The city of Memphis is a Navy town, and the entire “901” area is a strong Navy region. Our Navy League Memphis Council consists of a talented and dedicated group of volunteers, who understand the importance of freely accessible sea lanes around the globe, and the need for large and modern United States sea components. In concert with the National Navy League, our mission is to:
- Enhance morale of the members of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and their families here in the Memphis area
- Educate our community on the need and importance of sea power
- Help build America’s future through youth programs like the Sea Cadets and ROTC.
In executing our mission, the Memphis Navy League hosts or supports a wide variety of events, and provides funding for numerous sea service causes. Some of these efforts include:
- Providing funding for the local USS TENNESSEE (BB-43), Sea Cadet unit. This voluntary program introduces young people to the structure, tradition, and challenges of our military sea services. The BB-43 Sea Cadet unit has grown from 5 to over 50 participants. They have competed, and represented our area well, in numerous State and National competitions.
- Supporting the crews of the USS TENNESSEE (SSBN 734) and the USS WILLIAM P LAWRENCE (DDG 110). We provide funding for these command’s family support groups as well as sponsor crewman visits to Memphis.
- Introducing people to our Navy. Annually, we organize trips to King’s Bay Georgia so that people can tour the USS TENNESSEE (SSBN 734). This is an impressive deterrence platform, and by itself would rank in the top ten most powerful nations in the world. When available, we also organize VIP aircraft carrier tours, which includes a landing, catapult launch and overnight stay on board.
- Recognizing and rewarding strong area sea service performers at our annual awards banquet. Also, providing scholarships to worthy Midshipmen assigned to the University of Memphis and Ole Miss NROTC units.
- Hosting the Naval Air Orientation Day at the Wilson Air Center. Each October, aircrews from around the country come to Memphis to introduce our area (especially our students) to the capabilities of our Fleet air component. We follow up that day of events with our evening “Wine Under Wings” military appreciation gala. At this, we host our local and visiting sea component personnel to an evening of wine sampling, food, music, and comradery.
- Supporting activities at the Millington Naval Support Activity to include their 10 Nautical Mile Run, the Moral Welfare and Rec Golf Tournament and their Navy Ball.
Being a member of our Navy League is an excellent way to provide support for those who serve our county in the maritime environments. No prior service affiliation is required. If interested, please check the “Join Us” section of this website.
Fair Winds,
John “Buz” Sorce
President – Memphis Council
Navy League of the United States
Citizens in Support of the Sea Services
The Navy League of the United States was founded in 1902 with the encouragement of President Theodore Roosevelt. The Navy League of the United States has provided a powerful voice for a stronger sea service to Congress and to the American People. The Navy League has grown to become the foremost citizens’ organization to serve, support, and stand with all the U.S. sea services — the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine.
Since the Navy League’s founding, it has grown to become a worldwide organization with more than 50,000 members in 240 councils. Council membership includes more than 240 corporate and community affiliate members.
Today, the Navy League’s original mission is focused on two main initiatives. First, the Navy League’s public education efforts are designed to inform the nation, and its political leaders, of the vital importance to the country of comprehensive and fully-prepared sea services. Second, the Navy League, primarily through its councils, provides support for active duty sea services personnel and their families. In keeping with its educational objective, the Navy League also supports America’s young people through successful youth programs, including sponsorship of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and the Navy League Foundation Scholarship Program.
On the local level, our Navy League Memphis Council:
- Funds a growing scholarship program for selected midshipmen at the Universities of Memphis and Ole Miss
- Supports a thriving U.S. Naval Sea Cadet program for 11-19 year-old young men and women interested in sea service careers
- Provides awards to service personnel and high achievers affiliated with our programs - including Navy Personnel Command, Navy Recruiting Command, Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi, and Marine Corps Reserve.
- Supports a local initiative to improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) interest in our local schools by offering Naval Air Orientation Day each fall in which area youth can tour military aircraft and a Coast Guard Fast Response vessel. This is also an opportunity to educate our youth on the challenges and opportunities of our sea services.
- Supports the annual Toys for Tots program in the local area
- Offers support to USS TENNESSEE (SSBN-734) ballistic missile submarine and USS WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE (DDG-110) guided-missile destroyer
- Offers an annual military appreciation event in which area citizens and business leaders can salute and celebrate our local Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard
- Each council lends support in a way unique to its geographic area and the needs of the local commands. We would be pleased to have you join us! Please click on our JOIN US link below for more information.
More Information Coming Soon
To volunteer for the Navy League Memphis Council, please email nlmemphistn@gmail.com .
Volunteers are needed for our upcoming Naval Air Orientation Day and/or Wine Under Wings. Email address above if you can come out and help out!