The Submarine Forces' 125th Birthday celebration was held on April 4th for enlisted and 5th for officers. Too many to celebrate both the same night! What fun over 2 days, celebrating our silent service. All had an enjoyable time, and I can assure you that at the balls they were anything but silent!!

On a historic note, the Submarine Force was established in 1900, the Pacific Submarine Force was established in World War II, and the Pacific Submarine Force came to Hawaii in 1914 when four F-class boats were towed from San Francisco to Honolulu. 

Submarines have certainly evolved from the original Bushnell Turtle design and diesel engines to today’s nuclear-powered boats. They are the finest submarines in the world, manned by the most professional Sailors, and the Pacific Submarine Force will continue to ensure America’s critical access to the world’s ocean trade routes, provide credible defense against any hostile maritime forces, and project power from the sea to the shore when needed. "Happy Birthday Submariners"

On April 11, the University of Hawaiʻi Navy ROTC Department held its Annual Spring Awards Ceremony, honoring the achievements and dedication of its outstanding Midshipmen.

Admiral Stephen T. Koehler, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, was the keynote speaker and delivered an inspiring address to the Class of 2025, offering meaningful reflections and guidance as they prepare for their future roles in the Navy and Marine Corps.

The Honolulu Council proudly awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Midshipman Ethan Dome in recognition of his academic and leadership excellence. In addition, Council Board Member Coby Sillers presented the prestigious “Marine Honor Graduate” award to Midshipman First Class Dylan Kealohamauloa Yamaguchi. As part of the honor, MIDN Yamaguchi who also received a Marine Officer's Mameluke Sword - a traditional symbol of leadership.

The Honolulu Navy League was selected as one of 40 recipient of Boutiki’s 2024–2025 grant program! We were awarded a $1,500 grant to help support our ongoing initiatives and continue our mission to “serve those who serve.”

Boutiki is a true treasure in our community, offering a unique selection of Hawaiian gifts, tropical home décor, beach-themed jewelry and 100% of their profits go right back into supporting military-serving organizations like ours.

Mahaol Boutiki for your longstanding dedication to the military community.

The Public Affairs Office of Navy Region Hawaii has been working with the Navy League to host visitors on their ships in port every weekend for more than a month! Navy League members, community partners, Junior ROTC, and ROTC students at the University of Hawaii have been on, USS Shiloh (CG 67), the USS Decatur (DDG 73), the USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), and the USS Frank E. Petersen (DDG 121), the newest Destroyer at Pearl Harbor.

From a Ticonderoga-class cruiser to the newest Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyer, the changes in size and might over the last 30 years have been very educational. One thing that has not changed is the caliber of our sailors who crew these ships, and their unwavering pledge to Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Reach out and find out how you too can be included in these educational opportunities!

John Adams once said, “Naval power . . . is the natural defense of the United States.“



On April 19, the R.D. Stethem Sea Cadets fulfilled an amazing community service event. The cadets coordinated with the Family Support Team of the Honolulu Councils Adopted Submarine, the USS Hawaii (SSN 776). Cadets assisted with event setup and breakdown, hiding easter eggs, and helping younger children in their hunt! This was a excellent opportunity for our cadets to give back to sailors' families and show our appreciation for their service to our community!

Mahalo to the Admin Officer and Instructor Jerome Arellano, Lead Petty Officer Huy Nguyen, and Master at Arms Justin Culbertson for helping with the execution of such a fun activity!  

April 22nd Navy Region Hawaii invited community groups to embark on a History and Stewardship Tour of Pearl Harbor that coincided with Earth Day!

Captain Samuel “Smokey” White, Commander, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, welcomed everyone and thanked them for joining the tour and investing their time to learn about how the Navy is not only respecting the history and sanctity of Pearl Harbor but how they are working to protect it from invasive species.

Jim Neuman, Navy Region’s always impressive historian, talked about the history and legacy of Pearl Harbor, the Dec. 7, 1941 attack, and the symbolism and architecture of the USS Arizona Memorial. Emily Hauck, Navy Region’s community plans liaison officer, and Nicole Olmsted, Navy Region’s conservation manager, provided updates on stewardship projects the Navy is supporting including eradication of harmful octocorals in Pearl Harbor, restoration of an ancient fishpond at McGrew Point, and the protection and restoration of native upland forests in the Waiawa Watershed. 

Navy League members and community partners all agreed that there was no better way to spend Earth Day than celebrating the “history and stewardship” of the special place we call Pearl Harbor, also known as Puʻuloa (meaning “long hill”) and by its ancient name Wai Momi (meaning “Waters of Pearl”).

Thanks to Boatswain's Mate, Senior Chief Gabriel Reyes, the PACFLT boathouse Chief for making sure everything is always in top shape at the Boat House!

We serve Because you Serve.

*The Navy League of the United States is a civilian organization founded in 1902 and is the foremost Citizens' organization to serve, support, and stand with all U.S sea Services.

Mission

*Inform the public on the importance of our Sea Services to our nation's defense and economic prosperity while highlighting Hawaii's unique and vital role in the Indo-Pacific region.

*Enhance the morale of Sea Service personnel and their families.

*Support youth leadership development programs such as the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and Navy, Marine Corp, and Coast Guard Junior ROTC.

The Navy League's Legislative Affairs

programs continue to grow, increasing our presence at events on Capital Hill, and with our annual Fly-In, regular publications, expanding participation among Navy League membership and so much more. To stay informed, to learn everything you need to know to be an advocate, and to see what the priorities are for the Navy League, visit

^{https://navyleague.quorum.us/homepage.}