How to make history.

Webster defines history as "a narrative of past events," but in Naval Aviation, history provides much more than a listing of happenings. Historical records reflect the overall scope of Naval Aviation's contributions, which can be lessened due to lack of documentation. The command history report is the only report submitted by Naval Aviation commands that covers the entire operating activities of the command for a calendar year and is also identified for permanent retention mandated by the Secretary of the Navy's Navy and Marine Corps Records Disposition Manual (SECNAVINST 5212.5D).

The Aviation History and Archives Branch of the Naval Historical Center (NHC) is the history office for the Chief of Naval Operations' Director, Air Warfare Division (N78). It maintains the command history reports for all Naval Aviation commands and is the final approving authority for the "Navy Aviation Squadron Lineage and Naval Aviation Command Insignia" instruction (OPNAVIINST 5030.4E).

Co-located with Naval Aviation News magazine in Washington, D.C., the branch also writes and publishes articles, monographs and books on Naval Aviation history. Some of its recent books include United States Naval Aviation 1910-1995; Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons, Volume 1: The History of VA, VAH, VAK, VAL, VAP and VFA Squadrons; and Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons, Volume 2: The History of VP, VPB, VP (HL) and VP(AM) Squadrons. The office is currently working on monographs covering squadron histories, by community, for all active fleet and reserve squadrons.

Command history reports are primary reference sources for the writing of these books, as well as providing inputs to Naval Aviation study groups responsible for future Naval Aviation programs and policy decisions.

Remember: if your command fails to provide a history report, the record of activities for your organization will be lost to future generations.

Commands not listed here should provide a history report for calendar year 2000 to the Naval Historical Center, ATTN: Naval Aviation History and Archives, 1242 10th Street SE, Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5059. The command history instruction can be found on the CNO Navy Directives website at http://neds.nebt.daps.mil/Directives/5750_12g.pdf. For more information on Naval Aviation, see the Naval Aviation History section on NHC's website at http:llwww.history.navy.mil/branches/nhcorg4.htm. Please call 202-433-2321 or DSN 288-2321 if you have any questions regarding command histories.