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Naval Review

A Naval Review is, ostensibly, an event where a selection of vessels and other assets belonging to the United States Navy are meticulously paraded for inspection by the sitting President of the United States or, on occasion, the Secretary of the Navy. One might assume such a spectacle serves to demonstrate the nation's maritime prowess, or perhaps just to remind everyone that the President has a very expensive toy collection.

This article focuses on the specific tradition of reviews involving the U.S. Fleet. For broader examinations of fleet and naval reviews conducted by other nations, one would, naturally, consult the article on Fleet review. And for those mistakenly searching for literary pursuits, the periodical is found under Naval Review (magazine).

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Behold, President Harry S. Truman, in a moment of what appears to be unbridled enthusiasm (waving his hat, no less), accompanied by his entourage aboard the USS Renshaw during the Navy Day Fleet Review in New York Harbor on 27 October 1945. The iconic USS Missouri looms in the background, a silent testament to power, while Navy aircraft perform their aerial ballet overhead. A truly impressive display, if you're into that sort of thing.

A Naval Review, at its core, is a ceremonial gathering where a chosen contingent of United States Navy vessels and associated assets are presented for formal inspection by the nation's highest commander, the President of the United States, or occasionally, the delegated authority of the Secretary of the Navy. In the contemporary era, the sheer geographical expanse over which the modern U.S. Navy operates, coupled with the complex, staggered deployment schedules of its diverse ships across various fleets, renders the notion of assembling even a single entire numbered fleet for such an event an almost insurmountable logistical and financial hurdle. To even contemplate gathering the entirety of the U.S. Navy—a colossal force comprising well over 460 ships, collectively displacing more than 3.4 million tons—for a single review would be to invite a level of physical cost and logistical headache that borders on the absurd. One might suggest it's easier to herd cats, if the cats in question were the size of small cities and ran on jet fuel.

However, a naval review is not always an exclusively domestic affair. These grand maritime processions can and often do incorporate warships and diplomatic representatives from the navies of other sovereign nations, transforming them into a broader international spectacle. The most expansive and regularly conducted modern maritime exercise involving the US Navy that bears some resemblance to a review is the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC). This biennial event unfolds during the summer of even-numbered years, typically off the picturesque, if strategically vital, coast of Hawaii. RIMPAC routinely witnesses the participation of approximately 50 surface ships, a contingent of around 200 aircraft, and personnel numbering roughly 25,000, drawn from up to two dozen participating nations. This culminates in a truly massive naval review, which is frequently graced by the presence of the Secretary of the Navy, alongside the Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and a curated selection of other invited dignitaries. It's a significant display of cooperation, or at least, coordinated movement.

What follows is a curated, though by no means exhaustive, chronology of notable past Naval Reviews, organized by the presiding President. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each of these reviews was conducted under the direct gaze of the President himself.

Nineteenth century

Grover Cleveland

  • April to June 1893, at Hampton Roads – The International Naval Review, an integral component of the grand Columbian Exposition. President Cleveland, presumably making an effort to look engaged, was aboard the despatch vessel USS Dolphin. This particular review featured a rather respectable contingent of U.S. naval vessels for the era, including:
    • USS Atlanta
    • USS Bennington [1]
    • USS Charleston
    • USS Chicago (1885) One can only imagine the sheer excitement of watching these steel behemoths slowly drift by. A simpler time, perhaps.

Before World War One

Theodore Roosevelt

The era of Theodore Roosevelt, a man whose enthusiasm was almost as boundless as the oceans he sought to command, naturally saw a number of significant naval reviews. These were not merely parades but deliberate statements of burgeoning American power.

  • 1903 at Oyster Bay, New York – A Presidential Fleet Review, likely a more intimate affair given Roosevelt's personal connection to the area.
  • 2–4 September 1906, Oyster Bay, New York – Another review in his favored waters, featuring U.S. naval vessels such as:
    • USS Florida
    • USS Truxtun
    • USS Yankee
  • 10 June 1907 – A Presidential Review, conducted from the historic ramparts of Fort Monroe. This event was a crucial part of the larger Jamestown Exposition, an occasion that, perhaps more importantly, laid the foundational groundwork for what would become Naval Station, Norfolk. The U.S. naval vessels present included the USS Georgia, from which the subsequent day, 11 June, was ceremoniously proclaimed "Georgia Day."
  • 16 December 1907, Hampton Roads – The iconic send-off for the legendary Great White Fleet. This monumental circumnavigation, a bold display of global reach and naval might, included the USS Georgia, alongside 15 other battleships, a formidable torpedo boat squadron, and various transport ships, with USS Truxtun [2] also present. It was, undoubtedly, a spectacle designed to impress both allies and potential adversaries.
  • 6–8 May 1908, San Francisco Bay – This particular review was not overseen by the President himself, but rather by the Secretary of the Navy. It showcased the following units of the Pacific Fleet, demonstrating their readiness and presence on the West Coast:
    • USS California
    • USS Georgia
    • USS Washington
    • USS Wisconsin
  • 22 February 1909, Hampton Roads – The triumphant return of the Great White Fleet, having completed its global journey. This homecoming included vessels such as:
    • USS Idaho
    • USS New Hampshire
    • USS Wisconsin One can only imagine the collective sigh of relief, both from the sailors and the taxpayers.

William Howard Taft

President Taft, known more for his judicial temperament than his naval flair, nevertheless presided over several reviews.

  • 2 November 1910 – A review conducted just prior to the fleet's departure for France.
  • Early November 1911, New York – This review included U.S. naval vessels such as:
    • USS South Carolina
    • USS Washington
  • 1 April 1912, off Yonkers, New York – A rather specific location, this review featured the USS Wisconsin.
  • 14 October 1912, North River – The USS Delaware and USS E-1 made their stately procession before both the President and the then-Secretary of the Navy, George von L. Meyer.
  • 10 – 15 October 1912, Philadelphia – This review featured the formidable USS Iowa (BB-4).

1914 – 1919: Woodrow Wilson

The years of Woodrow Wilson saw the nation navigate the complexities of global conflict, and naval reviews reflected both pre-war preparedness and post-war triumph.

The USS Arizona, a vessel whose name would later echo with tragedy, participates in the New York City review on 26 December 1918. She was the vanguard of ten dreadnoughts that proudly paraded past Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels, a fitting display for a nation emerging from a global conflict.

  • May 1915, New York Harbor – This review included the USS G-4, among others, a snapshot of the fleet's composition as Europe descended into war.
  • 26 December 1918 – New York – A significant post-war review, presided over by Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels from the deck of the yacht USS Mayflower. Notably, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, a young Franklin Delano Roosevelt, observed from USS Aztec. The USS Wisconsin was also present, having apparently made a habit of these events.
  • September 1919, San Francisco – This West Coast review included the USS Crane (which received a visit from Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels on 4 September during the event) and the USS Dent.
  • 12 September 1919, Seattle, Washington – The U.S. naval vessels present included the USS Seattle, quite fittingly.
  • Late December 1919, North River – The celebratory Victory Naval Review, marking the conclusion of the Great War. U.S. naval vessels included the USS Florida, among the many returning from their wartime duties.

Inter-war

The period between the two World Wars saw the Navy adapt and evolve, and its reviews reflected the changing geopolitical landscape and technological advancements.

Warren G. Harding

President Harding's tenure, brief and somewhat overshadowed by scandal, still included these ceremonial displays of naval strength.

  • 28 April 1921, Hampton Roads – Reviewed by President Warren G. Harding himself, this event included the following U.S. naval vessels:
    • USS Delaware
    • USS Dickerson
  • April 1921, Norfolk, Virginia – Another review in the same general vicinity, featuring these U.S. naval vessels:
    • USS Graham
    • USS Dahlgren
  • 1923, Seattle, Washington – This West Coast review included the majestic USS Arizona [3] and the USS Chase.

Calvin Coolidge

President Coolidge, known for his taciturn demeanor, oversaw a significant review that showcased the evolving fleet.

The USS Maryland, a formidable battleship, proudly participates during the June 1927 review, a testament to the nation's continued investment in naval power during a period of relative peace.

  • June 1927, Hampton Roads – A substantial naval review that featured a diverse array of vessels, including:
    • USS Seattle
    • USS Concord
    • USS La Vallette
    • USS Somers
    • USS Camden
    • USS Coghlan One imagines the President observing with his characteristic quiet approval, or perhaps just a faint nod.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt, a former Assistant Secretary of the Navy and a President who would guide the nation through another global conflict, had a profound understanding of naval power. His reviews were often more than mere ceremony.

The USS Chicago (CA-29) cuts through the water off New York City during the 31 May 1934 fleet review. These events were not just parades but opportunities to assess readiness and project strength in an increasingly uncertain world.

  • 31 May 1934, New York Harbor – A significant fleet review that included the following U.S. naval vessels, showcasing the modern fleet:
    • USS Chicago (CA-29)
    • USS Salt Lake City
    • USS Dickerson
    • USS Chester
  • September–November 1935, San Diego, California – A prolonged period of naval activity culminating in a review on the West Coast, which included:
    • USS Philip
    • USS Crowninshield
    • USS Concord
  • 12 – 14 July 1938, San Francisco, California – The USS Houston had the distinct honor of carrying President Roosevelt during this review, which also featured the USS Concord. These pre-war demonstrations were increasingly important as global tensions mounted.

1940 to 1945

The war years brought a stark shift in priorities, but even amidst the conflict, moments of review and recognition occurred, often serving as morale boosters or strategic displays.

  • The USS Texas, a veteran of two World Wars, participating in a 1940 review. A symbol of enduring naval might.
  • The USS Missouri, en route to the 1945 review via the Panama Canal. A journey of strategic importance, even for a ceremonial event.
  • President Truman, presiding over the 1945 review. A new leader for a new era.
  • The USS New York, at the 1945 review. Another testament to the resilience of the fleet.
  • Navy Day, 27 October 1940 – A review held as the nation braced for the inevitable entry into World War II.

Harry S. Truman

  • Navy Day Fleet Review in New York Harbor, 27 October 1945 – A truly momentous occasion, marking the end of the greatest global conflict. This review was not just a parade of ships but a celebration of victory and a somber acknowledgment of the sacrifices made.

Post-war to present

The post-war era saw the U.S. Navy solidify its position as a global superpower, and naval reviews continued, often taking on an increasingly international character.

Dwight Eisenhower

International Naval Review – 1957

  • 11 – 13 June 1957, Hampton Roads – This particular International Naval Review was a grand affair, orchestrated to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, Virginia. It was a truly global spectacle, involving an impressive 113 ships representing seventeen different nations, including the elegant French anti-aircraft cruiser De Grasse. The U.S. naval vessels present included a substantial cross-section of the fleet [4]:

    • USS Saratoga
    • USS Iowa (BB-61)
    • USS Canberra – The then-Secretary of Defense, Charles E. Wilson, was embarked on this vessel for the review.
    • USS Macon
    • USS Albany
    • USS Northampton
    • USS Norfolk – This vessel served as the Flagship for Admiral Jerauld Wright, who held the dual commands of Commander-in-Chief U.S. Atlantic Fleet and Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic.
    • USS Forrest Royal
    • USS Charles H. Roan
    • USS Hyman
    • USS Hunt
    • USS Donner
    • USS Ray
    • USS Cavalla One can almost hear the collective sigh of the organizers after coordinating such an immense international flotilla.

  • The mighty USS Saratoga, a symbol of post-war naval aviation.

  • The USS Randolph, another aircraft carrier, showcasing the evolving power projection capabilities.

  • The USS Iowa, a battleship that had proven its worth in global conflict.

  • The USS Canberra, an impressive cruiser, hosting a very important dignitary.

  • 26 June 1959, USS Lake St. Louis – This unique review saw the USS Lake St. Louis inspected not only by the President but also by Queen Elizabeth II, highlighting the close alliance between the two nations. The review also included the USS Forrest Royal and the USS Forrest Sherman.

Gerald Ford

  • 1976 - New York Harbor – The Fourth International Naval Review, a monumental event held in honor of the United States Bicentennial. This grand occasion was meticulously synchronized with Op Sail 1976, a spectacular gathering of tall ships. The USS Forrestal served as the designated host ship, and it was upon her vast flight deck that, on the auspicious date of 4 July, President Ford ceremoniously "rang in" the Bicentennial [5].

    American ships were joined by a truly global contingent of naval vessels, representing nations from every corner of the world, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, West Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, the Soviet Union (a notable participant given the Cold War context), Israel, Egypt, Venezuela, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, South Africa, The Netherlands, and Romania [6] [7]. A truly diverse collection of maritime might.

    As Stewart B Milstein of NY Fleet Reviews [8] succinctly noted: "On 3 July, 23 US Naval vessels, and 30 foreign naval vessels began a ship parade from the Verranzano-Narrows Bridge into NY Harbor. This fourth International Naval Review included the first visit in 10 years of a US aircraft carrier to NY." It was, by all accounts, an impressive display of both modern and historical maritime power.

    US Ships Participating in the 1976 Naval Review

    • USS Wainwright - Flagship
    • USS Austin
    • USS Dale
    • USS Edenton
    • USS Farragut
    • USCGC Firebush
    • USS Forrestal
    • USS Fort Snelling
    • USS Harlan County
    • USS Hoist
    • USS Julius A Furer
    • USS Kalamazoo
    • USS La Moure County
    • USCGC Mahoning
    • USCGC Manitou
    • USCGC Morgenthau
    • USS Mount Whitney
    • USS Nashville
    • USS Papago
    • USS Pharris
    • USCGC Red Beech
    • USS Richard L. Page
    • USS Richmond K. Turner
    • USS San Diego
    • USCGC Sauk
    • USS Savannah
    • USS Spartanburg County
    • USS William V. Pratt

    Foreign Ships Participating in the 1976 Naval Review

    • HMAS Hobart (Australia)
    • D-35 Sergipe (Brazil)
    • HMCS Iroquois (Canada)
    • HDMS Peder Skram (Denmark)
    • DOMR Separación (Dom. Rep.)
    • ENS El Horreya (Egypt)
    • FS Drogou (France)
    • FS Duperré (France)
    • HMS London (UK)
    • HMS Bacchante (UK)
    • HMS Lowestoft (UK)
    • INS Tarashish (Israel)
    • INS Yaffo (Israel)
    • ITS San Giorgio (Italy)
    • JDS Katori (Japan)
    • JDS Nagatsuki (Japan)
    • HNLMS Holland (Netherlands)
    • HNLMS Tromp (Netherlands)
    • HNLMS Zeeland (Netherlands)
    • HNoMS Trondheim (Norway)
    • BAP Independencia (Peru)
    • NRP Alfonso Cerqeria (Portugal)
    • NRP Honório Barreto (Portugal)
    • SAS President Kruger (South Africa)
    • ESPS Asturias (Spain)
    • HSwMS Älvsnabben (Sweden)
    • TCG Peyk (Turkey)
    • ARV Zulia (Venezuela)
    • FGS Glücksburg (West Germany)
    • FGS Hessen (West Germany)

    The spectacle continued with the tall ships, as described by Jim O'Doherty in "Operation Sail 1976" [9]: "On 4 July, naval vessels representing 21 foreign nations and the United States will form an anchor line of review for more than 225 sailing ships marching up the Hudson in the Operation Sail 1976 parade. Leading the parade will be 16 magnificent anachronisms, tall ships with masts reaching so high that they could not navigate the 127-foot clearance of the lattice worked Brooklyn Bridge." A truly poetic description of the blend of old-world charm and modern engineering.

    Participating Tall Ships in order of Review

    • USCGC Eagle (United States)
    • Danmark (Denmark)
    • Christian Radich (Norway)
    • ARA Libertad (Argentina)
    • BACH Esmeralda (Chile)
    • ARC Gloria (Colombia)
    • FGS Gorch Fock (Germany)
    • ITS Amerigo Vespucci (Italy)
    • JS Nippon Maru (Japan)
    • Dar Pomorza (Poland)
    • NRP Sagres (Portugal)
    • ESPS Juan Sebastián de Elcano (Spain)
    • ROS Mircea (Romania)
    • USSRS Tovarishch (Soviet Union)
    • Kruzenshtern (Soviet Union)
    • Gazela Primeiro (United States)

Ronald Reagan

  • 1986 - On July 3–4, the Fifth International Naval Review was staged, this time commemorating the rededication of the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Echoing the successful format from the 1976 Bicentennial, the modern warships made their majestic entry on July 3, anchoring strategically along the channel. The following day, the magnificent Tall Ships gracefully sailed up the Hudson River, proceeding past the imposing George Washington Bridge. This impressive maritime procession was reviewed by President Reagan and other distinguished VIPs, who gathered aboard the USS John F. Kennedy to observe the assembled fleet [10]. It was a powerful tableau, blending historical symbolism with contemporary military might.

    US Navy Ships Participating in the 1986 Naval Review

    • USS Bonefish
    • USS Boulder
    • USS Dahlgren
    • USS Emory S. Land
    • USS Iowa
    • USS Mount Whitney
    • USS Nashville
    • USS Platte
    • USNS Range Sentinel
    • USS Scott
    • USS Yorktown

    USCG & NOAA Ships Participating in the 1986 Naval Review

    • USCGC Bollard
    • USCGC Cape Horn
    • USCGC Dallas
    • USCGC Evergreen
    • USCGC Gallatin
    • USCGC Hawser
    • USCGC Line
    • USCGC Penobscot Bay
    • USCGC Point Bataan
    • USCGC Point Francis
    • USCGC Point Franklin
    • USCGC Point Herron
    • USCGC Point Knoll
    • USCGC Raritan
    • USCGC Red Beech
    • USCGC Red Wood
    • NOAAS Researcher
    • USCGC Sorrel
    • USCGC Vigorous
    • USCGC Wire

    Foreign Ships Participating in the 1986 Naval Review

    • F-44 Independência (Brazil)
    • HMCS Iroquois (Canada)
    • FS Jeanne d'Arc (France)
    • FS Jeanne De Vienne (France)
    • FS Tourville (France)
    • HMS Ark Royal (UK)
    • HMS Cleopatra (UK)
    • HMS Sirius (UK)
    • FNH Copan (Honduras)
    • FNH Tegucigalpa (Honduras)
    • INS Godavari (India)
    • LÉ Eithne (Ireland)
    • HMJS Paul Bogle (Jamaica)
    • JDS Katori (Japan)
    • JDS Nagatsuki (Japan)
    • HNLMS Abraham Crijnssen (Netherlands)
    • HNoMS Horten (Norway)
    • FGS Braunschweig (West Germany)
    • FGS Deutschland (West Germany)
    • FGS Offenburg (West Germany)

    Tall Ship Participants in the 1986 Parade of Ships

Bill Clinton

  • 3–9 July 2000, New York City – The Sixth International Naval Review, a millennial celebration set to coincide with Op Sail 200, featured a significant contingent of U.S. naval vessels [12], alongside a global fleet of tall ships.

    Reviewing Ships

    • USS Hue City (serving as President Clinton's flagship, a rather grand stage for observation)
    • USS John F. Kennedy
    • USS John Hancock
    • USS Nassau

    Parading Vessels

    Participants in the 2000 Parade of Ships

2026 Review

  • In a predictable, yet perhaps necessary, nod to historical continuity, the United States Navy is slated to host a significant naval review on 4 July 2026 in New York Harbor. This event will honor the United States Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years of American independence [14]. Current plans anticipate the participation of over 80 ships from some 30 countries, a truly global assembly. This review is also designed to coincide with OpSail 2026, ensuring a blend of modern naval power and the nostalgic charm of tall ships. One can only hope the weather cooperates.

RIMPAC

The USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) leads the formidable RIMPAC 2010 fleet, a testament to the scale and complexity of modern international naval exercises. This isn't just a parade; it's a carefully choreographed dance of power.

First initiated in 1971, RIMPAC has evolved into the world's preeminent international maritime warfare exercise. This massive undertaking is both hosted and meticulously administered by the United States Navy's Indo-Pacific Command, working in close conjunction with the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard, and the Hawaii National Guard. The US Navy itself describes RIMPAC as an unparalleled training opportunity, one that actively assists participating nations in cultivating and sustaining the cooperative relationships deemed absolutely critical for safeguarding sea lanes and ensuring global maritime security [15]. It's a pragmatic approach to projecting influence, rather than just a show.

While the 2020 RIMPAC exercise faced understandable curtailment due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the 2018 exercises saw a truly impressive turnout. Approximately 25,000 naval personnel and a combined fleet of 52 ships and submarines, representing a staggering 26 countries, actively participated. The forces involved hailed from Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam [16] [17] [18]. A truly diverse coalition, proving that even in the modern age, a coordinated display of force still holds considerable sway.

  • Secretary of Defense Esper engages with CINCPACFLT Aquilino at RIMPAC 2020. Even curtailed, the leadership still made their presence felt.
  • SECNAV Richard Spencer meets with RIMPAC 2018 commanders, ensuring the gears of cooperation continue to turn.
  • Chilean defense minister Alberto Espina participates in RIMPAC 2018. A reminder that these exercises are truly international.
  • SECNAV Mabus departs Hickam to review the RIMPAC 2012 fleet. The tradition of review, adapted for modern realities.

A striking image of 42 ships and submarines from 15 nations moving in close formation during RIMPAC 2014. A synchronized ballet of steel, demonstrating capability and cohesion.