Latest news with #NavalHistory
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How WWII brought about the normalization of tattoos
During his third Pacific voyage beginning in 1776, Capt. James Cook recorded in his journal: 'The universality of tattooing is a curious subject for speculation….' Today, however, getting inked as a member of the U.S. military is a borderline rite of passage, so much so, writes J.D. Simkins, that the 'military culture to tattooing is so prevalent that finding an ink-free service member is infinitely more rare than the alternative.' But that is a relatively new phenomenon. The U.S. military — and society's — embracing and liberalization surrounding the stigma and regulations governing tattoos is thanks, in large part, to the Second World War. The vast expansion of Naval personnel at the onset of WWII ushered in a new era of the tatted tradition, helped by figures like artist Norman Keith Collins — also known as Sailor Jerry. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, soldiers, sailors and new recruits alike lined tattoo parlors to receive their permanent symbols of pride, patriotism — and pinups. The emergence of tattoos While Capt. Cook's Pacific voyages exposed Royal Navy sailors to Polynesian body art, such traditions were practiced in early societies in Europe and Asia, and by indigenous cultures worldwide for thousands of years, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command. Cook's exploration of the Pacific, however, did popularize the tradition among his fellow seamen in both Europe and the Americas. So much so that by the 18th century, a third of British and a fifth of American sailors sported at least one tattoo. During the American Civil War, men in both the Union and Confederate navies often were tatted with military insignia motifs and names of their sweethearts back home. After the March 1862 Battle of the Ironclad — the historic clash between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia — requests for tattoos to commemorate the historic engagement were seen on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. By the 1898 Spanish-American War, 'Remember the Maine' was a popular choice to be emblazoned on the chests of sailors who were going off to war. 'By this time,' writes Naval Heritage and History Command, 'these tattoos had already acquired features recognized today as essential elements of military and patriotic tattoos: the curved scroll with a slogan, name, or date; the stars and stripes; or a giant eagle backdrop — many of them proliferated thanks to the newly invented electric tattoo machine.' During World War I servicemen were getting their military ID numbers, and later social security numbers, tattooed on their bodies as a means of identification in case they were injured or killed in service. This practice was outright banned during WWII on the grounds that it might give 'aid and comfort to the enemy.' Despite this, body art remained firmly on the fringes of society well into the 20th century. Tattoos in World War II After the American declaration of war on Dec. 8, 1941, Honolulu and the port of San Diego became major hubs for men, and occasionally some women, to get inked. During the war, Honolulu alone boasted eight parlors and 33 operators gaining 'the dubious title of the world's tattoo center,' according to a June 16, 1944, Highland Recorder article. In particular, 25-year-old Hawaiian native Eugene Miller of 'Miller's Tattooing Emporium' saw his business boom, tattooing over 300 people a day with prices ranging from 25 cents for small pieces to $30 for larger, more intricate art. A large sign above his modest parlor declared him the 'world's greatest and youngest tattoo artist.' Bert Grimm, known as the 'godfather of modern tattoos,' spent over two decades perfecting his craft in St. Louis, Missouri. During the war, the famed tattoo artist — who is rumored to have worked on the infamous Bonnie and Clyde — painstakingly etched symbols of love and belief of God and country onto countless sailors and soldiers waiting to go to battle. But, Grimm noted, the two often sought differing inked motifs. In 1942, Grimm told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: 'The main difference between the soldiers and sailors is that when a sailor comes in to get tattooed, it's always something with an anchor or a battleship, and the soldiers go more for flags and eagles. I've been watching their tastes and drawing new designs to suit them. Oh yes, sweetheart and love designs are going good now, too. [...] And here's a Red Cross Nurse; they lost out in popularity but they are back now. 'The war,' the article continued, 'has also been responsible for shortages of tattoo equipment. All the tattoo needles are made in England... Also, although tattoo artists usually don't mention it to servicemen patrons, most of the darkest and richest tattoo dyes came from Germany.' For servicemen willing and perhaps expecting to lose their lives, tattoos were worn as a badge of honor — giving a sense of comradery and, as Danielle Boiardi, the curator of the Lyle Tuttle Tattoo Art Collection, notes in an interview with the Smithsonian, 'a permanent mark that they could take with them.' Since then, the acceptance and proliferation of tattoos has spiked both in America and abroad, with U.S. Navy remaining the least restrictive among U.S. branches of service in terms of body art. Naval tattoo meanings, per the Naval History and Heritage Command: Anchor: Originally indicated a mariner who had crossed the Atlantic. In the present day, an anchor in one form or another may be the first nautical tattoo a young sailor acquires (often during his or her first liberty from boot camp) and is essentially an initiation rite into the naval service. Braided rope/line: Usually placed around left wrist; indicates a deck division seaman. Chinese/Asian dragon: Symbolizes luck and strength — originated in the pre–World War II Asiatic Fleet and usually indicated service in China. Much later, dragons came to symbolize WESTPAC service in general (also worn embroidered or as patches inside jumper cuffs and on cruise jackets). Compass rose or nautical star: Worn so that a sailor will always find his/her way back to port. Crossed anchors: Often placed on the web between left thumb and forefinger; indicate a boatswain's mate or boatswain (U.S. Navy rating badge). Crossed ship's cannon or guns: Signify naval vice merchant service; sometimes in combination with a U.S. Navy–specific or patriotic motif. Crosses: In many variations — worn as a sign of faith or talisman. When placed on the soles of the feet, crosses were thought to repel sharks. Dagger piercing a heart: Often combined with the motto 'Death Before Dishonor' — symbolizes the end of a relationship due to unfaithfulness. Full-rigged ship: In commemoration of rounding Cape Horn (antiquated). Golden Dragon: Indicated crossing the international dateline into the 'realm of the golden dragon' (Asia). 'Hold Fast' or 'Shipmate': Tattooed across knuckles of both hands so that the phrases can be read from left to right by someone standing opposite. Originally thought to give a seaman a firm grip on a ship's rigging. Hula girl and/or palm tree: On occasion, hula girls would be rendered in a risqué fashion; both tattoos indicated service in Hawaii. Pig and rooster: This combination — pig on top of the left foot, rooster on top of the right — was thought to prevent drowning. The superstition likely hearkens back to the age of sail, when livestock was carried onboard ships. If a ship was lost, pigs and roosters — in or on their crates — floated free. Shellback turtle: Indicates that a Sailor has crossed the equator. 'Crossing the line' is also indicated by a variety of other themes, such as fancifully rendered geo-coordinates, King Neptune, mermaids, etc. Ships' propellers (screws): A more extreme form of Sailors' body art: One large propeller is tattooed on each buttock ('twin screws') to keep the bearer afloat and propel him or her back to home and loved ones. Sombrero: Often shown worn by a girl. May have indicated service on ships home-ported in San Pedro (Terminal Island, Los Angeles) or San Diego prior to World War II, a liberty taken in Tijuana, or participation in interwar Central and South American cruises. Swallow: Each rendition originally symbolized 5,000 nautical miles underway; swallows were and still are displayed in various poses, often in combination with a U.S. Navy —specific motif or sweetheart's/spouse's name. Solve the daily Crossword
Telegraph
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
As a Navy man, I welcome the first ever Marine to head the Service. But I don't envy him
So now we have a new First Sea Lord – the head of the Royal Navy, also known as the Chief of the Naval Staff. General Sir Gwyn Jenkins will be the 43rd person to assume this position since the title changed from First Naval Lord in 1904. He is also the first Royal Marine to get the job, and therefore the first one who has not commanded a warship. For those stuck in 1904 this will be a problem. Most, me included, see a highly capable officer with a breadth of combat experience that would leave most warship captains, me included, in the dust. Historically, in any case, it's only fair to let a Marine command the RN. Back in Napoleonic times the Royal Marines were broken up into small parties carried as part of a warship's crew and under the command of the ship's captain. To add insult to injury, on paper the parties were assembled into larger formations requiring colonels and generals to command them. Though these colonels and generals were not normally required to do any duty their salaries were still paid, usually as a lucrative perk given to serving naval officers on top of their regular pay. Uniform and history aside, Jenkins has got one hell of a job to do. The unfortunate departure of his predecessor will be a mere pinprick given the mountain he now has to climb. He is taking over a 30,000-person company that has been under-resourced for the last three decades and which attracts disproportionate attention when things go wrong. Threats to the UK and our interests are climbing fast; evidence that resources will increase to match this is not. This creates a political minefield that will take all his special forces training to navigate – and that's before we even get to the risk to our ships and people due to lack of funds. Given that he has been the victim of one leak campaign already, and is the subject of an ongoing investigation, he at least will not need to be reminded that he takes over during an unusually vicious period of inter-service rivalry. With the powers of the next Chief of Defence Staff set to increase under the new strategic headquarters construct, he will be keen to set about managing that relationship so he can lead the navy 'up and out'. The Royal Navy's reputation as a fighting force at sea remains good, as it should. No matter how thin it has become, it finds a way to punch above its weight. However, looking at what would happen to the Senior Service in the early days of a serious fight will worry Jenkins profoundly, especially as the Carrier Strike Group gets ever closer to the missile-haunted Red Sea. On a more positive note there are some exciting build programs in train for him to oversee, including two new classes of frigates and new nuclear submarines. Uncrewed systems are being developed at a decent rate but the system that allows smaller companies to compete here needs a complete overhaul. Without enough money, he should recognise this as a cheap(er) way to increase lethality and mass. The role of the Royal Marine Commandos will also need careful handling given the near total disappearance of the ships required to put them ashore in decent numbers. Nothing is safe from the Treasury knife these days but Jenkins will be perfectly placed to ensure this core element of Naval fighting power not just survives but continues to excel. The General may find himself alone fighting the Navy's corner in the not too distant future, as the other Service chiefs change over and dark blue uniforms disappear. It's to be hoped he's ready for that. It's a wonderful privilege to lead what was once the world's pre-eminent fighting force but the baggage that comes with the job is heavy. In General Gwyn we have a first class leader to steer our ship through this, irrespective of his uniform. He has the best job title in the world but perhaps also the hardest task. I wish him fair winds and following seas: but I fear he may not get them.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Woman charged for cruelty and exploitation of an elderly man
JENNINGS, La. (KLFY) — A woman was arrested in connection with cruelty and exploitation of an elderly man after stealing over $40,000 from his bank account for five months, authorities said. Betty Fulton, 58, was arrested and booked into the Jeff Davis Parish Jail for the following charges: cruelty to the infirmed, exploitation of the infirmed and theft, authorities said. According to police, they arrested Fulton on March 31 after responding to a domestic disturbance in the 1300 block of North Main Street. Upon arrival, officers said they discovered Fulton arguing with another man regarding the care of an elderly man who lived inside the residence. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now During the investigation, it was revealed that the elderly man seemed to be malnourished and was living in unclean conditions. The officers then transported him to the nearest hospital for a medical evaluation, authorities said. Later on, authorities said they discovered Fulton checked out the elderly man out of a local nursing home against doctors' orders five months prior, and had been withdrawing multiple transactions totaling over $40,000 from the man's bank accounts since. Louisiana Supreme Court suspends prominent Baton Rouge attorney Ronald Haley 'Emotional support' tigers seized from Nevada home USDA: Most states failing SNAP deadlines—but not Louisiana Medal of Honor recipient briefly removed from Naval History website Divided Supreme Court sides with Trump to block teacher grants Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Proposed ‘Segus Jolivette Act' heading to the legislature
BATON ROUGE, La. () — Last summer, Lafayette Sr. Cpl. Segus Jolivette that began with an attempt to serve an arrest warrant to . Since the loss of Jolivette, law enforcement and lawmakers have been hard at work creating the 'Segus Jolivette Act.' The bill would require harsher sentences for repeat violent offenders, with a third conviction resulting in a mandatory sentence that is at least 50% of the maximum penalty for a first-time offense, and a fourth conviction leading to at least 75%. It would also allow a jury to hear about prior convictions in court. The law was , who said Hurst would have been in jail if this law was in effect, and so the standoff in Jeanerette would have never taken place. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'I think that we should name this law, this sentencing law, after Segus Jolivette,' Judice said. 'He gave his life selflessly. Think about what he was doing. He was negotiating with a four-time convicted felon to surrender on 13 felony forms. And to let those people in that trailer go. How much selfless can you get?' Judice's idea caught the attention of (R-Breaux Bridge). 'I actually gave him a call and said that's some legislation that I'd love to run,' Boyer said. 'And we basically had a couple of conversations, and I got with our Criminal Justice Committee staff. And we started putting it together.' Alexis Jolivette shares her passion for the act named after her late husband. 'The Segus Jolivette Act is to never have another family feel this type of pain that my family is enduring,' she said. 'Unfortunately, a part of this still really hurts because at the end of the day I'll forever have this feeling that it shouldn't have happened. And this is definitely a part of just turning our pain into purpose.' Sr. Cpl. Segus Jolivette Honored by Louisiana State Police As for the current state of the bill, it is ready to be presented some time in the upcoming legislative session, which starts this month. Boyer said he will present the bill to the Criminal Justice Committee as it begins its journey to the governor's desk. 'As a former state trooper, it just it always hits home when anybody loses their life in the line of duty,' Boyer said. 'And anything that we can do to prevent this from happening again is extremely important and critical for us. So, you know, I'm looking forward to trying to get this legislation all the way through.' Read the text of the bill below: Document_1394235Download Louisiana Supreme Court suspends prominent Baton Rouge attorney Ronald Haley 'Emotional support' tigers seized from Nevada home USDA: Most states failing SNAP deadlines—but not Louisiana Medal of Honor recipient briefly removed from Naval History website Divided Supreme Court sides with Trump to block teacher grants Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
