Mission and Purpose

Since its founding in 1902 with the enthusiastic support of former President Theodore Roosevelt, the Navy League has promoted the need for strength in American sea power. As Assistant Secretary of the Navy and recipient of both the Nobel Peace Prize and Congressional Medal of Honor, Roosevelt fully understood that superior sea power sustains peace and is a deterrent to war. The Navy League has grown from these roots to become the foremost citizens' organization to serve, support and stand with all U.S. sea services-the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. Decade after decade, the Navy League has demonstrated its leadership in advocating superior sea power to safeguard U.S. national security, protect American economic interests, and ensure freedom of the seas.

The Navy League's dual missions are to provide support to the men and women of the sea services and their families, and to inform American citizens and Congress about critical maritime issues. Our members are the nation's watchdogs for the sea services and track issues regarding military preparedness, modernization, and all other matters relative to maintaining U.S. strength at sea. Additionally, we conduct educational programs about the needs of America's maritime services and the people who serve in them. The Navy League also promotes a safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound U.S. maritime transportation system to meet national security needs, and enhance our quality of life and economic prosperity. With oceans bordering its east, west and southern coasts, the U.S. is a maritime nation. Maritime issues impact every American in vital arenas: national security, delivery of products in a global economy, protection of natural resources and marine environment, curbing the influx of drugs and illegal immigrants, boating safety issues and more. Our U.S. sea services maintain and protect our security, economy, freedom and safety, essential to the American way of life. With a network of more than 330 councils representing more than 75,000 members around the globe, the Navy League provides support to active duty personnel and families of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine in many ways: through the "adoption" of ships, installations and units to maintain and boost morale; sponsoring awards and recognition programs; hosting welcome home and holiday celebrations; providing assistance to families; and sponsoring other programs worldwide demonstrating heartfelt appreciation, care and concern.

Decades ago, the Navy League established the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC), a youth development program for training America's future leaders. It continues to support the NSCC, now with more than 10,000 cadets in units around the world. The Navy League-a global force of support for the sea services.