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WELCOME ABOARD

Welcome to the New York Commandery of the Naval Order of the United States. The New York Commandery hosts a number of educational and social events throughout the year, and builds comradery between its companions in support of the naval services. Membership in the Naval Order is by invitation only. If you have an interest, join us at one of our events.

MISSION STATEMENT

To encourage research and writing on naval and maritime subjects, preserve documents, portraits and other records of prominent figures deeds and memories of our naval and maritime history, and through fellowship of our members advance the Naval Order's unselfish service and worthy aims for the security and enduring well-being of our country. To foster, among all American citizens, informed interest in the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine, with the understanding that their efficiency is essential to national security and that readiness to make victory in war certain and speedy will deter aggression and minimize dangers to world peace.

William G. Armstrong Jr., Communications Director for Sail4th250, holds a degree in political science and journalism from Kent State University. He is a former writer for the Associated Press, assistant dean of the New York University graduate school of business, and worked for more than two decades as a senior public relations executive in New York. He served as a U.S. Navy public affairs officer for 30 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. He has participated in or led numerous OpSail and Fleet Week events since 1986. Author of several specialty books, including a seminal textbook on business-press relations, and two books about long-distance gas ballooning, he is an officer on several non-profit boards, including Sail250NYC and the Norwalk Stamp Club. He lives in Westport, Connecticut

Presidential Endorsement

As a major international tall ship event, Sail4th 250 traces its heritage to the first Operation Sail in 1964, endorsed by President John F. Kennedy. OpSail took place in New York Harbor along with an International Naval Review.

A Long Tradition

Continuing to mark American milestones, New York hosted historic tall ship extravaganzas for the 1976 Bicentennial, the 1986 Statue of Liberty centennial, the Columbus Quincentennial in 1992, the Millennium celebration of 2000, and the Bicentennial of The Star-Spangled Banner in 2012.

A Celebration of Independence

Sail4th 250 continues the extraordinary maritime tradition of gathering the world's tall ship fleets.

As heirs to the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who arrived in this land by ship, we now embark on a new age of global cooperation among freedom-loving peoples.

Naval Order of the United States New York Commandery

WELCOME ABOARD

MISSION STATEMENT

FEBRUARY 2026 LUNCHEON

Monday, 2 February 2026

INFORMATION

NEW YORK COMMANDERY

Steady On Course - The New York Commandery's Newsletter

New York Commandery Blessing