Admiral Degrees - The History Of The Newport News Naval War College

Admiral Degrees - The History Of The Newport News Naval War CollegeWe have all heard the story of Commodore George Dewey and his visit to the USS New York in Newport News, Virginia on the eve of the Navy's World War II-era battle in Pearl Harbor. The Commodore went aboard the ship to talk to the commanding officer, Lt. Adm. Alexander Blackman, and Dewey was supposedly astounded at the size of the ship and the power of its crew. That story is both true and popular - and one that might make for a great Hollywood movie!Admiral Blackman, who was killed in action in the battle, was probably the most experienced commanding officer of any submarine in the country and the sole American to see action during the war. Dewey was an undoubted star in his own right and, according to legend, considered Blackman as his mentor. Indeed, Dewey said that his visit to Newport News had been the inspiration for what we would now call an 'admiral school,' in which command skills were taught at sea and at Ne wport News.The admirals of the future included those from Newport News Naval War College, including Blackman's son, Lt. Commander John Blackman. Later the United States military recognized the significance of this school and is still celebrating Naval War College Day every December 6th.Navy Admirals was in demand and each one was expected to be a little more stylish than the last. Indeed, the concept of a naval 'shirt' (that is, the tunic) became a very popular uniform for admirals, even though it is little used by today's service men. In the days before cotton, fabric like linen, wool and silk was used to make shirts, especially the shirt of the Navy was 'supplemented' with collars made of stiffened leather, just as are navy seals and other naval insignia.The first three US Navy officers to graduate from the Naval War College, Admiral William R. Morgan, Robert D. Fiske and William B. McKenzie, served admirably in both World Wars. Of course, these same officers were not popular with their contemporaries, and much of the praise was aimed at the Newport News school of thought.But the Naval War College proved that a command and academic training experience could bring out the best in sailors. Today, no less a military authority than Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has praised the school, saying it was 'one of the most important things' that our military has ever done.The Naval War College also provided training in various aspects of naval warfare. Both Pearl Harbor and the US Navy's capture of Japanese-held Hawaii under Admiral Chester Nimitz were at the hands of those officers trained there. And, as part of the institute's dedication to education, it always encouraged the attending officer to take a leave of absence when needed in order to attend further schooling in the field of their choice.The old adage about the best things in life being free is still true. Indeed, the Naval War College remains, with strong ties to the Navy. We hope y ou will please consider all this and think on it.