US Navy Birthday Ball – NH

About

As one of the original 13 states with a rich seafaring history, New Hampshire is the only state to display a US war vessel on its flag and serves as the titular home of one of the nation’s oldest and most storied naval shipyards. This year a volunteer group of New Hampshire community leaders has come together to produce an event that will celebrate the United States Navy’s 247th Birthday. The US Navy Birthday Ball – New Hampshire will serve as an event that celebrates the history and traditions of the US Navy, the positive impact of the US Navy and US Navy service members in New Hampshire, the role of New Hampshire and New Hampshirites in the development and continued success of the US Navy. Funds raised from this year’s Navy Ball will be directly used to support programs specifically designed for Navy veterans and families in need within the region.

Dress

Mess Dress / Black Tie Optional

Start Times

• Wardroom Reception – 5:30 PM
• Community Reception – 6:00 PM

Awards

In keeping with the spirit of the event, the US Navy League, Portsmouth Council, with support from the US Navy League, Portsmouth Council will present two awards at the US Navy Birthday Ball – New Hampshire.

The Captain John Paul Jones Award for Leadership in Military or Civic Affairs

Background

Captain John Paul Jones is a celebrated naval hero of the American Revolution and widely considered to be “the father” of the United States Navy. Captain Jones has a special relationship with New Hampshire, having spent extended periods in Portsmouth in 1777 and again in 1781-82 and captained the USS Ranger, which was built at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1777. the captain’s remains were finally re-interred in a bronze and marble sarcophagus at the Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis.

Criteria

This honor is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptionally meritorious service to the United States, United States Military, New Hampshire or New Hampshire National Guard while serving in position of great responsibility.

2022 Honoree

United States Senator Jeanne Shaheen

The James Hackett Award for Leadership in Industry

Sponsored by the New Hampshire Business Review

Background

Mr. James Hackett, a Revolutionary War hero and long-time New Hampshire citizen, was a leading shipbuilder of his day. Mr. Hackett served New Hampshire’s the famed John Stark as part of Roger’s Rangers prior to the Revolution and took up arms on behalf of the colonies from 1774 to 1776. In 1776, Mr. Hackett turned his efforts toward industry and was responsible for the construction of several significant Revolutionary War-era warships including the USS Raleigh, which appears on the New Hampshire state flag, the USS Ranger, which was Captained John Paul Jones, the USS America, the USS Congress and the USS Portsmouth.

Criteria

This honor is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptionally meritorious leadership in industry while serving in a duty or position of great responsibility.

2022 Honoree

Mr. Kenneth Solinsky

The US Navy Birthday Ball – New Hampshire is produced as community partnership with the US Navy League, Portsmouth Council.

Swimming With a Mission, Inc., New Hampshire non-profit and a 501(c)3 organization, acts as its Fiscal Agent.