Developed in 2022, the Navy Memorial Sea Service Speaker Series provides opportunities for Sea Service Veterans and Historians to engage communities across the country by sharing compelling stories that Honor, Recognize, and Celebrate the men and women of the Sea Services, while informing the public about their service and legacy.

The Navy Memorial Education Department supports a team of speakers recognized for their educational scholarship, original research, and personal connections to the subjects they present. These speakers bring depth, expertise, and authenticity to each engagement.

Navy Memorial Educational Speakers have presented to diverse audiences, including military and Veteran organizations, colleges and universities, public schools, Veteran reunions, and community groups nationwide. Each of our Sea Service Speakers are also part of our Stories of Service Program, visiting reunions and interviewing Veterans.

It is common for our speakers to be interviewing during the day, then presenting at a reunion banquet or at local libraries and schools.

Featured Presentations:

Presentation Title: Service on the Presidential Yacht, the USS Sequoia AG-23

This presentation features the experiences of BM2 Lewis Graham who served on the USS Sequoia during the Cold War. Learn the history of the Presidential Yacht, its capabilities, the additional ships that supported the USS Sequoia, and a behind the scenes look at the Presidency at sea. The USS Sequoia was a wooden luxury motor yacht built in 1925 that became one of the most iconic symbols of presidential leisure and diplomacy. Originally constructed for private use, she was acquired by the U.S. Navy in 1933 and served as the official presidential yacht for eight presidents, from Herbert Hoover through Jimmy Carter. Aboard Sequoia, presidents hosted foreign leaders, held cabinet meetings, and made key decisions in a relaxed but secure setting. Retired from presidential service in 1977, the yacht remains a historically significant artifact, representing a unique blend of American naval craftsmanship, diplomacy, and presidential history.

Presented by BM2 Lewis Graham

Presentation Title: World War II Battle History of the USS Missouri and Reflections of Tokyo Bay. Learn the story of a battleship officer who commissioned during the height of World War II and whose service on the Mighty Mo would shape his life. 

Presented by Mr. Blane Ampthor, sharing the experiences of his Father, World War II, USS Missouri Veteran, Ensign Francis Ampthor.

Presentation Title: USS Enterprise: America's Most Decorated Warship of World War II. Learn the inspiring story of the USS Enterprise CV-6, her brave crew, and battle history during World War II. Key perspectives are focused on including the stories of crew members, the ship’s military legacy, television impact, and even a rental car company.

Presented by Mr. Blane Ampthor

Presentation Title: Between Pearl Harbor and Midway: Turning Defeat Into Victory in the Pacific During World War II. Learn more about the first six months of the Pacific War through the experiences of those who were there. The presentation begins with a reflection of the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor and fighting that ensued during the Pacific Theater which would lead to the turning point at the Battle of Midway.

Presented by Mr. Blane Ampthor

Presentation Title: Guadalcanal: A Turning Point of the Pacific Theater in World War II. This presentation features a high-level look at the air, land and sea aspects of this critical campaign which put the Japanese on the defensive for the first time in the war and enabled the U.S. to fully go on the offensive; vivid descriptions of battles and conditions on the island as well as selected profiles of the Medal of Honor recipients highlight the human aspect of this campaign.

Presented by Mr. Blane Ampthor

Presentation Title: Behind the Headstones: Amazing Stories of Heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. This presentation profiles individuals who achieved remarkable things during their military career and in some cases, equally impressive accomplishments in civilian life; most names are not well known but a few people will be recognized by most listeners; this presentation has two parts which can be presented separately.

Presented by Mr. Blane Ampthor

Presentation Title: Behind the Headstones: Amazing Stories of Heroes at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. This presentation profiles individuals, some of them native Texans, who achieved remarkable things during their military career and in some cases, equally impressive accomplishments in civilian life; most names are not well known but a few people may be recognized by some listeners; this presentation focuses on those buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Presented by Mr. Blane Ampthor

Presentation Title: 'USS Houston CA-30/POW Experience': World War II battle history of the USS Houston CA-30. From the sinking, 'Hell Ship' journey's, survivor's POW experiences including those forced to help build the 'Burma-Thailand Death Railway' depicted in the epic war movie titled 'Bridge on the River Kwai', through to their liberation and life thereafter.

Presentation by Mr. John Schwarz, Executive Director, USS Houston (CA-30) Survivors’ Association and Next Generations. This presentation brings the past to life and will vividly share the eye-witness account and experience of USS Houston Survivor, Hell Ship Survivor, POW, Death Railway Survivor, and World War II Veteran, Otto C. Schwarz, the Father of John Schwarz.

For more information about each of our speakers in addition those featured on this page, contact Education@navymemorial.org.