Cold Weather Gear

This is a cold weather mask that belonged to Jim Hornshaw while he served aboard the battleship Wisconsin during the Korean War. Jim served as a boatswain's mate first class and as gun captain of turret #3 on the ship. It is currently on display in the museum's Cold War gallery.

Wisconsin's tour in the Korean War was during a frigid winter of late 1951 to early 1952. Veterans of the ship during this time period recalled unable to stand watches outside for more than 15 minutes before having to rush back inside to warm up a little.

Admiral Vern Clark to Speak at Museum's Speaker Series

In honor of the celebration of the Battle of Midway, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and Hampton Roads Naval Historical Foundation are proud to sponsor a luncheon lecture featuring one of the greatest military leaders of our time, ADM Vern Clark, USN (Ret.).

Please join us as Admiral Clark shares his perspective on “Leadership: Past, Present and Future” Monday, June 8, at Naval Station Norfolk’s Vista Point Club at 11:30 a.m. Reservations are required by June 4 and may be made by calling 757-322-3109. Passes will be provided for those not holding base decals. The cost is $15 per person and includes lunch.

Come hear Admiral Clark share his perspective on the naval leadership that led to the success of the Battle of Midway and how the leadership decisions turned the tide of the war in the Pacific. He will also discuss the leadership challenges he faced while Chief of Naval Operations. Admiral Clark’s tenure as CNO was a period of significant change and renewed vision.

His lecture will conclude with his assessment on the future of naval leadership. A Distinguished Professor in the Schools of Government and Leadership at Regent University, Admiral Clark’s lecture is sure to enlighten and inspire. Call and make your reservations today!

Happy 65th Birthday Battleship Wisconsin

On April 16th, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum celebrated the 65th birthday of Battleship Wisconsin in style! HRNM Educators planned a variety of family fun activities for museum and ship visitors.

One of the highlights of the day was a visit from WWII Reenactor Jim Callear, who entertained guests young and old with a mock WWII US Navy enlistment activity in the Battle of the Atlantic Gallery (pictured left). Jim and his fellow recruiters also brought a variety of period uniforms, literature, and posters. Needless to say, many guests were impressed with the activity. Look for Jim and his colleagues to visit HRNM this summer.

For the younger guests, HRNM Educators conducted its annual Sail Through the Navy program in honor of the battleship's birthday. Each participating guest recieved a "passport" and completed four different kid friendly activities on board Wisconsin. When all four activities were finished and stamped, guests received a spin on a prize wheel. Throughout the day, there were over 120 participants in this event. HRNM Educators and interns plan to conduct "Sail Through the Navy" every friday this summer.

The other activity for guests on April 16th was a coloring station where birthday cards for the Wisconsin were made. The cards were all impressive, but here are some of the best that the Educators recieved throughout the day.

Thank you to all visitors who made Battleship Wisconsin's 65th birthday a big success! Stay posted for more updates on educational programs and activities for the summer. As always, the Naval Museum and its educational programming are all free and open to the public.

-HRNM EDUCATION

Ship's Company, USS Albert T. Harris (DE-447)

This is the graduation picture for the ship's company of USS Albert T. Harris (DE-447) at Naval Station Norfolk, 1944. After taking this picture, the company travelled to Newark, New Jersey to meet their new ship at Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company.

One of Naval Station's primary roles in World War II was serving as the Navy's finishing school for destroyer escort companies. These little warships were one many innovations created by the Allies to combat U-boats. Though not as effective as full size fleet destroyers and lightly armed, destroyers escorts could be built quickly and filled a critical gap in anti-submarine escort needs for convoys.