A Major Milestone for Captain Lee Duckworth

Hampton Roads Naval Museum Education Director Lee Duckworth pauses during a rare quiet moment at his desk in downtown Norfolk.

By Joseph Judge 
Hampton Roads Naval Museum Curator

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum (HRNM), the museum profession, and the Navy historical community is bidding good-bye to our beloved Director of Education, Lee Duckworth. Lee directed the museum’s education programs since 2008, making them a model for the command and one of the best education programs for a small museum in the United States. Prior to that achievement he worked for HRNM as the Operations Manager for the battleship Wisconsin.

Lee and his team have highlighted lessons from the past to teach and promote leadership in the future.

The museum’s education programs have provided outstanding professional service to the Navy and HRNM. Lee and his team have highlighted lessons from the past to teach and promote leadership in the future.



Lee Duckworth with HRNM Exhibits Specialist Don Darcy (center) and Deputy Education Director Laura Orr (right). 

Lee confirmed to the group that the vessel in the background was not his first ship. 

"At least I'm pretty sure because there is no helo pad," he told them.  

It was with grace, humor, and dedication that Lee coordinated programs over a wide range of venues with civilian and military staff and volunteers. Museum educators under Lee’s leadership provided programs in the museum gallery, schools, and other locations for military and civilian groups. In just one year, for example, 133 on-site programs reached 7,125 visitors while 351 off-site programs reached 31,662 people, mostly students. Those statistics represent a monumental record for a museum that has a total staff of 13.  

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum's annual "Brick by Brick" event (left), held in February, and CPO Heritage Days, held in August, are two signature programs that Lee oversees.   

Lee and his team developed and expanded the signature “Brick by Brick Lego Shipbuilding” into a regional event that drew 2,936 people last year. Lee was also instrumental in the planning and execution of Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Heritage Days presentations to Chief Petty Officer selectees. His efforts resulted in the largest and most renowned program to provide this service to the US Navy. In 2016 the museum staff interacted with each of the 768 CPO-selectee participants who represented 20.28% of the entire 2017 Navy CPO selection list.

Lee developed, scheduled, and executed Battle of Midway presentations for a wide variety of military audiences over several years. Ever-expanding the program’s reach, Lee and his team provided a total of 18 presentations for 1,115 personnel in the weeks surrounding the battle’s 75th anniversary.

Lee with a hat modeled on one from the popular Harry Potter books. Its size is

due to the fact that he used it for filling all his training certificates required by

headquarters.  "They are right here," he assured everyone. 

Some attribute his success to the benign influence of a turkey sandwich, a banana, and healthy lunchtime walk, a routine that the staff has admired for many years. Not to be forgotten is his steadfast encouragement of “Aloha Friday,” which upped the fashion ante of the museum’s male contingent.

Lee has also been an unfailing source of calm and grace under pressure. As Operations Manager for the battleship, museum management knew that Lee Duckworth and only Lee Duckworth should be assigned to handle showing the battleship Wisconsin to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, husband and consort of Queen Elizabeth II, and sometime media personality. Characteristically, Lee returned from the tour with a smile and the comment, “He seemed like a nice enough fellow.” The author has relied on Lee as an honest and invaluable sounding board for every issue that the museum has faced over the past several years.

Captain Lee Duckworth’s contributions to the museum’s growth have contributed to the success of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum beyond measure. His passion, generosity, intelligence, work ethic, love of naval history, and dedication to the team is the very model of character and professionalism.

Lee (center) during an assist visit to the ship Kalmar Nykel in Wilmington, Delaware. 
His advice was sought by many, near and far. 

We have no doubt that Lee will continue to make the world a better place as he enjoys his new retirement. We expect no less from this Nebraskan, Academy Midshipman, Navy Captain, combat veteran, businessman, and educator. Fair winds and following seas!

Brick-By-Brick 2016: The Winners

The entrants' creations for this year's contest were no less varied than those of real vessels taking to the sea from Hampton Roads.  For example, the cruise ship passengers (left) lining the rails of  Jett Starcher's entry could have appeared at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in downtown Norfolk (coincidentally where the event was held), while the two Sailors (right) aboard their MK V Special Operations Craft by Joseph Joiner are an everyday sight at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. (Photo by M.C. Farrington)

On Saturday, 2,081 visitors attended Hampton Roads Naval Museum's Fifth Annual "Brick by Brick: LEGO Shipbuilding" event at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Downtown Norfolk.  Over 100 of them entered their ships into the event's shipbuilding contest, which was divided by age classes and by where the models were created.  If the models were made outside the museum using parts provided by the builder, they were judged in the "Home Built" section, while models made between 10 am and 2 pm (the judging deadline) at the event with parts provided by the museum were judged in the "Museum-Made" section.

Category: Home Built

Fan Favorite:

"Brick of the Sea" by Jett Starcher.

After the judging on Saturday, February 6, Jett Starcher begins preparing his entry, dubbed Brick of the Sea, for transport.  According to Starcher, about 200 hours of work went into the model cruise ship, which was constructed not only with a fully detailed bridge and pool deck, but also with ten interior compartments, including a galley and dining room, gym, movie theater, several staterooms, and an engine room. (Photo by M.C. Farrington).  

Ages 4-6:

Rex and Geoffrey K's model of RMS Titanic looms over the works of other entrants in the four to six year-olds division of the shipbuilding contest (Photo by M.C. Farrington)

                1^st place: "Titanic," by Rex & Geoffrey K.

                2^nd place: "SS Aurora," by Edward B.



As HRNM Volunteer Coordinator Tom Dandes (left) assists William Bassett in preparing the Lego ship Aurora for transport home, his son Edward reacts to his win. (Photo by M.C. Farrington).  

Ages 7-9:

"Noah's Ark" by William S. (Photo by M.C. Farrington).  

                1^st place: "Noah's Ark," by William S.

                2^nd place: "USS Enterprise," by Keith S.


Ages 10-12:

"Blue Mist" by Luke L. (Photo by M.C. Farrington).  

                1^st place: "Blue Mist," by Luke L.

                2^nd place: "Tonto," by Bow C.

Ages 13-16:

A highly-detailed scale Vietnam-era riverine Command and Communications Boat (CCB) took first place for the 13-16 year-old division. (Photo by M.C. Farrington).  

                1^st place: "CCB Monitor," by Jack K.

                2^nd place: "Skidbadnir," by Nathan C.

Ages 17+:

Another highly-detailed historical model rendered with Legos was this winning Civil War-era diorama by Mark Anderson. (Photo by Diana Gordon)



                1^st place: "Merrimac at Gosport Navy Yard," by Mark Anderson.

                2^nd place: "HM Brig Sophie," by Jack Beute

Category: Museum-Made

Fan Favorite:

"Fisherman's Speed Boat"

Ages 4-6:

                1^st place: "Puller Ship," by Conner B.

                2^nd place: "USA Battleship," by Zac O.

Ages 7-9:

                1^st place: "USS Strouss," by Tristan S.

                2^nd place: "USS Emerson," by Emerson D.

Ages 10-12:

                1^st place: "JC Coast Guard," by Caroline P.

                2^nd place: "USS Virginia 2060"

 Ages 13-16:

                1^st place: "Voyage," by Hode.

                2^nd place: "USS Massachusetts," by Scott E.



Ages 17+:

                1^st place: "USS Dove," by Grace A.
                2^nd place: "Underwater Drone," by Cardell A.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners! 

If there are any questions about them or for any other questions relating to the contest, please call Special Events Coordinator Don Darcy at (757) 322-3168.

Brick by Brick: LEGO Shipbuilding Education Program

One of our summer volunteers, Breena, helps a child build ships at H.C. Downing Library, June 2015.

For HRNM's education department, the summer months are usually pretty quiet. Visitation increases exponentially and we offer a number of additional activities in the museum, but aside from that, since school is out we don't often do many educational outreach programs during that time. This summer is different, though--we're offering our Lego Shipbuilding program at several branches of the Norfolk Public Library system. The program is open to "school-aged" children and teens, so we have a wide variety of age groups in attendance. Due to this huge gap in ages of the attendees, we've created a less math-intensive version of our middle school-focused Lego education program for the summer. Instead of asking about surface area, fractions, and percentages (concepts that most of our summer program attendees haven't yet learned), the students learn the basics of how ships were built in the 1700s versus how ships are build today--then they get to build the Lego versions of those ships for themselves.

We've done two of these programs already and have three more scheduled this summer. Our next program is this Wednesday at Park Place Library, so we hope to see you there. We'll also be at H.C. Downing Library on July 20 and July 23. Call the libraries to register for this fun, FREE educational event today!

Tara, another summer volunteer, works with a student to build a ship at H.C. Downing Library, June 2015.

Carry Local History in Your Pocket: HRNM's New App

By now, you have probably seen us advertising our new Hampton Roads Naval Museum app. We hope you've had the opportunity to look at it and learn more about many of the artifacts on display inside the museum. The app allows Naval Museum staff the chance to provide visitors with much more detailed information than you can get from our exhibits, and also allows visitors to look at our exhibit objects both onsite and offsite. Of course, if you use the app while in the museum, you can also complete our fun scavenger hunt and get a prize for it!

What we have done thus far is only the first step. Next, we intend to introduce visitors to artifacts in our collection that are not currently on exhibit. It will take us a while to get there, but we anticipate making the app more interactive and increasingly accessible as time goes on.

You can download the Hampton Roads Naval Museum's FREE app for iPhone or Android (simply click the embedded link). Many thanks to our friends at iTourMobile for their hard work and support in developing this app!

Brick by Brick: Lego Shipbuilding 2014

Calling all Lego ship builders!  On Saturday, February 8, from 10am to 5pm, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum will bring back its “blockbuster” LEGO Shipbuilding event for a third year. This FREE program invites LEGO shipbuilders of all ages to share their creations with fellow enthusiasts on one exciting day – and compete for fabulous prizes!

This popular signature event is presented in partnership with the Hampton Roads Naval Historical Foundation, the Naval Historical Foundation, and Bricks 4 Kidz.  Children and adults alike can bring their pre-constructed LEGO ships (either from a kit or from scratch) to display at the museum prior to 2pm on February 8th. HRNM will award prizes for five winning age categories, along with a new category this year—“fan favorite”—voted on by YOU!

Don’t have a ship made already but want to be part of the contest? Never fear! Throughout the day, visitors can stop by a free-play station and build their own ships. Educators will also be on hand to share the science behind building ships with LEGOs. In addition, visitors can create historic naval ships from HRNM’s own diagrams. Each year, staff members add new ships to their on-site brick fleet. New ships this year include the USS Onondaga, USS Maine, and CSS Nansemond.

Several LEGO-related activities will accompany the event, so be sure to bring your creativity to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Please note: all creations made with HRNM-owned LEGOs must stay at the museum. 

For all questions and inquiries, please contact Laura Orr at laura.l.orr@navy.mil or 757-322-3108, or visit HRNM’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HRNavalMuseum.

2014 LEGO Ship Designs Announced

LEGO Shipbuilding is one of the most popular programs and events we have done in recent history.  Nearly 2,000 people came out for a day of ship building, contests, and demonstrations from local user groups and businesses.  We are currently planning our 2014 LEGO Shipbuilding event.  A middle education program based on the event is now available for schools and school groups around the Hampton Roads area as an in-house or outreach program (FREE of charge).

Every year, staff at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum pick out new designs for ship models participants can build in the gallery during the event.  Designs from each year are put on our website as build-able
models for FREE.  Understanding that LEGO bricks are expensive, all models are made layer by layer using only standard LEGO bricks available in stores across the country.

All ship designs included in the Brick by Brick: LEGO Shipbuilding Program are created from models included in our museum gallery.  With this in mind, we are pleased to announce the new designs for the 2014 LEGO Shipbuilding Day at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum:

CSS Nansemond

Twin-Screw Gunboat

American Civil War 

USS Onondaga

Double-turreted river monitor

American Civil War 

USS Maine (BB-2/c, ex-ACR-1)

Second-class Battleship

Spanish-American War 

USS Alabama (BB-60)

South Dakota-Class Battleship
World War II

USS Stump (DD-978)

Spruance-Class Destroyer

Cold War/Post Cold War 

Stay tuned for more updates as we get close to the event!  It's time to get building for 2014!

2013 CPO Heritage Days at HRNM

Day one (August 19) group of chief selectees

On August 19 and 20, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, in cooperation with Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin, sponsored its thirteenth annual Chief Petty Officers Heritage Day for newly selected chief petty officers. Six hundred and seventy selectees from thirty-seven different commands participated in this annual ritual.

Day two (August 20) group of chief selectees

This year, several retired and veteran chief petty officers shared their wit and wisdom with selectees inside the battleship. Fleet Master Chief Charles Clarke,Force Master Chief Steven S. Giordano of Navy Cyber Forces, and Command Master Chief Dominick Torchia of Commander, Navy Region, Mid-Atlantic were also on hand to give their pep talks on leadership and the meaning of being a chief petty officer.

In addition to learning about the history of the U.S. Navy and the role of the chief petty officer, there was a day long competition that pitted each command's selectees against each other. The competition included an old fashion close order drill skill contest held at Town Point Park, the best turned out guidepost, and a series of forty-five questions on Naval and chief petty officer history and heritage. Active duty chiefs served as judges and awarded points based on each command's selectees performance.

Vanguard,inc. donated two trophies (one awarded each day) for the command with the highest score. Each trophy had the words "Where Chiefs Go, Only Eagles Fly" engraved on it.

Thank you to all who volunteered their time to make this event a success and congratulations to all the selectees on your accomplishment!

My Summer with HRNM and the ODU TIR Program: Anne Marie Pope

Anne Marie Pope visits fellow TIR Interns at the Virginia Air and Space Museum

This post was written by Anne Marie Pope, ODU TIR Intern and Education Volunteer at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. 

In my short time as an educational volunteer at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, I have learned the value of creativity in education. I am finishing up my Master of Science degree in Secondary Education for English in Old Dominion University’s Teacher Immersion Residency Program. This program is truly unique, affording me many opportunities that are shaping the teacher I will become. After finishing my time as a teacher candidate in Norfolk Public Schools during the 2012-2013 school year, I will begin my career as a full-fledged, bona fide teacher this fall. My experience at the HRNM has pushed me to think creatively in an effort to integrate “Englishy” skills and knowledge from various disciplines while furthering the museum’s goals to reach high school students through its educational outreach program.

My involvement at the museum has been well-timed. Deputy Director of Education, Matthew Eng, has been looking for resources and connections to become involved in the work of history classrooms in Norfolk’s high schools. His belief in the necessity of an engaging education for high school students is evident in his priority to reach these students just as effectively as he already reaches elementary and middle school students. I hope that the relationship that we have formed will be a beneficial one for both the museum and the school system, serving as a bridge between the two. I hope to easily connect him with history educators in my building, providing them with some resources to engage their students in creative ways.

Perler Bead Craft Activity 

Because my concentration is not history, my involvement with the museum’s education department has been highly focused on the integration of reading and writing into the secondary history classroom. Current educational research shows that in order for reading and writing instruction to be truly effective, it must be covered across the disciplines. Rather than categorize close reading, informational writing, and critical thinking as skills for use only in the English classroom, students must see how it applies to every area of study if they are to be well-prepared for the workforce.  Additionally, I’ve been challenged to consider the benefits of the integration of historical thinking into the English classroom. Many English curricula are encouraging teachers to use nonfiction and informational texts alongside the literature they teach. Why not use this opportunity to reiterate what students are learning in their history classes? The use of material in various classes only reinforces its importance in the minds of students.

During my time with the HRNM, my goal became to create projects that integrate these skills for use in both English and history secondary classrooms. These projects needed to be useable by Eng and the educational outreach staff at the HRNM, while engaging students who come from a variety of backgrounds in high-need areas like Norfolk. In the short weeks that I have been here at the museum, with the help of Eng and educational intern Kasey Greer, I’ve been able to come up with some programs that I think will be incredibly beneficial in these educational environments. Each project begins with a visit from a museum educator to the classroom. The lesson given by the educator provides students with the background knowledge they need to know about a topic and serves as a springboard from which students jump into the given project. These projects utilize both primary and secondary texts to teach students about the topic at hand. They require small group collaboration and individual thought to coincide with a variety of skillsets, including both visual and verbal modes of communication and both researched and creative modes of conception. Each project aligns with English 11 and Virginia/U.S. History standards in Virginia, allowing them to easily slip into instruction without disrupting unit pacing and focus. Ideally, these projects will engage students while pushing them to higher levels of critical thinking through reading, writing, and creation.

Family Fun Friday, "HRNM Boot Camp"

In addition to program development, I was able to participate in some of the gallery activities for younger students, including HRNM Boot Camp on Family Fun Friday and various arts and crafts activities. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum’s dedication to reaching students in unique ways has left a lasting impression on me and has certainly charged my growth as a teacher. I admire the educational staff’s motivation to develop a passion for local history in their students and have been privileged to be a part of the program’s development.

To see Anne Marie's thoughts about the summer experience, go see the first two episodes of "The Internship" on our Youtube page.  Episode 1 Episode 2

A Short Goodbye Note

I wanted to take a few minutes this morning to say goodbye to all of you. I've taken a new job and will be leaving the Hampton Roads Naval Museum next Friday, March 22. I thought writing a short blog post would be cathartic for me--because I'm really going to miss this place and all of you--and I hope you'll forgive me for this indulgence!

I'll miss my co-workers and the friends I've made while working at the Naval Museum the most. I can't imagine life without Sebastian the Shark (shown in the photo below)...just kidding, of course. In all seriousness, I've never worked with a better group of people--both those who actually work in the museum and those who visit us everyday. It's been a great ride.

After our Halloween puppet show, 2011

I've learned a lot in my time here. When I started at the Naval Museum, my knowledge of naval history was pretty much non-existent, and while I'm nowhere near an authority, I've learned quite a bit. I've spent my time doing education programs for students, puppeteering (who knew that was going to happen? I sure didn't--but what fun!), giving talks about naval history and the Battle of Midway to naval commands, and planning the Naval Museum's wide variety of special events. One event that really stands out to me (and that all of you have heard about a million times) is Lego Shipbuilding, pretty much the best event ever. I know I won't be working here next February for this program, but I still intend to come and enjoy it!

One of the participants builds a ship at Lego Shipbuilding 2013

I could babble on for hours about this place and what it has meant to me during the last 2.5 years, but I imagine that'll get too sappy for a public blog post. In the end, I just want to say thank you and that I'll miss you all very much!

-Laura

LEGO Day Preview on WVEC (Channel 13)

LEGO shipbuilding day at HRNM is this Saturday!

HRNM educator Laura Orr was recently on WVEC-TV Channel 13 Noon news to talk with anchor LaSalle Blanks about what we have in store for this event.


 When: Saturday, February 2, 2013
Time: 10am to 5pm
Where: At HRNM (2nd floor of Nauticus)
Cost: FREE

LEGO Ship Model Previews #6 and 7- USS Monitor and CSS Virginia

Shown above are our sixth and seventh preview models for LEGO shipbuilding day at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. On the left is the ironclad USS Monitor and on the right is the ironclad CSS Virginia. The two ships were radically different approaches to ironclad construction. Virginia's designer went with a sloping armor in the shape of a casemate. John Ericsson, Monitor's designer, created a single revolving turret. The battle between these two ships on March 9, 1862, is among the famous battle in world history.

Throughout the rest of the Civil War, the respective sides used Virginia and Monitor as a model for future ironclads. The Confederacy built several more "casemate"-type ironclads, including CSS Tennessee, Albemarle, Arkansas, Virginia II, Richmond, Atlanta, and Fredericksburg. The U.S. Navy contracted for several dozen more monitor-type ships, but only commissioned about twenty. After the war, the U.S. Navy continued the monitor-type design well into the early 1900s, using steel instead of iron. Monitor-type ships were also used by U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. Several nations around the world built "monitors." The name can refer to any warship that has a turret, a low freeboard, and is designed for coastal or river duty.

And don't forget--
When: Saturday, February 2, 2013
Time: 10am to 5pm
Where: At HRNM (2nd floor of Nauticus)
Cost: FREE!

LEGO Ship Model Preview #5- USS Wisconsin

Shown above is our fifth preview model for LEGO shipbuilding day at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. This ship, USS Wisconsin (BB-64), is very familiar to our readers, as it currently docked in beautiful downtown Norfolk right next to the Naval Museum. The model is built as the ship looked in 1944, with the aircraft retrieval crane on the fantail of the ship.

For those not familiar with Wisconsin's history, she is the third of the Iowa-class battleships and displaces about 45,000-tons (USS Missouri, BB-63, was launched AFTER Wisconsin). Equipped with nine Mk7 16-inch/50 rifles, eighteen five-inch guns, and several dozen anti-aircraft guns, the ship was one of the most heavily-armed surface warships in history. Even more remarkable is the ship's engineering plant and hull design. Most battleship designs had to sacrifice speed in order to put bigger guns and/or more armor on. Wisconsin had the firepower and sufficient armor protection to stop an 18-inch shell and still manage 30+ knots of speed.

During World War II, she served mainly as a heavy anti-aircraft gun platform and protected the valuable aircraft carriers. She also unleashed her 16-inch guns during the Okinawa Campaign and on the Japanese home islands.

Wisconsin then served in the Korean War, providing support to the U.S. Marines and South Korean ground forces. Upgraded in the 1990s, she served one last combat tour off the coast of Kuwait and Iraq. She is now a museum ship under the care of the City of Norfolk and Nauticus. 

And don't forget--
When: Saturday, February 2, 2013
Time: 10am to 5pm
Where: At HRNM (2nd floor of Nauticus)
Cost: FREE!

LEGO Ship Model Preview #4- USS Norfolk

Shown above is our fourth preview model for LEGO shipbuilding day at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum (February 2, 10am to 5pm). This model is of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN-714). The boat is a first generation Los Angeles-class submarine.  Officially her stats are "Length: 360 feet Breadth: 33 feet Displacement: 6,900 tons Speed: Greater than 25 knots Depth: Greater than 800 feet, Complement: 127 officers and enlisted crew."

Built by Newport News Shipbuilding between 1979 and 1981, the Navy commissioned Norfolk into the Fleet in 1983. Norfolk is based at Naval Station Norfolk and is equipped with four torpedo tubes that are capable of firing either an MK48 torpedo or a Tomahawk cruise missile. She completed her most recent deployment in November 2012. While many of her sister boats have been deactivated, the twenty-one year old Norfolk is expected to serve at least another three years.

HRNM's model of USS Norfolk, built by Greg McKay

And remember.... 

When: Saturday, February 2, 2013 

Time: 10am to 5pm 

Where: At HRNM (2nd floor of Nauticus) 

Cost: FREE!

LEGO Model Ship Preview #3- USS Connecticut

Shown above is our third preview model for LEGO shipbuilding day at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum (February 2, 10am to 5pm). This particular model is the battleship USS Connecticut (Battleship Number 18). Launched in 1904, Connecticut helped expand the U.S. Navy's battleship inventory. USS Connecticut displaced 16,000-tons and came with a mixed battery of 12-inch, 8-inch, and 7-inch guns.

USS Connecticut is world famous for being Admiral Robley Evans' flagship for the Great White Fleet's world voyage. After this historic 1907-09 voyage, Connecticut served in the 1914 Vera Cruz expedition and later as a coast defense vessel in World War I.

And remember.... 

When: Saturday, February 2, 2013 

Time: 10am to 5pm 

Where: At HRNM (2nd floor of Nauticus) Cost: FREE!

LEGO Ship Model Preview #2- USS Ranger

Shown above is our second preview model for LEGO shipbuilding day at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum (February 2, 10am to 5pm). This particular model is USS Ranger (CV-4), a pre-war aircraft carrier built by Newport News Shipbuilding in the 1930s. USS Ranger has the distinction of being the first US Navy ship built specifically to be an aircraft carrier. Previous carriers Langley, Lexington, and Saratoga were all converted from hulls of other ships.

At a 16,500-ton displacement, Ranger was significantly smaller than some of the previous carriers. But designers still believed she could carry upwards of one hundred aircraft and serve as a squadron flagship. Before World War II, she spent much of her time in Latin and South America. In 1940, she served in the "Neutrality Patrol," an operation meant to keep German commerce raiders on the eastern side of the Atlantic. Once the United States officially entered the war in 1941, Ranger was deemed too vulnerable to serve in the high intensity naval aviation operations in the Pacific. She did, however, provide valuable service in the Atlantic with the 1942 invasion of North Africa (Operation Torch), anti-shipping raids off the coast of Norway in 1943 (Operation Leader), and as an aircraft transport for the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Read more about Ranger in Robert J. Cressman's USS Ranger: The Navy's First Flattop from Keel to Mast, 1934-46.

And remember.... When: Saturday, February 2, 2013 Time: 10am to 5pm Where: At HRNM (2nd floor of Nauticus) Cost: FREE!