Annual gathering recognizes members and supporters of the sea service community nationwide for their dedication and commitment to the U.S. Navy.

Active-duty Sailors recently returned from deployment joined senior Navy leaders, veterans, Medal of Honor recipients and supporters of the Sea Services at the United States Navy Memorial’s 2026 Lone Sailor Awards Dinner in Washington.

Sailors assigned to USS Cole, USS Stockdale, USS Forest Sherman, USS Sterett and USS Stethem were invited to attend as part of the Navy Memorial’s effort to connect the evening’s recognition of distinguished service with the men and women serving at sea today.

The United States Navy Memorial is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Lone Sailor Awards and Naval Heritage Award, recognizing individuals whose distinguished service and lifelong contributions embody the values, leadership, and spirit of the Sea Services. 

NBC4 Washington joined the United States Navy Memorial on Memorial Day for our annual Wreath Laying Ceremony honoring the men and women of the Sea Services who gave their lives in service to our nation.

In this segment, President & CEO Vice Admiral (Ret.) John B. Nowell Jr. reflects on the meaning of remembrance, the responsibility to carry forward the stories of the fallen, and why Memorial Day remains an important moment of national reflection.

Held on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., the United States Navy Memorial’s annual Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony brings together service members, veterans, families, and the public to honor those whose watch ended in defense of our freedoms.

The United States Navy Memorial is pleased to announce the appointment of four distinguished leaders for 2026 with deep ties to the Sea Services.

Vice Admiral (Ret.) John Nowell Jr. is interviewed by Jennifer London on the E Pluribus Unum Show.

MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Mayor Larry Dagen unveiled a rendering of the planned Lone Sailor Monument Plaza during a public presentation at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7175 in Millington, Feb. 11.

Millington officials are partnering with the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation and Navy League to create Tennessee’s first Lone Sailor Monument. Millington is home to the world’s largest inland naval base – Naval Support Activity Mid-South…

On 4 February 2026, leaders from the maritime, nuclear and energy sectors gathered at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., for CORE POWER’s largest U.S. summit to date, New Nuclear for Maritime: A New Era for the United States.

Written and directed by Steven Grayhm and produced by Matt Dallas, Sheepdog follows a decorated combat veteran 10 years after his last deployment as he confronts loss, survivor’s guilt and the search for post-traumatic growth. The film premiered in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Navy Memorial and Heritage Center, and is backed by the National Guard Association of the United States and the Code of Support Foundation.

At the United States Navy Memorial visitor’s center, bench sponsorship supports the organization's mission to honor, recognize, celebrate, and inform. As an added layer of connection to the cause, a local veteran crafts each teak memorial.

This feature spotlights the extraordinary things done by alumni in the Navy and Marine Corps and their unique, impactful achievements in the private sector and within their communities. Please send suggestions to jimmydebutts@usna.com.

The U.S. Navy Memorial is a “living and breathing” entity, according to Vice Admiral John B. Nowell Jr. ’84, USN (Ret.). The Washington, DC site far more than a memorial, Nowell said.

In celebration of the United States Navy’s 250th anniversary, Vice Admiral John B. Nowell Jr., USN (Ret.), President and CEO of the United States Navy Memorial, has directed Dr. Matt Fash and the education team to expand its Student Interview Program, a national initiative designed to preserve the stories of our Nation’s Sea Service heroes. This expansion will bring this extraordinary program across the country, enriching the educational experiences of students, teachers, and communities. 

“With the Navy celebrating its 250th anniversary and the Submarine Force marking 125 years, General Dynamics Electric Boat’s generous support has made it possible for us to present the Maritime Industrial Base as the centerpiece of our programs and events,” said VADM (Ret.) John Nowell Jr., President and CEO of the United States Navy Memorial.

Perryman is expected to take his new role next month in a ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington, the Navy said.

Johnson entered the U.S. Navy in November 1943 at Farragut Naval Station in Idaho, according to Johnson’s statement in the United States Navy Memorial Navy Log. After completing boot camp and Navy Electrician’s School, Johnson served on the USS Saratoga (CV-3) starting in June 1944.

In a powerful tribute to the legacy of America’s Sea Services, the United States Navy Memorial, in proud partnership with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, announces the launch of the Sea Service Film Festival—a national initiative celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States Navy and the 25th Anniversary of the Veterans History Project.

John and Chris have a great conversation with VADM (ret) John Nowell from the Navy Memorial. Our old boss breaks down the mission of the Memorial, talks about their outreach in DC and chats about the importance of philanthropy in supporting organizations like Navy Memorial....AND the Naval Academy. Admiral Nowell also gives some advice for new parents of the Class of 2029 and drops us a doozy of a sea story.

The United States Navy Memorial is pleased to announce Hope Baxter of College Station, Texas and Olivia Bussey of Rota, Spain as the recipients of the 2025 Navy Memorial Scholarship.

The United States Navy Memorial is proud to announce Admiral James G. Stavridis, USN (Ret.), and Charles "Chuck" F. Sams III as the recipients of the 2025 Lone Sailor Award.

Our President and CEO, Vice Admiral John B. Nowell Jr., USN (Ret.), stopped by Fox5 DC’s DMV Zone studio to highlight the U.S. Navy Memorial’s Summer Series—featuring our lively Concerts on the Avenue with the Navy Band and the our Movies on the Memorial.

Naval District Washington commemorated the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Midway with a wreath-laying ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial on June 4, 2025.

In “Touring the United States Navy Memorial,” television host and longtime supporter of the U.S. military Mike Rowe visits Washington, D.C., to honor America’s Sea Services.

Veteran Discovers Tribute to His Unit at U.S. Navy Memorial During Honor Flight

(Ret.) Vice Adm. John B. Nowell, Jr., the president and CEO of the memorial, said that the goal of the exhibit was partly to help visitors understand “what it takes to protect our freedom,” but also to give the public a sense of what kind of job opportunities are available to them if they want to serve in some way.

Representatives from across the submarine community and supporting partners gathered at the U.S. Navy Memorial on 24 April to recognize 125 years of the U.S. submarine force; honor the brave men and women who operate under the seas; and discuss how the U.S. Navy, including SSP, and its industry partners, will continue to combat current and long-term threats in today’s unprecedented security environment.

WMAL’s morning radio show “O’Connor and Company” interviewed Vice Admiral John Nowell Jr., USN (Ret) on January 7, 2025 about the Navy Memorial’s role in President Jimmy Carter’s State Funeral.