Council History

Founded in 1902 at the encouragement of President Theodore Roosevelt, the Navy League of the United States is a civilian organization dedicated to the education of citizens about the importance of sea power. The Navy League supports three missions:

1. To enhance the morale of active duty service personnel and their families
2. To inform Congress and the American public on the importance of strong sea services
3. To support youth through programs such as Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Junior ROTC & Young Marines

The morale enhancement mission is accomplished through local council activities including the adoption of a particular ship (our council has adopted the USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), homeported at Kingsbay GA), family-centered gatherings & direct material/financial support.

The education aspect is completed through presentations to elected officials and local civic organizations which remind citizens that the United States is a maritime nation whose national economic and security interests are inextricably tied to the freedom of the seas.

Youth programs are strongly supported throughout the Navy League from national annual performance awards to local council member visits and financial assistance. Our council sponsors Chattanooga Sea Cadet Division as well as a Navy Junior ROTC unit at Howard High School.