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The National Museum of the American Sailor

160704-N-TH437-033 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (July 4, 2016) — Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens speaks during an unveiling ceremony for the renaming of the Great Lakes Naval Museum to the National Museum at the American Sailor, at Great Lakes, Ill., July 4. The National Museum of the American Sailor name change signals a shift in vision from a regional focus to one that depicts the diverse history of Sailors who have served in the U.S. Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric Lockwood/Released)


The Great Lakes Naval Museum in Illinois has been officially renamed the National Museum of the American Sailor during a ceremony and sign unveiling on July 1, 2016. The museum name change signals a shift in vision from a regional focus to one that depicts the diverse history of Sailors who have served in the US Navy. The name change also reflects the interest of museum visitors, many of whom travel across the country to attend the basic training graduation at the Navy’s Recruit Training Command. The museum currently features exhibits on life in Navy boot camp, naval uniforms and traditions, the history of the Naval Station Great Lakes, the role of diversity in the Navy and the role of women in the Navy. Over the next two years, the museum will expand its exhibits to introduce visitors to the overall history and role of the US Navy and the experiences of American Sailors in the past and today. The Navy’s top enlisted Sailor, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens stated “What may appear as a simple name change to some, for me, marks a recommitment to my shipmates that as a Navy, and as a Nation, we honor the service and sacrifice of all American Sailors.” For more information visit http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=95513. For more information about the museum, visit: http://www.nmasf.org/.

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