Naval Order of the US – Northwest

The Great White Fleet

On 25 May, the Commandery received an excellent presentation via Zoom of “A Pacific Effect – The United States Navy, Naval Engagement, and the World Cruise of the Great White Fleet” by Dr. Daniel Curzon, PhD, of the Naval History and Heritage Command. Weaving in numerous global events that began with the 1882 buildup of a steel US Navy, the presentation also included the unlikely impact of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake on already-tense US-Japanese relations. Dr. Curzon’s detailed summary of events leading to the Great White Fleet’s world cruise of 1907-1909 provides a foundation for understanding the US Navy’s development as a 20th century power. He noted that many of the junior Naval officers involved with the Great White Fleet operations would go on to lead the US in World War II as senior Admirals. Dr. Curzon’s presentation is highly recommended for all companions if the opportunity becomes available in the future.

Nimitz at Ease

For the Commandery’s Battle of Midway Commemoration on 22 June, the Northwest Commandery was privileged to have author and CAPT Michael Lilly, USN (Ret.) visit via Zoom for his third NOUS presentation of “Nimitz at Ease: How a Honolulu Couple Helped Nimitz Cope with the Stresses of Command.” (Please refer to the Summer 2024 NOUS Newsletter for additional details of his June 2024 presentation to the Continental Commandery.) CAPT Lilly’s account of Admiral Nimitz’s personal time during WWII takes the reader past traditional history books and gives a unique insight into the life of a great leader.

The MacArthur “I Shall Return” Story

Also, for the Midway Commemoration on 22 June, CAPT James McGinnis, MSC, USN (Ret.) provided a fascinating recount of General Douglas MacArthur’s “I shall return” commitment and its place in Pacific WW2 military strategy.  Following an overview of MacArthur’s early life, CAPT McGinnis traced the General’s command, starting with the escape from the Philippines to his return from New Guinea to Leyte Island. It was there on 20 October 1944 that he gave his famous “I have returned” speech. CAPT McGinnis cited several books as references for his presentation, including MacArthur at War World War II in the Pacific (by Walter R. Borneman), American Caesar Douglas MacArthur 1880-1964 (by William Manchester) and 15 Stars Eisenhower, MacArthur, Marshall (by Stanley Weintraub).

CAPT McGinnis also covered the major naval battles involved with MacArthur’s command, including at Leyte Gulf in October 1944, when Admiral Halsey’s 3^rd Fleet and of Admiral Kincaid’s 7^th Fleet fought off the Japanese naval forces.

Other Business

In addition to the above presentations, business meetings were held in April and August, with July and August being scheduled vacation months for the full Commandery.