Programs and Activities

Councils

The Navy League of the United States includes a network of more than 260 councils throughout the U.S. and around the world. Councils offer members the opportunity to become personally involved with the Navy League and to support the sea services in their local communities. The grassroots strength of its councils enables the Navy League to offer broad support through:

• Port welcomes and celebrations for ships
• Hosting ship commissioning ceremonies "Adopting" ships, units and installations
• Direct assistance to sea service families Awards for exceptional service to active duty personnel Sponsorship of Sea Cadet units, offering leadership and training for youth 11-17
• Educational seminars for Navy League members and citizens

Advocacy - The Navy League serves as a public voice for the sea service community. It brings many military and veterans' service organizations together for mutual achievement of goals regarding legislative, regulatory and educational concerns vital to the sea services. It is committed to educating members of Congress about the needs of the sea services and how they impact U.S. national security and the global economy. Navy League staff and members regularly visit Congressional representatives and their staffs as well as sponsor receptions and briefings to provide information on current maritime issues. Navy League Congressional Maritime Week is sponsored annually during Memorial Day week.

Seapower magazine - With its mix of interviews, columns, and feature articles written by internationally acclaimed experts, Seapower magazine is the only audited monthly publication to focus exclusively on the nation's naval and maritime defense priorities. The Almanac of Seapower, published in January is one of the most informative and highly read reference publications relating to the U.S. sea services. It combines comprehensive current data on the ships, aircraft, weapons, communications systems, oceanographic programs and support equipment of the U.S. sea services with authoritative commentaries and analyses of defense policies and programs. Seapower and the Almanac of Seapower are read closely by decision-makers for their in-depth coverage of current operations, major acquisition programs, defense-industrial issues, and the latest sea service developments. The Editor-in-Chief can be reached at Navy League Headquarters at 703-528-1775.

Sea-Air-Space - The largest and longest-running maritime trade show in the world, Exposition this annual Spring exposition is held in Washington, D.C., showcasing 21st century seapower technologies to sea services personnel, members of Congress, defense analysts, and journalists. In addition, speeches and seminars offer senior members of the sea services the opportunity to share perspectives about the challenges their services face.

Awards - Two national awards sponsored by the Navy League are presented annually at the Sea-Air-Space Exposition. The Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Award is presented to the individual, or organization who has made an exemplary contribution to U.S. maritime strength. The Albert A Michelson Award is presented to the civilian scientist whose scientific or technical achievement has resulted in significant improvement or enhancement of the U.S. industrial technology base.

National Scholarship Foundation - The Navy League understands the importance of education and annually awards more than $200,000 in scholarships and awards. The 501(c)(3) foundation was established to expand the number of scholarships awarded annually. Recipients must be from sea service families, U.S. citizens and demonstrate both financial need and academic achievement.

Naval Sea Cadet Corps - A nationwide youth development program aimed at youth ages 13-17 that teaches leadership skills. A junior program, the Navy League Cadet Corps, is designed for youth ages 11-13. About 300 Naval Sea/Navy League Cadet units operate in nearly every state as well as Puerto Rico and Guam, numbering about 10,000 youth. This civilian youth training and educational nonprofit program functions as a separate entity sponsored by the Navy League. Students have the opportunity to train on ships and at installations, in areas as varied as medical training, SEABEE training, FAA Ground School and flight training, and submarine orientation, as well as to participate in an international cadet exchange program. (See Sea Cadet insert in this media kit for additional information).

Special Programs - The Navy League takes on special initiatives where needed and appropriate. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, the Navy League created the LifeRing Fund to collect financial donations for DOD personnel and their families who were directly or indirectly affected by the attacks.