The USS George Washington was the lead ship in a class of submarines. Launched in June 1959, it was named after the first President of the United States. It was built as a warship and had two commanders. The Blue crew’s commander was James B. Osborn and the Gold crew’s commander was John L. From, Jr.

The first mission of the USS George Washington was to test fire ballistic missiles to ensure the capabilities. The first Polaris missile launch from a submarine occurred on July 20, 1960. The second occurred that day as well, impacting an area 1,100 miles away. The Gold crew of the USS George Washington launched to more missiles on July 30, 1960, only this time the submarine was submerged. From then on, the submarine would be loaded with 16 ballistic missiles.

Its first patrol was 66 days long. When arriving at the Naval Submarine Base New London, the Gold crew took over. This would continue until 1964 until the USS George Washington was put into refuel after cruising over 100,000 nautical miles. When she next departed, she would transfer commands to the United States Pacific Fleet, with a home port at Pearl Harbor.

The USS George Washington primary mission was deterrent patrols in the Pacific Ocean. In 1981, she collided with the Nissho Maru, which was a 2,350 ton commercial cargo ship belonging to Japan. It sank in only 15 minutes. Thirteen crew members of the Nissho Maru were rescued by two were lost. Japan was not notified until 24 hours after the collision and the incident created tension between the two countries. The primary cause for the tension was that the USS George Washington was only about 20 miles from Japan’s territorial waters. There was reportedly no attempt at rescue by the USS George Washington.

The United States would apologize and offer compensation to the families of the lost soldiers. While the U.S. would never reveal what it was doing so close to Japanese waters, the Navy did accept responsibility for the accident. In 1983, the ballistic missiles from the USS George Washington were removed in accordance with the SALT I treaty. The final numbers for the nuclear submarine known as the “Georgefish” were 55 deterrent patrols in both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans over a span of 25 years.

The USS George Washington would continue in service as an attack submarine, but only for a couple more years. It was decommissioned in 1985 and the recycling of the submarine was completed in 1998.

If you or a loved one served on the USS George Washington, you should consider ordering one of the beautiful Navy rings as a proud reminder of this vessel. There are many symbols and insignia from the USS George Washington that can be engraved into the sides of Navy rings. This would make a wonderful gift for a veteran who was part of this piece of U.S. Navy history. Ordering is easy and it can be shipped almost anywhere in the world. For those that served aboard the USS George Washington, there is no better reminder than Navy Rings.

While the term “supercarrier” is not an official term, it does accurately reflect the sheer size of these aircraft carriers. There are currently 11 such ships with a displacement of over 70,000 long tons. Supercarriers are the largest warships ever built and they operate exactly like a floating city.

The HMS Ark Royal in 1938 was the first ship that was actually called a “supercarrier.” It was 685 feet in length and had a displacement of 22,000 tons. It could carry 72 aircraft. By 1943, the term would describe the Midway class, which came in at a displacement of 45,000 tons. For what the media and the Navy refer to as a supercarrier, the USS United States and the USS Forrestal were the first two to set the standard. The USS Forrestal is considered the first operational supercarrier. The USS United States would have been in service at the same time, but it was actually cancelled before completion.

While the United States is not the only country building supercarriers, there are plans to create an even more impressive next generation of carriers. These are called the Gerald R. Ford class and will have a displacement of 100,000 tons. Because of their size, supercarriers are vulnerable to conventional threats; however, they are more economical to produce than smaller carriers are.

The United States Navy has used supercarriers in every war in the country’s history after 1900. During Desert Storm, over 3000 sorties were flown off the decks of a supercarrier each month. These aircraft carriers, such as the USS Ronald Regan, are home to 6,000 sailors and 85 aircraft. Whenever the United States has a need for military action, humanitarian aid, or disaster relief, there are generally one or more supercarriers headed that way.

The command organization of a supercarrier is not much different from other areas in the Navy. The Commanding Officer is in charge of the entire ship; however, he must not only be an unrestricted line officer, he must also be a naval aviator. He must also have a rank of at least an O-6 or captain. The Commanding Officer’s orders are carried out through the Executive Officer, who usually also a captain. There are several departments on an aircraft carrier, all of which ultimately answer to the Commanding Officer. These departments include Administration, Maintenance, Medical, Communications, Safety, and Navigation.

The aircraft carriers are divided into two fleets: the Naval Air Force United States Pacific Fleet and the Atlantic Fleet; however, aircraft carriers are not the only ships under these commands. Each Fleet commands ships, aircraft, helicopters, other equipment, and personnel all over their side of the globe.

For those that serve in one of the two Fleets, there is a great sense of pride and honor. One way to recognize their service is with U.S Navy rings. These U.S. Navy rings are very popular and each can be personalized with different insignias or emblems. You can even include a short message inside the band. It’s one of the best ways to show your support for those who serve this country every day.

The first Navy football game took place in 1879. Since that time, the familiar blue and gold football uniforms have helped created one of the most familiar traditions in the history of college athletics. However, these Navy football players aren’t just scoring on the gridiron, they are also some of the finest acadamians in the country, too. This unique combination of athletics and academics ensures that only the best of the best will graduate from the United States Naval Academy and become the Navy’s finest.

All of the students at the Naval Academy will choose one of 43 different majors that focus on 19 fields of study. In order to compete in one of the many athletic programs, midshipmen must meet the stringent NCAA eligibility requirements, including those requirements that deal with academic progress. If the eligibility requirements are not met, there could be sanctions against the entire team, including fines and penalties.

The familiar blue and gold colors of Navy athletics were adopted back in 1892. The Naval Academy Class of 1890 first used these colors and within two years, the Athletic Association conferred with the Cadets to adopt these colors as the now familiar Academy colors. The mascot has a different history. In 1893, a goat known as “El Cid” (The Chief) was used as the Navy athletic teams’ mascot.

This goat is credited with helping the Navy football team beat their long time rival, the Army, that year. However, there are other animals that have served as the team mascots. These include a dog, a carrier pigeon, and two cats. In 1904, goats became the permanent mascot for all of the Navy athletic teams. There are three goats that currently serve as mascots: Bill XXXII, XXXIII, and XXXIV. Fifteen goathandlers take care of these mascots. Those goathandlers are five midshipmen that are chosen from each class of first, second, and third year students. There’s a lot of training that goes with becoming a goathandler and a bit of respect, as well!

There are a few other traditions that always accompany the Navy Football team. For example, the “E” Bell rings whenever Navy beats Army in any of the three seasons of sports. This bell is from the bridge of USS Enterprise, a famed World War II aircraft carrier. It’s been a tradition since 1950. The Gokokuji Bell is a replica of a bell that was brought to the United States by Commodore Matthew Perry in 1854. The original bell, which was donated to the Academy by his widow, was returned to Okinawa in 1987. This bell is also rung each time the team scores a football victory over their Army rivals. This bell sits in front of Bancroft Hall in Annapolis.

Midshipmen, also called Mids, is what the Navy sports teams are called. The members of the various varsity teams who earn a varsity letter also receive an “N-Star” if they are part of a team that beats an Army team in one of the many “Star” competitions. In recent years, the Navy has certainly been a dominate force against the Army’s West Point teams. The Navy has won the N-Star Competition for the last twelve years.

One of the best ways to recognize a Navy football team member is with Navy football rings. You can easily design a Navy football ring online and have it shipped directly to the cadet at Annapolis. Imagine their surprise when their Navy football ring arrives!

The Navy SEALs were established in 1962 by President Kennedy. This elite, small maritime force was created for unconventional warfare. The members of the SEALs team are trained to operate in all environments, which is where the name of the unit comes from – Sea, Air, and Land. From the humid jungles to scorching deserts, SEALs take advantage of the fact that the over half of the world’s population is within a mile of a river or ocean. SEALs can infiltrate heavy defended areas when necessary to accomplish their mission, such as the shallow water of the Persian Gulf Coastline.

Part of the history of the U.S. Navy SEALs can be linked to the very first group of Naval Constructions Battalions in 1943. Their missions were to clean the beaches of obstacles so that amphibious landings could occur with less problems. The Naval Combat Demolition Units, also known as NCDUs came next and they distinguished themselves in Normandy with their Underwater Demolition Teams or UDTs. These new units had action in just about every corner of the Pacific during the Second World War When the SEALs were created, it was for counter-guerilla warfare and other clandestine operations. The emphasis was put on maritime operations. There were two teams initially, one on the West Coast and one on the East Coast. During the Vietnam War, these impressive units complied an unmatched record of success.

Since Vietnam ended, the SEALs have had to adapt to an every-changing world. Increased operation tasking has led to an increase in the number of SEAL units and their capabilities. SEAL Deliver Vehicle Teams have been created, which has allowed this important Naval unit with additional amphibious support.Seal Delivery Teams (SDV) are considered part of the elite combat unit of Naval Special Warfare. These teams are highly trained and organized. They are equipped for unconventional warfare, special operations, and foreign internal defense. Because of the need for increased special operations throughout the world, Navy SEALS must continuously train for all types of combat situations.

SEAL training is mentally and physically exhausting. Basic Underwater Demotion/SEAL or BUD/S training is held in Coronado, CA. It’s a six month course that focuses on physical conditioning, diving physics, small boat handling, basic diving techniques, land warfare, weapons, communications, demolitions, and reconnaissance. The course is broken up into six distinct phases: Indoctrination, Basic Conditioning, Diving, Land Warfare, Basic Parachute Training. At the end, the graduates will receive their Naval Special Warfare Classification.

SEALs have a long proud tradition and a great deal of respect in the Armed Forces. They fulfill a very special role in today’s military operations. However, the training and selection process is very difficult. The dropout rate for the training is very high and there have actually been some classes that no recruit completed. It’s not just the physical requirements of the course, either. The sheer mental strength of these “warriors” is unmatched. Those who make it through and proudly wear the title of a Navy SEAL often order a Navy SEAL ring to show their pride. You can find these Navy SEAL rings online and create a stunning reminder of their sacrifice and service.

]]> http://www.military-rings.com/military-rings/navy-rings-military-rings/u-s-navy-seals-%e2%80%93-anelite-maritime-force/feed/ 0 http://www.military-rings.com/news-stories/coast-guard-rings/ http://www.military-rings.com/news-stories/coast-guard-rings/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:28:33 +0000 tonygill http://military-rings.com/?p=427

The United States Coast Guard is probably quite similar to other Coast Guards around the world in so far as that their main purpose is to protect the environment, the public and of course the economy and security on the nation. It has jurisdiction in both domestic and international waters and in wartime will work under the Department of the Navy but in peace time it works under the Department of Homeland Security.

The Coast Guard patrols the sea around our nation but also the inland waterways which may be at risk from narcotics dealers and other undesirables.

Coast Guard Ring

The Coast Guard ring is very similar to all the other military rings in that they can be customized with all the personal and military details of the member.

Quite a few of the Coast Guard personnel have served in overseas campaigns and they like to wear the coast guard ring to reflect this.

Coast Guard Ring and the Motto;

Like all other departments of the Armed Forces that have mottos the Coast Guard is no different. Their motto is “Semper Paratus” which is the Latin for “Always Prepared” and we are sure glad that we have them to protect us from evil. The Coast Guards roots stem back to August the fourth 1790 when Alexander Hamilton established it under the Dept of the Treasury and was actually the only Navy Force that the United States had until the re-establishing on the US. Navy in 1798.

One of their functions in that time was to address the situation with regard to piracy which was wreaking havoc on the high seas and to assist and other vessel that might be in any difficulty.

They are often referred to as the 1^st Fleet but this is only an informal way of referring to them as they were in essence the only protection during the years from 1790 to 1798 for our coastline and other sea going vessels.

Modern Coast Guard Ring

In 1915 or around that time the merging of United States Life Saving Service and that of the Revenue Cutter Service formed the United States Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard are not just a docile department, they have taking part in conflicts and campaigns like the War of 1812, the American Civil War and World War Two where they operated under the US Navy.

Coast Guard Ring Ethos;

• I am America’s maritime guardian.
• I serve the citizens of the United States.
• I will protect them.
• I will defend them.
• I will save them.
• I am their shield.
• For them I am Semper Paratus –“Always Prepared”
• I live the Coast Guard core Values
• I am a Guardian.
• We are the United States Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard Ensign 

Coast Guard Ensign is sixteen vertical stripes alternate white and red and the union of the ensign is the arms of the United States in dark blue on a white field. The sixteen stripes represent the number of states in the United States of America at the time which was 1799. For more information check back with us from time to time. Order a beautiful ring by clicking on our shop.

Coast Guard Ring Designs

USS Enterprise 2007

This beautiful ring looks best when its custom made for the specific person. With the wide range of personalization emblems to choose from you will have no problem designing and creating a ring to reflect the career history of the person you are buying this ring for. A little word of caution however, when you are selecting the ring size make sure that you leave a little comfort room as these rings are wide band and may be a half size bigger than a wedding band would be appropriate.

Whether you are at sea or land we have emblems and crests that will help you create a navy ring that will display the integrity, pride and spirit of your service and achievements. From the Department of the Navy Seal, Eagle, Flag and Book, Field Marine Force, Seabees, Chief Petty Officer, Special Operations, Us Navy Seal and a host of others that can be combined on both sides to help you design the perfect Navy ring.

Navy Rings and side Emblems

Navy Rings and choice of Stones

These Navy rings are completely personalized from the sides where you can put your emblems, dates of deployments and names. Around the top of the ring you can have wording engraved that will show whether you are active or retired, whether you served on the carriers or other Naval vessels. For example if you served on the USS Enterprise or the USS Stennis you can have these engraved around the top of the ring to indicate this.

The colored stones that you see on the top of most Navy rings are chosen by the wearer to indicate what month they were born, like the Emerald would indicate that they were born in May and Ruby would indicate that they were born in July.

Navy Rings and Naval Training

USS Enterprise-Anchored in Cannes, France 2007

There are a number of Navy training bases throughout the United States but the ones that come to mind immediately are Norfolk Naval Station where you have the Atlantic Fleet and the Armed Forces Staff College and the worlds largest Naval Station also comprises of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic and Fleet Supply Center.

In the lovely state of Illinois you will find the Naval Base referred to as Great Lakes Training Center, this is Headquarters of the US Military Entrance Processing Command and Recruit Training Command.

Navy Rings and Major Naval Bases.

In Illinois you have Great Lakes NTC, in Virginia you have Norfolk Naval Base, and in California you have China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station and Point Loma Naval Base and San Diego Naval Station. Florida is home to the Jacksonville Naval Air Station and Pensacola Naval Air Station. Travel to Washington on the West coast and you will be able to visit Bremerton Naval Station, Everett Naval Station and the Underwater Warfare Center at Keyport Naval. All of these bases and training commands can be engraved on the sides of your new Navy Ring. Take a flight out to Puerto Rico and you can visit the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station named I presume after our President Roosevelt.