The recent USS Ford homecoming at Naval Station Everett united families and friends on the pier along with community organizations on hand to support such as the Everett Chamber of Commerce, selected businesses and the Everett Council of the Navy League.

For the Navy League, a presence at ship homecomings is just one of many ways the organization supports Sailors and their families. 

“It’s my way of serving my country, an opportunity to give back,” said Kathy Gambill, current president of the Everett Council and a frequent visitor to the piers at the naval station. “These young people are so wonderful and do so much for us… it’s the least I can do.”

“When I first started working with the Navy League about four years ago I really had no connection with the military at all. I just wanted to serve,” said Gambill. “Now my grandson, Corey DeYoung, is in the Navy and was selected as Sailor of the Quarter last fall. My son-in-law and a nephew are in the Marines, all of them serving in Iraq. I’m so proud of them!”

The Navy League of the United States was founded in 1902 with the support of President Theodore Roosevelt. By the early 20th century it was obvious that the United States was not only a maritime nation, but a maritime power with global significance, hence the need for a powerful voice advocating a stronger sea service to Congress and the American people. 

While the national-level Navy League exists to educate the nation and its political leaders on the vital importance to the country of comprehensive and fully-prepared sea services, the local-level Navy League, working through its councils, provides support for active duty sea services personnel and their families.

Local councils adopt ships and shore commands; reward and honor enlisted personnel of the year; host dinners and balls for military personnel; and visit and support family members left behind when spouses and parents are deployed.

In addition, they have planned, executed, and underwritten the ceremonies connected with the commissioning of new Navy ships or openings of new military buildings; raise money and provide volunteer workers for fleet week activities; and host birthday celebrations for the various sea services.

Several councils exist in the Puget Sound region, and the organization at Everett is one of the most active. The more visible activities include an awards program honoring Sailors of the year from the base and home ported ships.

Holidays can often be a difficult time financially for young military families with children. Everett council purchases gifts for selected families with the gifts going to parents to give to their children.

Each Thanksgiving the council raises money and accepts donations of food for their Thanksgiving Program. Last year they provided dinner for more than 265 Navy families from ship and shore commands. 

The Navy League is at every ship homecoming and provides American flags for everyone on the pier who desires one in welcoming home the ships and crews.  They also outfit ships with movies, books, workout equipment, popcorn machines, personal DVD players, and the like, to help make their deployments a little more comfortable.

“Every time I set foot on a U.S. naval ship or on the naval station, I’m always impressed by the professionalism, intelligence and maturity of the men and women stationed at those locations,” said Michael Hart, president-elect of the Everett Council.

“The Everett Navy League works for our Sailors like no other. They are there to help out everyone in need of help,” said Capt. Tom Mascolo, Naval Station Everett commanding officer. “Without them, I don’t know how we could do as many things as we do for our local heroes.”