Comprised of more than 40,000 members worldwide, the Navy League of the United States is a force to be reckoned with. Serving to educate the public about the importance of strong services, the Navy League provides vital support to servicemembers and their families.

The mission of the Navy League is three-fold: "To enhance the morale of active-duty personnel and their families; to inform Congress and the American public of the importance of strong sea services; and to support youth through programs, such as the Sea Cadet Corps, Junior ROTC and Young Marines, that expose young people to the values of our sea services."

Since its inception in 1902, with support from President Theodore Roosevelt, the Navy League has worked to support the servicemembers of all sea services: the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and US-fleet Merchant Marines, as well as their families.

The more than 240 councils of the Navy League play an active role in the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard community. Each year at the National Convention, awards and recognition are bestowed upon qualified officers and enlistees of the sea services as well as civilians who exemplify outstanding leadership and professional performance in their fields. Awards such as the John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership and the J. William Middendorf II Award for Engineering Excellence are only awarded to the very finest of the sea services.

The Navy League also endeavors to "adopt" various ships, units and installations to boost morale, and these are often instrumental in hosting homecoming and holiday celebrations to benefit servicemembers and their families. Adopted commands may be supported in such ways as awards, holiday parties, homecoming events and scholarships.

The Navy League is also focused on the future. Sponsoring youth programs such as the Sea Cadets Corps and Junior ROTC, as well as funding scholarships for dependents and descendants of sea servicemembers, the Navy League strives to educate young people about citizenship and patriotism and the importance of the sea services to the welfare of our country and the world at large.

The local Navy League Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Chapter, headed by President Tim Katona, plays an active role in our community as well. According to navyleague.org, the Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Chapter has adopted 11 ships, shore commands, NJROTC's, and Sea Cadet Battalions, including the Bremerton High NJROTC, the USS Henry M Jackson and USCG Station Seattle.

Additionally, the Navy League sponsors an annual luncheon to recognize Naval Base Kitsap Sailors of the Year, honoring sailors who exemplify the core values of the Navy. Most notably, perhaps, in 2009 the local Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Chapter raised funds for the purchase and dedication of the Lone Sailor, a statue located at the Port of Bremerton that is said to represent the universal sailor.

The Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Chapter hosts luncheons on board NBK on the second Tuesday of each month where members enjoy fellowship as well as a nice lunch and the opportunity to listen to guest speakers. In addition, members enjoy tours of various local vessels and installations. Recent tours have included the USS Turner Joy and USS John C. Stennis.

Navy League membership is made up of non-active-duty personnel (prior service and interested civilians). Spouses and family members of active-duty servicemembers are welcomed to join as well. Membership includes a subscription to Seapower Magazine and the yearly Almanac of Seapower.

For more information, visit www.bremolympicnlus.wordpress.com.