Naval History & Heritage Command

The Naval History and Heritage Command, located at the Washington Navy Yard, is an Echelon II command responsible for the preservation, analysis, and dissemination of U.S. Naval history and heritage.
It is composed of 42 facilities in 13 geographic locations, including:

·         Navy Library

·         10 Museums and 1 Heritage Center

·         USS Constitution and associated repair facility (at the time of inspection)

·         Historic ship Nautilus

The Naval History and Heritage Command's lineage dates back to 1800 with the founding of the Navy Department Library by President John Adams, and form a rich history in themselves.

The Director of Naval History is the head of the Naval History & Heritage Command. Captain Henry J. Hendrix II, USN (PhD) is the present Director of Naval History.

List of former Directors of Naval History

Mission of the Naval History & Heritage Command:

Collect, preserve, protect and make available the artifacts, documents, and art that best embody our naval history and heritage for present and future generations.

Advance the knowledge of naval history and heritage through professional research, analysis, interpretation, products and services.

Make naval history and heritage "come alive" for our Sailors and Marines to enhance readiness and esprit de corps.

Remind America of its need to maintain a strong Navy and Marine Corps to protect its citizens, their freedoms and the nation's maritime commerce.

Vision Statement of the Naval History & Heritage Command:

Be the recognized authority on U.S. naval history and instill pride in America's naval heritage.