THE NAVY LEAGUE came into being as the result of a meeting of Navy supporters held in
New York on November 5, 1902. The purpose of the League would be "...to enlighten the
people...on naval matters and tell them what a navy means to the country -- and what it
ought to mean to them."
Two weeks later, a committee had been formed, a constitution drafted -- and on December,
29, the League's certificate of incorporation was filed in Albany, New York. The Navy
League of the United States was born.
As stated in the first edition of the Navy League Journal, predecessor of today's
SEA POWER magazine, it was the League's resolve to never formulate specific needs for the
Navy in the way of ship types or force levels, but rather to educate the people on the
importance of sea power. The Navy League has always embraced the philosophy of Alfred Thayer
Mahan--and Theodore Roosevelt, who was instrumental in the establishment of the League--
that a strong navy is the most cost effective means of ensuring peace.
The Navy League is unique among military-oriented associations in that it is a civilian
organization dedicated to (1) the education of our citizens, including our elected officials,
and (2) the support of the men and women of the sea services and their families. To this end,
the Navy League works closely with the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S.-flag merchant
Marine through a network of nearly 350 councils in the United States and overseas. The league
has nearly 72,000 individual members--people who are just like you.
Individual Navy League Councils are involved in a variety of activities ranging from seminars
and speaker programs to scholarship programs and a wide range of family support services for
the military units located in their vicinities. Many Councils participate in awards programs
by which outstanding Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel are recognized for their
achievements. Some Councils have adopted ships and shore stations; others have planned,
executed, and underwritten the ceremonies connected with the commissioning of new Navy ships.
Recognizing that the youth of today will be the leaders of tomorrow, the Navy League has
developed a very effective and results-oriented youth programs, which includes support of the
U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and the Navy League Scholarship Program.
To keep Navy League members and the public informed about new developments shaping our Navy,
Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine, the Navy League publishes SEA POWER
Magazine and the ALMANAC OF SEAPOWER. Subscriptions to both are included in your Navy League
membership--at no additional cost.
We are leased to invite you to join us. It will be our honor to welcome you as a fellow member,
and we are sure you will take equal pride in belonging to the NAVY LEAGUE or the UNITED STATES.
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