Charles E. Hawkins Squadron, Texas Navy Association

09/26/2026

From our friends at the Laffite Society in Galveston:
_______

The public is invited to join the Laffite Society on Tuesday, October 13, at Moody Methodist Church. Our speaker is Texas A&M nautical archaeologist Annaliese Dempsey, discussing the recent findings of the archaeology dig at Maison Rouge (Jean Laffite’s former camp on Harborside). The dig is now an ongoing project at the A&M Nautical Archaeology program.

The meeting will be held at the Moody Church Fellowship Hall on 53rd and Ave U (park and enter from the South Parking Lot on Ave U). The public is invited to join us beginning at 5:30 (meeting at 6 p.m.), so bring a non-alcoholic beverage that you enjoy and some complementing food (pot luck).

The Laffite Society meets to study the life and times of Galveston's favorite pirate, Jean Laffite, as well as the early history of Texas and Louisiana. Annual memberships are optional, but can be purchased at the door for $20. Please join us.

09/17/2026

Two more days and counting. . . .

09/04/2026

08/09/2026

Texian Navy Day 2026
September 18-19, 2026
Galveston, Texas

FULL SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH
5:30 pm
TEXIAN NAVY DAY 2026 COMMENCES
Texas Navy Day honors the Texas Navy 1836-1845
Proclamation and Wreath Laying
McGuire Dent Recreation Center Monument
Located at 27th and Seawall Blvd.

SATURDAV, SEPTEMBEAISTH
10:30 am
Galveston's Historical Pier 21
TEXAS NAVY ASSOCIATION HOSTS COMMISIONING
CEREMONY
Commemoration remembering the Texas Navy 1835 to Present
Texas Navy Association hosts Wreath Laying Ceremony and
Commissioning

11:00 am
DECORATED BOAT PARADE
Witness History as a spectator or actively intertwine with
Galveston maritime history as a participant.
Spectator viewing will be located along Pier 21 as the TNA
provides commentary broadcast of the pass and review.
The parade will feature decorated Military, Government
Agency, Commercial, and Research vessels as well as
recreational.

To register your Ship or Boat go to
BOAT PARADE REGISTRATION at texasnavy.org

Noon - 5:00 pm
TEXAS HISTORY EXHIBIT AND STATIC DISPLAYS
This Extraordinary Expo showcasing a variety of historic
organizations, boat displays, and interactive exhibits and
displays highlighting exciting Education, Technology, Training
and Career paths.

Music I Food I Fun I Cold Beverages
Bands throughout starting at 1pm
The Line Up
Kevin Anthony + G-Town

"The Texas Navy Associat ion is a 501(c)3 non-profit organizat ion. Your donation "and/or' registration supports our mission to Preserve, Protect and Promote Texas Navy history."

07/13/2026

Hawkins Squadron Meeting

6 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026
McCullough Room
Rosenberg Library, Galveston

The Hawkins Squadron of the Texas Navy Association will have its next regular meeting on Thursday evening, July 16 in the McCullough Room at Rosenberg Library in Galveston. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m., and is free and the public is invited to attend.

Thursday’s program will include the Hawkins Squadron’s winner in the 2026 Texas Navy Essay Contest, Vala S. of Llano, who will present via Zoom her essay, “The Battle of Campeche.” The meeting will also feature an update on Texian Navy Day (September 19) by Adm. Tammy Lobaugh, Chairperson for Special Events for the Texas Navy Association. Finally, there will be a preview of upcoming squadron elections of officers to be held later in the fall.

While in the library, visitors are urged to visit Trustees Hall on the fourth floor, that currently features the exhibition, “Setting Sail: Highlights from the Rosenberg Library's Maritime Collection.” The exhibition includes rare items from the historic Texas Navy, including a sword, navigational instruments, and a formal portrait of Norman Hurd, who served as a purser (business manager) in the Navy from 1836 until Annexation.

The Charles E Hawkins Squadron is the local Galveston chapter of the Texas Navy Association, a nonprofit educational organization that works to preserve and promote the history and legacy of the Navy and Marine Corps of the Republic of Texas, 1835-46. The Hawkins Squadron meets on the third Thursday in odd-numbered months, and meetings are always open to the public.

05/18/2026

The Charles E. Hawkins Squadron in Galveston is pleased to announce the winner of its 2026 Texas Navy Essay Contest, Vala S. of Llano Junior High School in Llano, Texas. Vala is a student in Ms. Nichole Ritchie’s seventh grade Texas History class.

The Hawkins Squadron was contacted a few weeks ago with a request to consider entries from LJHS, as Ms. Ritchie anticipated numerous submissions to the contest. After some deliberation, and considering that Hawkins did not receive any local entries in the first two years of the contest in 2024 and 2025, I decided to accept the LJHS essays instead. (I believe three other Texas Navy Squadrons did, as well.)

We received three essays from LJHS on the assigned topic of the Battle of Campeche. Vala scored the highest overall, and was ranked highest by four of the five Hawkins Squadron judges. (The fifth scored her essay a close second.)

Our Hawkins Squadron volunteer judges were Becki Hall, Michael Wonio, Diane Wonio, Lou MacBeth, and myself. Thanks, y’all!

In addition to the cash prize, Vala received a one-of-a-kind print on canvas of an original painting by Grzegorz Nawrocki of the Battle of Campeche, now in a private collection. The Hawkins Squadron received kind permission to reproduce this image as a print for this purpose from the historian who commissioned it, naval historian Kazimierz Zygadlo (thanks, Kaz!). The two runners-up received reproduction Texas Navy Ensigns, and all received formal certificates recognizing their work.

Vala’s essay now goes forward to the TNA Education Committee’s statewide competition, along with the first place essays of the other squadrons. The statewide winner will be announced on July 1, 2026.

Congratulations, Vala, and thanks to Ms. Ritchie for encouraging her students!

Andy Hall

05/07/2026

FLEET WEEK SUNRISE SALUTE SHIRTS

Available for Re-Order:

This attractive collector’s item sold out during the Sunrise Salute at Seawolf Park. If you were unable to purchase one, please take advantage of this one-time preorder opportunity. Orders must be submitted by noon Saturday, May 9.

Particulars: White shirt, brand Gildan, front left chest is the TNA logo badge, back of shirt is the Sunrise Salute Parade of Ships logo.

Cost: $30 each including tax. Please add $9.95 for shipping for each overall order.

https://texasnavy.com/event-6679623?CalendarViewType=0&SelectedDate=5%2F6%2F2026

04/20/2026

A big BRAVO ZULU goes out to Texas Navy Adm. Linda Elting, Squadron Commander of the Sam Houston Squadron, for the wonderful Fleet Week Houston Dinner she and her colleagues at Lakewood Yacht Club organized on Sunday evening. As Fleet Week Houston moves into its final days, it's clear the event has been a tremendous success for Houston, Galveston, and their surrounding communities.

Here, Texas Navy Association President Kat Howell (center) presents resolutions honoring Fleet Week Houston to flag- and Commanding officers (l. to r.): Commander Arthur Bond, USN, USS MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL (LCS-21); Brigadier General David C. Hyman, USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Western Recruiting Region; Commander Lee Shewmake, USN, USS ST. LOUIS (LCS-19); and Rear Admiral Kimberly Walz, USN, Reserve Director Maritime Operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Photo by Texas Navy Adm. Neil Chatelain.

04/11/2026

NOTICE TO MARINERS SUNRISE SALUTE SHIP PARADE