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From Our Council President, Buz Sorce

Friends of the Navy:

It is a privilege to serve as President of the Navy League Memphis Council.   Our Council is powered by dedicated volunteers and patriotic community partners who care deeply about the men and women of our sea services and their families. Thank you for the support you provide – it truly makes a difference.

Memphis has long been a Navy town, and the entire “901” region is a strong supporter of American’s maritime services. 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 partnership with the National Navy League, our local mission is simple and meaningful:

  • Support & enhance the morale of Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and their families here in the Mid-South
  • Educate our community about the importance of American sea power and free use of the world's oceans
  • Invest in America’s future through youth development programs like the Sea Cadets, JROTC and NROTC

Thoughout the year, our council proudly hosts and supports activities that strengthen these goals by:

  • 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 unit has competed, and represented our area well, in numerous State and National competitions.
  • Supporting the crews of USS TENNESSEE (SSBN 734), the USS WILLIAM P LAWRENCE (DDG 110) and the USCGC KANKAKEE (WLR - 75500). We provide funding for these command’s morale events, family support groups, and sponsor crewman visits to Memphis.
  • Introducing people to our Navy. Annually, we organize trips to King’s Bay Georgia, so citizens 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. 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 camaraderie.
  • Supporting activities at Naval Support Activity base in Millington which includes support for active duty events like Leadership forums, morale events like the Mid-South Navy Ball and family events like Back-to-School Backpack drives for military kids.

Our focus remains constant:  to serve those who serve our nation. 

If you are not already a member, we invite you to JOIN US.  No prior military service is required – only a desire to support our maritime services – NAvy, MArine Corps and Coast Guard – and to be a part of a mission-driven community.

Thank you for standing with us,

CAPT John ‘Buz’ Sorce, USN, ret.

President – Memphis Council

Navy League of the United States