United States Naval Institute

The United States Naval Institute (USNI) is a nonprofit professional military association established on October 9, 1873. It serves as an independent forum for debating national defense and security issues, particularly focusing on sea power.

History

The USNI was founded by 15 naval officers at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Initially, it aimed to discuss the implications of a smaller Navy after the Civil War. Rear Admiral John L. Worden, former commander of the USS Monitor, served as its first president. In 1874, the Institute began publishing papers and proceedings from its discussions, which were distributed to members. Over the years, the Institute expanded its publishing efforts, notably through the Naval Institute Press, established in 1898.

Mission and Activities

The USNI's mission is to provide an independent forum for advancing the professional, literary, and scientific understanding of sea power and other issues critical to national defense. It accomplishes this through various publications, including the monthly journal Proceedings, the bi-monthly Naval History Magazine, and numerous books on naval history and strategy. Additionally, the Institute hosts several annual conferences, which include discussions on historical and contemporary topics related to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Membership and Governance

As of recent years, the USNI has almost 50,000 members, primarily active and retired personnel of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, with members in over 90 countries. Notable past and present members include historical figures like Thomas Edison, Theodore Roosevelt, and Alfred Thayer Mahan, as well as contemporary leaders such as Colin Powell and John Lehman.

Archives and Resources

The USNI maintains an extensive collection of military photographs, dating from the American Civil War to the present, and an oral history program that includes interviews with prominent military figures. These resources provide valuable insights into U.S. military history and strategy.

Structure and Independence

While located on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy, the USNI is an independent entity with no official funding ties to the U.S. Navy or the Naval Academy. This independence allows it to maintain a neutral platform for debate and discussion on naval and national security issues.