PRELIMINARY EXHIBIT CONCEPT

The National Museum of the Surface Navy strives to present visitors with the story of America’s surface fleet from the earliest days of the US Navy to the present. Rather than organizing the exhibits around a series of chronological experiences, the proposed exhibit organizes the history of the surface Navy thematically. Individual galleries will explore the surface Navy’s remarkable range of roles, including: America’s first line of defense; sentinels patrolling and protecting commercial sea lanes; pathfinders exploring the oceans; informal ambassadors overseas; and a global humanitarian assistance force.

A central gallery focusing on “Today’s Navy” will serve as the heart of the exhibit space, and the museum will highlight a variety of themes and ideas linking back the broader history and trajectory of the US Navy.

KEY TAKE-AWAYS

• Provide visitors with a better understanding of the history of the US Navy and its contributions to America and the world.
• Explain the role and importance of the US Navy surface fleet in ensuring national defense, fighting and winning America’s wars, protecting and preserving international maritime commerce, providing humanitarian assistance, and projecting American power and influence overseas.
• Highlight the evolution of the US Navy’s surface fleet as technological innovation and changes in mission capabilities have advanced and how and where the surface Navy operates.
• Explore the defining moments of the US surface Navy and its impact on the course of American history.
• Tell the story of today’s surface navy and demonstrate why the global force remains the heart of the nation’s Navy; first to deploy, first to engage, first to help.