American Merchant Mariners who served during World War II were awarded the Congressional gold medal during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.
Ten WWII veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine were in attendence to accept the gold medal award on behalf of all U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II and the approximately 1,500 living veterans.

On Tuesday, 22 June, Mayport Navy Leaguer George Huchting volunteered at the Mayport USO to help sort food donated through the Feeding Northeast Florida Initiative into individual reusable bags for local military families to pick up the following day.  Food from various markets is donated into a pool at the Feeding Northeast Florida initiative and then is distributed to various non-profit organizations supporting families and individuals in need.
Every other week, our Mayport USO receives pallets of food for distribution to our local military families.  George again joined our Mayport USO team to help sort the donated food into the reusable bags for distribution the following day.  You can help on this great initiative - see the Mayport Navy League Constant Contact notice of 25 May 2021 for more information and dates for helping in the sorting and then the distribution.

Each year, the Mayport Council of the Navy League awards an officer's sword to the outstanding Midshipman being commissioned as an Ensign in our Navy at the Spring commissioning Ceremony.  Because of the COVID19 pandemic this year, the traditional commissioning ceremony was not conducted 25 April at the JU Terry Concert Hall.  That did not stop Mayport Navy Leaguers from providing the outstanding midshipman with their sword!
The sword was provided to the JU NROTC staff for presentation as they conducted the commissioning ceremony for the new Navy and Marine Corps officers, in accordance with CDC guidance.
Here are pictures of our new Ensign Rhiannon Turner with the Mayport Navy League sword.  We think the pictures of Ensign Turner with the sword and the sea behind her are truly appropriate!  We wish Ensign Turner the traditional "Fair Winds and Following Seas" as she sets of on her career as a leader in our Navy - Marine Corps team!

On 10 March, 27 Mayport Navy League Council members enjoyed a tour of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Training Facility (LTF).  fThe LTF is on Mayport Naval Station, the only East Coast homeport for the Navy's newest class of combatant ship.
The LCS Class is unusual in that it was designed to operate with reduced manning, and with both a Blue and Gold crew.  Two crews will allow the ship to deploy for longer periods by having the crews swop out overseas. The LTF is critical in maintaining the proficiency of the off duty crew. It is equally important because with a minimal crew, there is little opportunity for On the Job Training.
Our members saw the simulator equipment for the Mission Package portion of the LCS and learned much about its capabilities.  We also enjoyed the Bridge simulator. We were fortunate to observe the commanding officer of USS Wichita (LCS 13) and some of his crew "driving" the ship out of port in traffic and on to an underway replenishment.  A few of our members looked for handholds to steady themselves when the instructor kicked up the sea state in the simulator.

Thanks to the great support of the Mayport Navy League and their partners, on Thursday, 20 February, close to 60 Mayport area Sailors were honored for their outstanding performance during the past quarter!
This luncheon is provided free to the honoree, and their guest, through the support of the Mayport Navy League Council and our supporting partners: Navy Federal Credit Union, Hover Girl Properties, First Command Financial Planning and Crowley Maritime Corporation. The keynote speaker for the day was one of the honorees, a Petty Officer First Class, who stressed the importance of being a mentor. She said that her first mentor, the leading Petty Officer of her work center, set high standard of teamwork, professionalism, dedication to the unit mission and knowing his people - he led by example and she has tried to lead in the same way!

On 10 December, the Naval Station Mayport held a dinner at the Ocean Breeze Conference Center that honored all the Sailors of the Year from the various commands at the Naval Station.  The honorees include the Blue Jacket of the Year, the Junior Sailor of the Year, Sailor of the Year and Senior Sailor of the Year!  These categories ensure that truly outstanding Sailors from across all levels of the organization are recognized for their leadership.  The keynote speaker was Navy Region Northeast Command Master Chief, CMC Bill Houlihan - who had also served as the Mayport Naval Station Command Master Chief.  The over 50 assembled top Mayport leaders are also those who will be mentoring other Sailors in their commands.  Master Chief Houlihan took the opportunity to not only commend them for their outstanding performance but also to challenge them to make a difference in combating the high suicide rates in our services.  Master Chief Houlihan's remarks were spot on!  When he finished, there was a moment of silence as his message and challenge sunk in to all in attendance - and then, as one, the room rose to give Master Chief Houlihan a standing ovation!  He had touched all - and they were accepting his challenge to make a difference in suicide prevention by being personally engaged with everyone in their command - really care and let people know you care and are there to help and, most importantly, to listen.  Well Done, Master Chief Houlihan!
Pictured are the Mayport Navy League partners in supporting the Sailor of the Year Dinner and 2019 Mayport Navy League Council President George Huchting as they congratulated each honoree.  Many thanks to our partners - from left to right: Hover Girl Properties, Navy Federal Credit Union, First Command Financial Services and Crowley Marine!

On 2 December 2019, the Mayport Navy League sponsored and served a No-Dough Dinner at the Mayport USO - Free to all active duty and their families!  It was a fun night with Pizza as the entree - always a hit with the kids!  The Mayport Council provided the funds and Mayport Navy Leaguers volunteer to serve the dinner.  We were delighted to see about 250 active duty and their families show up for this dinner - on a rather cold night - for Florida! Lots of happy noise - and that is simply great!