Navy League Philadelphia

Army Navy Game Watch Party

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 07:11:10 GMT

2024 Veterans Parade

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 07:10:16 GMT

Philadelphia Council in the News

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 07:29:11 GMT

The Philadelphia Council was featured in the most recent edition of Sea Power Magazine . The article highlights the events that occurred during the first Philadelphia Navy Week since 2011.

Veteran’s Day Parade in Philadelphia

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 23:24:47 GMT

Proudly representing the Navy League in the Philadelphia Veteran’s Parade on Sunday, November 5th, 2023.

Navy Week

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 07:36:28 GMT

More than 200 visiting Sailors and Marines from across the nation visited, engaged, learned our local history, and ate the finest Philadelphia cheesesteaks (cooked by RDML Sean Bailey among others) during Philadelphia’s first Navy week since 2011

Throughout the week the Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guard participated in more than 100 outreach events across the metropolitan area. The Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League along with Heroic Gardens directly coordinated and supported many of these events. This included the making and eating of over 50 cheesesteaks graciously donated by Pats King of Cheesesteaks. In addition, Sailors from the USS Cooperstown as well as others performed community service events throughout the city. The newly commissioned LCS Cooperstown tour was a highlight for our local MCJRROTC, AND NSCC units which our Council supports. The events Culminated in a traditional Navy Ball, and the announcement of the newest San Antonio class LPD the USS Philadelphia.

Thanks to the Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Navy outreach, Homecoming 250, Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League and Heroic Gardens as well as all local organizations for delivering on such a special occasion. The events Culminated in a traditional Navy Ball, and the announcement of the newest San Antonio class LPD the USS Philadelphia. We can’t wait to see you all in 2025

Sailors of USS Princeton CG 59 visit Philly

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 07:38:56 GMT

Sailors of USS Princeton CG 59 made time during their namesake tour to meet the leadership team of the Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League. Keeping with the city of Brotherly love, we sponsored a bus tour so they could tour and visit the Rocky statue. BZ Princeton !!

Outstanding Cadet Medal Presented

Tue, 30 May 2023 07:41:19 GMT

Philadelphia Council US Navy League President William Youngblood presented the Outstanding Cadet medal to CPO Austin Parker during Boyertown HS NJRROTC awards ceremony. BZ Cadet Parker.

Sword Presentation

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 07:42:50 GMT

Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League is honored to be a part of the Review of the Philadelphia Consortium’s Midshipmen. Presenting a sword to Midshipman Jacob J. Davis – Council Director LT. Col. (Ret) Christopher Baker and LT. Taylor VW Anzidei MSN, RN, CCRN Medical Officer Recruiter RDAC Chairman.

Philadelphia Navy League Wants YOU!!!

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 07:45:19 GMT

The Navy League of the United States, Philadelphia Council, which serves the Philadelphia, NJ, and Delaware community is in search of additional Board of Directors and officers.

Some of our long serving Leadership team at various levels have stepped down to fully enjoy the fruits of their years of service and retirement.

We are presently conducting a search for motivated, enthusiastic, forward thinking individuals to join our board and help lead our organization into the future.

The individuals we seek must have a commitment to our sea services, understand the challenges that our youth organizations face, and be willing to devote both time and energy to foster continued growth and support for these organizations as well as for the good of the Philadelphia Council of the Navy League. Interested individuals can explore this website or our social media accounts on Facebook or LinkedIn which details in depth who and what the Philadelphia Council of the Navy League is about as well as an overview of some of the roles and responsibilities within this fine organization. Any interested individuals are encouraged to contact our Board of Directors representatives or any other Board of Director.

Thank you,

Tom Metzger, President:  TMetzge@aol.com 
Christine Beady, Executive Director:  execdir.pcnlus@gmail.com 

Honoring Veterans View Larger Image

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 07:49:03 GMT

Spent some time today again saying “Welcome Home” to many brave Americans on the 50th anniversary of Vietnam Veterans commemoration day! A worthwhile morning on a fine spring Philadelphia day. Welcome home, my Brothers and Sisters.

Supporting our Local Sea Cadets

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 07:50:50 GMT

The Philadelphia Council continues to support and participate in our local Sea Cadet unit activities. Recently we attended the 2023 annual banquet of the William E. Taylor unit. A well-organized unit, clearly with great community and parental engagement.

BZ Cadets, parents, and sponsors!

Supporting USS Somerset (LPD-25)

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 07:53:57 GMT

The Philadelphia Council of the US Navy leagues continues its support of its adopted ship USS Somerset (LPD-25) even with the Somerset being homeported in San Diego, Ca. The council reached out to its counterpart San Diego council and arranged for Somerset sailors of the quarter to attend and be recognized at their monthly council breakfast. In attendance, representing USS Somerset: Captain Christopher Brown, Executive Officer Jeff Kelso, Command Master Chief Allan Antonio, Chaplain LT Gary Monroe, Sailors Recognition Coordinator ITC Lisa Gallegos.

Sailor of the Quarter recipients:

Senior Sailor of the Quarter: MR1(SW) JASON R. DE GUIA
Sailor of the Quarter: IT2(SW/IW) LOGAN B. STEFFEN
Junior Sailor of the Quarter: HM3 JOHN E. LOEFFLER
Blue Jacket of the Quarter: SN DAMARI H. JONES

BZ Somerset sailors! Well Done!

Leaders

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 07:57:27 GMT

Over 22 years ago 40 Americans came together and displayed courage, sacrifice, and leadership which most of us can only imagine on flight 93 which tragically ended in Somerset County, Pa. Recently 13 common Americans, family members of flight 93 passengers, Somerset County officials, a young proud American (my son) came together onboard USS Somerset LPD-25 the namesake and memorial ship of these brave Americans. Their purpose was to continue to strengthen the bonds between them and the ship’s crew and experience the life of the men and women who sail on this namesake ship. To say this embarkation was a success does not do justice to the crew of the USS Somerset or the 13 civilians who joined them for 3 days and nights. Many of these civilians had never been on an active Navy warship, let alone out to sea.

But together, for 3 days, and nights, Leaders emerged, worked, laughed, shared, and enjoyed the camaraderie that truly can be shared on the open seas.

“Fair Winds and Following Seas” Somerset!

John Pilat

CV-62 USS Independence 1977-1981

Chapel of Four Chaplains’ 80th Anniversary Banquet

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 07:59:49 GMT

Council President, Bill Youngblood and Council Exec Director, Christine M. Beady – attended the Chapel of Four Chaplains’ 80th Anniversary Banquet on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 at the IATSE Ballroom.

Congratulations to Ken Wong on receiving the Legion of Honor Gold Medallion and to the other awardees this evening.

Giving Tuesday

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 08:01:37 GMT

Giving Tuesday is upon us and we need your help to continue our youth programs. Please consider Navy League – Philadelphia Council as your primary donor #GivingTuesday organization. Memberships start at $25….and donations of any amount truly do help us get to our goals of providing more programs to our youth and local maritime community.

Thanksgiving on the USS Somerset LPD-25

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 08:03:19 GMT

The U.S. Navy has celebrated Thanksgiving in one fashion or another since before it became an official American holiday. Although some dishes (“Mayonnaise Salad” on battleship Arizona in 1917; “Baked Spiced Spam à la Capitaine de Vaisseau” on cruiser Augusta in 1942) have not transcended time and post-dinner cigars and cigarettes have also been left pierside, roast turkey, baked ham, and pumpkin pie have been the anchors of nearly every Thanksgiving feast at sea or on shore to this day.

USS Somerset LPD-25 along with ALL our Military continue this tradition today

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL. Thank YOU for your sacrifice and commitment

Honoring our “Coastie”

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 08:05:49 GMT

Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League continues its fine tradition of honoring our “Coastie” Enlisted Petty Officer of the Quarter. Council Treasurer Steve Malloy presented the certificate on a fine Coast Guard morning.

BZ MK2 Wheeler

The Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 08:08:14 GMT

You should have been there. We were!

Philadelphia Council of the US Navy league and one of our sponsored Sea Cadet units spent an enjoyable day honoring ALL Veterans and looking good at the same time.

We marched, we supported, we were present.

Newly Pinned Chief Petty Officers

Sat, 05 Nov 2022 08:11:02 GMT

Friends, family, shipmates, and the Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League proudly joined USCG Sector Bay Delaware to honor and join in their initiation ceremony for newly pinned Chief Petty Officers.

Naval tradition and “sea stories” were in abundance as the time-honored rite of passage concluded. “Fair winds and following seas” Chiefs

Eight Bells, a Sea Service Celebration

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 08:15:41 GMT

In celebration of Sea Service, Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay, USCGC William Tate, USCGC Cleat, and USCGC Capstan called all Cutterman, Cuttermen to-be, and friends of Cutterman to join them for a cup of camaraderie and messdeck refreshments on October 18th, onboard William Tate. Navy League members Mike Kearney and Greg Adams represented the Philadelphia Council at the celebration.

2022 Navy Day Regatta

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 08:18:13 GMT

The Philadelphia Council of the Navy League supported Saint Joseph’s University in hosting the 2022 Navy Day Regatta in Philadelphia on October 16, 2022.

It was a beautiful fall day; over 700 boats participated in 71 events. Crews from USNA and USMMA competed and fared well.

The Navy League Council and MASON Division Sea Cadet Unit distributed mugs and took photos of winning crews, handed out giveaways, and entertained questions.

The Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League continues to support local events and community engagement.

Navy Day Regatta – October 16th

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 08:19:59 GMT

Pride flourishes in Bensalem, PA

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 08:22:36 GMT

The Bensalem High School Marine Corps was recently Recognized as Naval Honor School for the second straight year. This distinction is given only to Marine Corps JROTCs, considered the top 20 percent of programs nationwide. “BZ” young Marines. You make us Proud.

Delaware River Festival

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 08:25:31 GMT

The Philadelphia Council of the Navy League will be an Exhibitor at the Delaware River Festival this Saturday, September 24th from 10 am to 4 pm. We would love for you to join us!

Find out more information here: https://www.delawareriverfest.org/

John Basilone Parade

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 08:30:54 GMT

The Philadelphia Council of the US Navy league was proud to attend the recent John Basilone parade in Raritan NJ. Our own Chris Baker (USMC Colonel, retired) had the honor to represent our Council and honor one of his own. The parade also featured local Sea Cadet Units, Young Marines as well as crew members of the recently commissioned USS John Basilone (DDG-122)

John Basilone is the only US Marine To be awarded both the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross for his outstanding valor at Guadalcanal. John then returned to the battle of Iwo Jima where he was killed in action.

This parade which started in his hometown of Raritan NJ. in 1981 will keep his memory alive for generations to come.

Heroic Gardens Event

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 08:33:36 GMT

Heroic Gardens: Helping veterans experience the healing power of nature

Representing the Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League at this amazing event. Wow, what a night! Thank you Give Adelphia for the incredible event for Heroic Gardens last night. And to everyone that came out to support.

Remembering 9-11

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 08:37:05 GMT

The 21st anniversary of 9-11-2001. The Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League joined our adopted ship, the USS Somerset LPD-25 as we joined the nation in honoring the memories of so many brave men and women on that fateful day. The Philadelphia Council spent the weekend with crewmembers of the USS Somerset and were guests of honor at local events sponsored by Somerset County trust.

Courage through Adversity

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 08:39:13 GMT

Courage through Adversity

Bonds to span the Oceans and the ages

USS Somerset & crew, Chaplain Edwin Handley, Tom Metzger, John Pilat & family, Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League

Formed out of the twisted steel that was Shanksville Pa on 9-11-2001

Our bond runs deep like the deep blue sea.

Pictured is the Quarter Deck of the USS Somerset LPD-25 as you enter the brow on the Starboard side under the Flight Deck. A Pennsylvania state flag donated by Brian Pilat is hung in the Ships Museum that is on top of the ship aft of the pilot house.

Never Forget.

Giving Back

Sat, 06 Aug 2022 08:43:05 GMT

The rain garden at Veterans Village is finally complete! Learn more about how you can volunteer with Heroic Gardens this Fall and serve the Veteran community: www.heroicgardens.org/volunteer

Celebrating 232 years!!

April@engageyourbiz.com (April Marquez ) — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 08:45:37 GMT

The Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League supported and sponsored the Sector Delaware Bay Coast Guard Day picnic. Hosted by CPOA Liberty Chapter, Philadelphia Council President Bill Youngblood, Executive Director Monica Hallman, and Directors Chris Baker and Mike Kearny braved the heat to support our local Coast Guard unit and their families. BZ to all!

Join the Sea Cadets

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 08:52:23 GMT

U.S. NAVAL SEA CADET CORPS, Philadelphia Youth Leadership Program (Grades 7-11) Accepting Applications. Call or Text Jeff Shannon, Executive Officer, ( 610) 842-3693

LEARN MORE HERE

Join us for a Party!

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 08:56:04 GMT

Join the Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League as we celebrate 232 years of our Coast Guard.

Sector Delaware Bay is hosting a Party!

The picnic will take place Thursday, August 4 ^th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is NO cost for Navy League members and their families. $25 for nonmembers which also gets you a 1-year membership and digital publications from the US Navy League National.

For more information contact Monica Hallman ( monicanavy@hotmail.com ) John Pilat ( john.pilat@usfacilities.com or visit our website at navyleaguephilly.org

Bringing the next USS Basilone to “LIFE”

Sat, 02 Jul 2022 09:01:49 GMT

Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League Director Chris Baker attended and stood tall as the newest Aegis Class Destroyer DDG 122 John Basilone was Christened at the Bath Iron Works, operated by General Dynamics.

Please Join us for an Author Presentation and Book Signing

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 09:14:33 GMT

Supporting Sea Services

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 09:10:07 GMT

The Philadelphia Council of the US Navy league continues to support our Sea services including the USCG Sector Delaware Bay. As part of this support, our Council contributed to the recognition recently of BM1 Price as the Enlisted Person of the Quarter for Sector Delaware Bay. BM1 Price serves on the CGC Cleat and they are currently dockside at Cape May.

Bravo Zulu Coastie!!

Memorial Poster Dedication

Sat, 21 May 2022 09:17:51 GMT

The Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League had the privilege of supporting and participating in a “Memorial Poster Dedication” for a local resident, Hall of Fame football player, and a Coast Guard Hero. Emlen Tunnell. Friends, relatives, and local community leaders attended the unveiling of a wonderful, and lasting tribute to Emlen Tunnell. “We have the watch Emlen!”

Giving Back and Investing in Our Future.

Tue, 17 May 2022 09:21:56 GMT

Council President Bill Youngblood and Director Chris Baker attended the annual Bensalem HS MCJROTC awards ceremony. Seen here is President Youngblood presenting the Navy League Youth Medal to Cadet Lance Corporal Nyah Hyers. BZ Cadet!

The Veterans & Family Resource Fair

Sat, 14 May 2022 09:24:31 GMT

Thank you all who turned out to support the Veterans & Family resource fair organized by the Coatsville VA hospital. Our own Chris Baker doing that “Work”. BZ Chris!!

Annual Gathering of Heroes

Sat, 07 May 2022 22:50:53 GMT

The Marine Corps held its 12th annual Gathering of Heroes event on Saturday in Philadelphia. The event took place at the 23rd Street Armory in Center City.

All proceeds from the event went toward the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, which provides a $35,000 educational account for every child who loses a parent serving in the marines or any federal law enforcement agency.

The event was hosted by former Eyewitness News meteorologist and Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League Tom Lamaine with Director Chris Baker (USMC ret.) in attendance.

Raising Funds for the Basilone Memorial Foundation

Thu, 05 May 2022 22:56:59 GMT

Council Director Chris Baker “Hitting the beach again!” Chris attended the 2022 fundraising event for the Basilone Memorial Foundation.

John Basilone was a United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant who received the nation’s highest military award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for heroism during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. He was the only Marine enlisted man to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross in World War II.

The Basilone Memorial Foundation Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization operated exclusively for charitable purposes. Our Foundation which began in 2014 has raised funds to ensure a better quality of life for veterans and their families as well as cancer patients. Funds raised are distributed to the Fisher House Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Steeplechase Cancer Center/RWJ Barnabas Health.

Author Presentation

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 23:00:29 GMT

Jeff Shannon attended a GPVN sponsored event, co-sponsored by our Council and others with Major General John Gronski, US Army (Ret.). He gave a presentation on his book ” Iron Sharpened Leadership”.

Naval ROTC Spring Review

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 23:02:16 GMT

Midshipman Madeline McAvoy was the recipient of the Navy League Philadelphia Chapter’s Naval Officer’s Sword, at the University of Pennsylvania’s NROTC Spring Review. Shown here with Philadelphia Council of the US Navy league director Chris Baker.

Stem Expo at the Sea, Air, and Space Conference

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 23:04:58 GMT

Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League recently supported the Mason Division of the Sea Cadets as they travelled to National Harbor, MD. to participate in the 2022 Stem Expo held at the Sea, Air, and Space conference. BRAVO ZULU to our fine young adults.

The Commissioning of LPD 26, USS John P. Murtha

Mon, 21 May 2018 23:18:53 GMT

It was our honor to have hosted the commissioning of the USS John P. Murtha on October 8, 2016 at Penn’s Landing. LPD 26 was named in honor of the late John P. Murtha, who represented Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District from 1974 to 2010.

The Commissioning of USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108)

Mon, 21 May 2018 23:17:04 GMT

The Navy commissioned its newest destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108) during a ceremony in Philadelphia Oct. 10, 2009.

The ship’s commissioning ceremony paid homage to its recently deceased namesake Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer. Known in the Navy as the “father of Aegis,” Meyer passed away Sept. 1, just one month shy of the ship’s commissioning ceremony.

The Commissioning of USCGC William Tate (WLM560)

Mon, 21 May 2018 23:14:49 GMT

The USCGC William Tate arrived to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 10th, 1999 (the 224 birthday of the United States Marine Corps) and was formally commissioned on June 3rd, 2000.

CGC WILLIAM TATE and her crew are responsible for the maintenance of 250 buoys in the Delaware Bay and River, and the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Additionally, WILLIAM TATE is designed, constructed and equipped to ably perform other Coast Guard missions such as domestic ice breaking, marine environmental protection, and maritime law enforcement. As an adopted ship, the Philadelphia council provides financial awards and support for the crew and her families.

The Coast Guard Station Philadelphia

Mon, 21 May 2018 23:07:40 GMT

The United States Coast Guard is a military, multimission, maritime service within the Department of Homeland Security and one of the nation’s five armed services. Its core roles are to protect the public, the environment, and U.S. economic and security interests in any maritime region in which those interests may be at risk, including international waters and America’s coasts, ports, and inland waterways.