.
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In the past 241 years of Navy lethality. Here are the top 10 evolutionary innovations.
In the past 241 years of Navy lethality. Here are the top 10 evolutionary innovations.
PBR Lethality in Vietnam
Historian John Sherwood discusses the lethality of PBRs during the Vietnam War, explaining that the patrol boats demonstrated successful military adaptation of off-the-shelf technology.
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Historian John Sherwood discusses the lethality of PBRs during the Vietnam War, explaining that the patrol boats demonstrated successful military adaptation of off-the-shelf technology.
Historian John Sherwood discusses the lethality of PBRs during the Vietnam War, explaining that the patrol boats demonstrated successful military adaptation of off-the-shelf technology.
New to DANFS!
The Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS) is compiled like an encyclopedia by our historians. Each volume includes summaries of U.S. Navy ship histories. This week we are highlighting the USS Ward (Destroyer No. 139).
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The Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS) is compiled like an encyclopedia by our historians. Each volume includes summaries of U.S. Navy ship histories. This week we are highlighting the USS Ward (Destroyer No. 139).
The Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS) is compiled like an encyclopedia by our historians. Each volume includes summaries of U.S. Navy ship histories. This week we are highlighting the USS Ward (Destroyer No. 139).
NHHC Continues HQ Renovations
From June 2015 through 2016, improvements to NHHC's Washington Navy Yard headquarters facilities may affect visitor access and services.
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From June 2015 through 2016, improvements to NHHC's Washington Navy Yard headquarters facilities may affect visitor access and services.
From June 2015 through 2016, improvements to NHHC's Washington Navy Yard headquarters facilities may affect visitor access and services.
Spotlight on Heritage
History of Navy Ratings
The concept of rates, ratings, and other occupational entities to describe Sailors’ careers has undergone considerable change during the evolution of the rating structure. Click “Explore” to learn about the history of ratings from 1775-1969.
The concept of rates, ratings, and other occupational entities to describe Sailors’ careers has undergone considerable change during the evolution of the rating structure. Click “Explore” to learn about the history of ratings from 1775-1969.
Explore
A Resource for
Navy Veterans
We've put together a page to assist veterans looking for NHHC resource. Go here to find out how to access photos, deck logs, ship histories and more!
We've put together a page to assist veterans looking for NHHC resource. Go here to find out how to access photos, deck logs, ship histories and more!
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JANUARY
18
Today in History
1911 - The first aircraft landing onboard a ship takes place when pilot Eugene Ely lands onboard the armored cruiser USS Pennsylvania.
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Photograph of the NHHC Building
Visit NHHC
Browse our resources for planning your next visit.
Find
Ship Histories
Browse the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships to learn about ships from the earliest days of the Navy to the present.
Browse the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships to learn about ships from the earliest days of the Navy to the present.
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Learn About the
Ship of State
Did you know USS Constitution is crewed by active-duty U.S. Navy Sailors who share her story with visitors from around the world? Explore her history here!
Did you know USS Constitution is crewed by active-duty U.S. Navy Sailors who share her story with visitors from around the world? Explore her history here!
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Get To Know
Navy Heritage
Fascinated by Navy customs, traditions, awards, and ceremonies? Find out more here about the service's rich heritage.
Fascinated by Navy customs, traditions, awards, and ceremonies? Find out more here about the service's rich heritage.
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Research
Archival Records
Interested in the Navy's operational history? Learn about our Archives' holdings of records and personal papers.
Interested in the Navy's operational history? Learn about our Archives' holdings of records and personal papers.
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Check Out
Art Exhibits
From undersea to outer space, follow the Navy through history with highlights from our art collection.
From undersea to outer space, follow the Navy through history with highlights from our art collection.
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View
Historic Photos
Find images from throughout naval history in our growing online photo collection.
Find images from throughout naval history in our growing online photo collection.
Explore