In a continuing effort to promote educational outreach the Sea Service Internship Program was established in the Summer of 2022. The Sea Service Internship advances the mission of the Navy Memorial to Honor, Recognize, and Celebrate the men and women of the Sea Services—past, present, and future—while informing the public about their enduring service and sacrifice. The internship brings together student leaders, educators, Veterans, and historians to learn from the past by preserving and sharing invaluable stories and lessons that enrich present and future generations.

Each year, a distinguished cohort of students and educators is selected based on demonstrated academic excellence, leadership within and beyond the classroom, consistent extracurricular achievement, and a strong commitment to honoring the service and contributions of our Nation’s Veterans. Participants are expected not only to meet high standards, but to actively engage, contribute, and lead with purpose.

The internship promotes meaningful dialogue focused on United States military history through an interdisciplinary approach grounded in historical preservation, education, and academic research. Through this experience, participants develop a deeper understanding of Sea Service history and its continuing impact on the past, present, and future.

Each summer, a select team of students and teacher chaperones who are members of the Navy Memorial Student Interview Program participates in an immersive week‑long experience in Washington, D.C. The program includes conducting oral history interviews, honoring those who served, meeting distinguished Veterans, engaging in discussions with historians, museum curators, and experts in the oral history field. Interns also learn how to curate historical artifacts, participate in living history experiences, explore historical collections of Sea Service-related history, and attend presentations through the Navy Memorial Educational Speaker Series and more.

Each year intern team is given a new designation:

2022: Squadron One

2023: Squadron Two

2024: Squadron Three

2025: Squadron Four

2026: Squadron Five

Beginning in 2026, the Navy Memorial announced an expansion initiative to pilot regional Sea Service Internship opportunities for Student Interview Program chapters, increasing access and engaging a broader number of Student Interview Program members.

For more information, contact Education@navymemorial.org.