Celebrating Naval Station Norfolk's Centennial @ ODU Libraries

November 09, 2017

Perry Library

By Carrie Anderson

Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval station, is celebrating its centennial anniversary all year. The celebrations have highlighted the installation's rich history and impact on Hampton Roads, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. More than 30 events have honored the past, celebrated the present and shaped the future of Norfolk's proud Navy tradition.

Old Dominion University Libraries and the Friends of the Libraries are playing a part in those celebrations by welcoming Commanding Officer Capt. Rich McDaniel to Perry Library to speak about the history of the naval base in Norfolk.

"Based on my involvement with the City of Norfolk's Naval Station Norfolk's Centennial Commission, I thought a talk given by the current Commanding Officer to the Friends of the Libraries would be a great way to help commemorate the naval station centennial as well as share some of the rich history with the students, faculty, and staff of Old Dominion University," said Robert Clark, ODU's military activities liaison. "ODU has been a part of Naval Station Norfolk's history, we have enjoyed a close relationship with many of the Sailors that call Naval Station Norfolk home, and this is another way to help keep this relationship alive and well."

Captain Rich McDaniel took command of Naval Station Norfolk in March, 2017. He has served at sea on five U.S. Navy combatants and two afloat staffs. He has 23 years of naval service and has deployed multiple times to the Arabian Gulf, Western Pacific, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and Caribbean. McDaniel has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal.

"We're excited to welcome Capt. McDaniel to Old Dominion University Libraries. The history of the naval station makes for a fascinating story about Hampton Roads and the nation. And Perry Libraries have put together a special exhibit with items from the Naval Station's and Old Dominion's archives," said David Metzger, FOL president and Dean of the Old Dominion University Honors College.

As a part of the event, Old Dominion University Libraries Special Collections is partnering with Naval Station Norfolk Archives to put together an exhibit that showcases the history of the Naval Station in pictures and artifacts that will be on display leading up to and during the lecture event.